Create Master Schedule - WBS Tree

The powerful and versatile Linarc Scheduler allows General Contractors to visually design the master schedule of a project quickly using a graphical Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). This intuitive tree-based interface enables users to break down the project into successive hierarchical levels, such as phases, stages, deliverables, and work packages, at a high level, creating a clear and organized structure that mirrors real-world project execution. 

• Building the WBS is simple and visual - Just add child items under each parent node with just a few clicks, continuing this process until the lowest level of the structure is defined.  
• You can also clone WBS branches to reuse similar work patterns across different project areas or stages.

Once the WBS tree is created, it is automatically imported into the grid view, where detailed schedule management takes place. Each line item in the grid is numbered using an outline numbering system, incorporating the WBS identifiers of its parent items all the way up to the root. This hierarchical structure makes it easy to understand the full path and context of each item within the overall project framework. 

From there, you can:

• Add leaf-level or last-tier tasks and activities to the last level items in the WBS
• Define their durations, timelines, and dependencies
• Assign tasks and activities to subcontractors directly from the same screen
• Track progress and manage updates in real time

This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to create a WBS tree structure from scratch using the graphical scheduler in Linarc.

To create the schedule as WBS tree

• Ensure that you are in the Scheduler module of the project. If not,
  • Open the management console for the project
  • Click the app launcher icon in the top-right, then select 'Schedule'
• The scheduler opens on the WBS Setup screen by default. To return to the grid view from any other screen:
  • Click 'Planner' on the top and select 'WBS' on the left.

• Click on the top-level box and enter a three-letter prefix code as the WBS identifier for assignment to the top-level WBS element and the project name. 
• Click on 'Add Items' and choose the number of elements in the next tier, for example, the phases in the project.

• Repeat the process of adding WBS codes and inserting child items under each parent in successive tiers.

As you construct the hierarchy, the WBS Prefix Preview at the bottom of the screen dynamically displays the full WBS code path for the item currently being added, helping you maintain a clear understanding of its position in the structure.

• Use the magnifier tool at the top right corner to zoom in or out of the WBS view for better navigation and visibility.

Additional Actions You Can Perform:

• Insert new nodes at any level of the hierarchy as needed
• Remove items that were added by mistake
• Clone an entire branch of the hierarchy and attach it to a new parent to replicate repeated work structures
• View the WBS tree and the grid side-by-side for better context and alignment

Once your WBS setup is complete, click 'Back to Schedule' to return to the grid view, where you can continue managing the schedule—defining durations, dependencies, assignments, and more. See Manage WBS Schedule to learn more.

To insert a new node at an existing level

• Right on the node next to which the new node is to be added
• Select 'Add' from the options

The new node gets added:

• Enter the WBS code and the label

To remove a node

• Right-click on the node to be deleted
• Select Delete from the options

The node, along with all items in that branch, gets removed

To clone a WBS branch

• Right-click on the top-level node of the branch and select 'Copy'

• Scroll and right-click on the parent node under which you want to add the branch and select 'Paste'

The branch gets added with the same WBS codes and labels under the new parent:

• Edit the codes and the labels as needed.

To view the WBS tree and the grid views 

• Click the drop-down at the top-right

• Select  to switch to Grid and WBS to view the tree and the grid side-by-side 

Once your WBS setup is complete, click 'Back to Schedule' to return to the grid view, where you can continue managing the schedule—defining durations, dependencies, assignments, and more. See Manage WBS Schedule to learn more.