All About Project Management Software

Implementing PM software can lead to multiple benefits that contributes to the success and efficiency of your projects. These benefits include:

• Improved Planning: PM software that enables you to create timelines, plan budgets, and assign tasks to team members can help scale project planning efforts.

• Clear Accountability: Having one location for project details means there is no question of who is responsible for what, guaranteeing that no detail is missed.

• Streamlined Collaboration: With all the stakeholders involved, a PM software can help to keep details in context and create one source for the truth.  

• Increased Visibility: Finding a project management software that provides access to your plan from anywhere, on any device, gives you real-time visibility and helps to identify risk, fast.

• Better Decisions, Faster: Some PM software includes dashboarding functionality, enabling you to roll up key performance indicators (KPIs) and improve your ability to make better decisions.

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• Experts Weigh in on Creative Project Management Software Features

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Choosing the right PM software requires an analysis of the project including:

• Type of project

• Project management method used

• Complexity of the project

• Size of the team completing the project

• Budget, timelines, and resources needed

After considering these components, you can determine the best PM software to implement to get the most success and efficiency. Refer to the key features, included in the next section, to assess which are the most vital factors that would lead your team to a successful project completion.

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Finding the right project management software to fit your team’s needs means considering the features necessary to effectively manage your projects. Some key features to look for  include:

• Cloud Based: With a cloud-based solution, you aren’t restricted by where and when you can access project plans. Additionally, cloud-based systems require less effort to keep the software up to date.

• Easy to Use: An intuitive, easy-to-use software enables you and your team to get started quickly, and helps ensure team members will continue to use it.

• Collaborative: Find a solution that allows you to share project plans and details with internal and external stakeholders. Then, assign tasks, comment on plans, and set up automatic alerts to keep everyone on the same page.

• Flexible Views: Depending on the type of project, you may need to create Gantt charts, Kanban cards, and more. Find a tool that lets you manage projects the way that works best both for you and for the project.

• File Storage: Keeping project documentation organized and in context helps reduce time spent searching for key details. Ensure you can store key files right within your PM software.

• Automated Workflows: Reduce time spent on tedious, repetitive tasks by finding a PM software that allows you to automate work processes like update requests, reminders, and approvals, without the need for formulas or help from IT.

• Dashboards: The ability to create a high-level view of performance and status across projects, that is also easily accessible to all stakeholders, ensures everyone has access to critical information to make decisions quickly.

• Mobile: With remote work becoming more of a constant, having the ability to stay up-to-date on your phone or tablet is essential. A comprehensive mobile app that provides the same functionality while on the go means you can stay connected wherever the project takes you.

• Reporting: The ability to easily create project status reports will significantly reduce time spent pulling together details for stakeholders. Find a tool that has reporting functionality that updates in real-time based on changes to underlying project plans.

• Resource Management: Closely managing your resources is critical to the success of your project. Ensure your PM solution allows you to specify project roles, assign role-level permissions, and adjust resource levels in real time.

Additional Resources:

• Project Management Software That Enables You to Manage the Project, Not the Process