Project management software helps in optimizing processes and developing resource assessments. For many organizations, it has become an essential tool to ensure the effectiveness of work.
Introduction (1)
Project management software helps in planning, organizing, and managing resource tools. It can govern planning and estimation, budget management, cost control, scheduling, resource allocation, communication, quality and time management, collaboration software, and administration systems.
Types of project management software
- Desktop
In a desktop computer, project management software is executed as a program. Several project management tools are executed as desktop software. This software is exclusively used by a single user such as a project manager, risk manager, or scheduler.
- Web-based
In this type, PMS is executed as a web application. Webbrowser acts as a platform to access web-application. One can also access this application by using a tablet or a smartphone. Software as a service (SaaS) is one of the models for many web-based applications such as project management information systems (PMIS), project management, and project portfolio management (PPM).
- Mobile
Several project management software serves businesses through mobile devices. In recent years, the use of mobiles is more than computers. Therefore, SaaS applications are moved to smartphones. This migration has benefited the users in a way they can check for updates anywhere they want.
- Personal
This type of project management software is used personally to manage domestic tasks. This software somewhere resembles personal use system but has easier interfaces.
- Single user
This system allows access to only a single user. Small businesses with a fewer number of employees can find this system best fit for them. Desktop applications also fall into this type.
- Collaborative
In this system, multiple users can edit various segments of a plan at the same time. Web-based tools such as extranets also come in this type. But these tools can only be assessed through an internet connection. Some tools permit workers to review their schedules offline.
- Visual
In project management software, a user finds it difficult to view and understand a bulk of fluctuating data. To resolve this issue, some PMSimplement information visualization. This allows a user to easily search, analyze, and edit data.
Advantages
Several project management tools support in leading the project forward. These benefits are:
- Real-time collaboration
Communication tools offered by PMS help co-workers to communicate and make discussions in real-time. This makes every employee updated regarding the raised issue.
- Document sharing
Document sharing tools in PMS are important for proposals that require significant documentation. Individuals are allowed to edit and update the summary. Through these tools, employees can generate a system that supports communication and transparency.
- Control project cost
Among several benefits, controlling costs is the crucial one. PMS offers tools that help in controlling project costs.
- Risk management
Some other main advantages of PMS include project risks recognition, budget tracking, and forecast make. These three elements contribute to steering the project forward.
- Reporting facilities
PMS maintains the schedule of tasks by offering reporting features to employees. Workers use flexible report layouts to address the existing status of the project.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Some programs are proved costly later on with just a minimum of ROI (return on investment). Several programs of PMS need to be customized by using some other software programs. These programs are expensive and hard to implement.
- Can cause complications
Not every project needs PMS. Projects that are simple and easy do not need any PMS tool. PMS can complicate simple projects.
- Time-consuming
PMS feature time alerts. These alerts inform the employee to accomplish the due work. But setting up these alerts is time-consuming. This time can be consumed in performing the task.
Best providers of project management software (2)
- Scoro
It is a one-in-all project management software. One can find all features in this software such as contact management, projects and tasks, team collaboration, quotes, reporting, and billing. It streamlines the progress of the entire work and that is how it eliminates the need for extra tools. It stores all the data in a single central location.
Key features:
- Projects with deadlines and sub-tasks
- KPI dashboards in real-time
- Shared meeting schedules and team calendar
- Contact management
- Detailed summary in finances and progress of the project
- Invoicing and quoting
- Price: $26/month
- ProofHub
It replaces traditional methods of emailing and several other tools and provides all essential tools under a single roof. It has a well-designed and simple interface, which allows efficient working.
Key features:
- Assigned worker roles
- Online team chat and discussions
- Assignments
- Delegating tasks
- Reporting project status
- Tracking the history of the project
- Secure storage of files
- Price: $45/month
- Basecamp
It is liked by thousands of enterprises for its carefree collaboration tools and modern interface. In comparison to other PMS, Basecamp does not cost per person and is free for students and teachers.
Key features:
- Email alerts
- Desktop notifications
- In-app team collaboration
- Reporting project performance
- Separate dashboard for client
- Message boards to discuss new ideas or projects
- Projects to control the working of multiple users
- Price: $99/month, free plans are also available
- Asana
It blends elements of collaboration, file storage, and project management. Team members can collaborate without email. Its simple layout is ideal for small organizations.
Key features:
- Team and tasks assignment
- Projects timelines and roadmaps
- Milestones and project growth
- Identify and record bug reports
- Project dashboards for instant overview
- Price: $13 user per month.
- Citrix Podio
It is a highly customizable and flexible online hub for chores and team collaboration. The workflow feature of Podioallows one to incorporate if-this-then-that logic to apps.
Key features
- Tasks assignment
- Files attachment
- Details discussion
- Share large and encrypted files
- Provides a visual dashboard for a company’s overview
- Price: $19.20 per month per user
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