A Project Manager’s view: Comparing the two Gantt Chart options in Enterprise Architect
Comparing the features of EA’s native Gantt with the Project Builder Gantt chart, part of eaTeamWorks Portfolio Manager
Gantt Charts in EA - a comparison
| Topic | EA’s built-in Gantt | Portfolio Manager / Project Builder |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Shows work and resource allocations on EA elements; good for tracking who is doing what and when. (sparxsystems.com) | Adds a project plan view inside EA, designed for multi-project work with impact checks and model links. (eaTeamWorks) |
| What it’s based on | Resource tasks assigned to elements; often edited with the Assign Resources dialog. (sparxsystems.com) | Tasks you create in the plan; tasks can be linked to model elements via Dependency connectors and shown in Related Elements. (eaTeamWorks) |
| Dependencies | Docs focus on allocations and WBS; precedence links (FS/SS) are not a core theme. (sparxsystems.com) | Finish–Start links are first-class: moving a predecessor updates successors; connectors can be created directly in the chart. (eaTeamWorks) |
| Editing the chart | Visual duration bars + filters; fine details via Resource Allocation window. (sparxsystems.com) | Drag to move/resize tasks, draw links, delete links in the chart; table + chart stay in sync. (eaTeamWorks) |
| Integration with model | Shows work on elements and percent-complete/resource columns. (sparxsystems.com) | Deep model integration: icons/links to requirements, risks, issues, tests; jump between plan and model. (eaTeamWorks) |
| Multi-project management | Not positioned for simultaneous projects in one repository. (General project mgmt domain docs only.) (sparxsystems.com) | Built for many projects in one model with real-time impact assessments and warnings. (eaTeamWorks) |
EA’s native Gantt is strongest for resource-centric tracking on model elements. The Portfolio Manager add-in delivers a planning-centric, multi-project Gantt that adds dependencies, richer model links, and impact awareness—while staying inside EA.
More Insights
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A new approach to delivering a single version of the truth across many projects all working in the same Sparx EA model repository.
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Learn More
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Take a free, no obligation, 30-day trial of Portfolio Manager. Portfolio Manager is part of eaTeamWorks, so you can also trial eaDocX, Revision Manager, eaSheets and Model Expert. Plus free for life modeling features. Discover for yourself the difference that Portfolio Manager real-time impact analysis will make to your EA modelling.
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