5 Tips For Finding The Project Management Software That Will Do Everything That You Require

Complex projects require smart and efficient oversight. Project management software is designed to enhance efficiency and productivity by allowing you to more easily oversee each task related to a project’s completion. It’s an essential time management tool that helps balance workloads and nurtures a project’s success. In fact, organizations that invest in project management waste 13 times less money because their strategic initiatives are completed more successfully. But not all project management software is alike. Here are 5 tips to help you find project management software that will meet your business’s specific needs.

1. Real-Time Collaboration

One of the greatest benefits of project management software is the ability to leave behind email and spreadsheets as the way your team works together. Research the collaboration features of any software you’re considering. Will it give your employees the tools and flexibility they need? Look for software that fits the way your team already works and communicates. For example, are workflows most important? Instead of using the Post-It Note approach, a good web-based alternative might be Trello or MeisterTask.

2. Features That Meet Your Needs

Make sure you know what your needs are before you start researching. It will help you avoid being tempted by bells and whistles you’ll never use. Along with task management, to-do lists and project scheduling, common features include:

• Shared calendar
• File storage and sharing
• Reporting and performance tracking
• Budget and expense management
• Customer relationship management

3. Task Management

If projects are to reach their successful completion on time and within budget, your software’s task management capabilities are vital considerations. You want software that keeps projects moving forward, helping each team member understand his or her individual responsibilities. Look for programs that let you:

• Define individual tasks, including instruction, specifications, and deadlines
• Assign individual tasks to appropriate team members
• Be notified when tasks are completed

4. Ease of Use

User-friendliness is a crucial aspect of project management software. The system you choose should take into consideration the skill level and proficiency of the average person who uses it daily. Does your team have the time, patience or ability to master a complicated interface? If you can’t afford a long wait, it isn’t worth investing in a complicated program. Stay focused on how your team gets its work done now and play to those strengths.

5. Customization

If your business deals in specialized products or services, customization will likely be needed. Some web-based platforms offer aspects of customization, but your needs may require you to reconfigure the software with additional screens, data objects, or workflows. Two programs to consider are Podio and Smartsheet, but keep in mind that customized systems often take longer to design and implement. Finally, be sure to consult with your team members for their feedback — after all, they are the ones most familiar with how projects get done. Whether you’re looking for software that helps you organize assets, supports complicated scheduling or budget tracking, or facilitates better communication between team members, there’s a product designed just for you.