Computers have come to make life easier, and whereas it’s possible to manage simple tasks using applications on your phone or even programs on your computer, these cannot work when you are involved in a project with several other people. Getting to share and collaborate on a project requires scheduling, planning, and monitoring tools that a simple computer just can’t do. This is where you will require project management software to handle all your complex scheduling and organizing to ensure your project comes out successfully. As a project manager, the buck stops with you when it comes to ensuring the team has enough resources to meet the set deadlines. In this guide, you will understand the basics of project management software and how to choose the best ones.
The Place of Spreadsheets In Project Management
Spreadsheets have been at the center of project management even in the analog era. When it comes to scheduling and organizing, no other tool is as effective as spreadsheets since they offer a platform to visually arrange and tabulate data in a meaningful way. In this digital era, spreadsheets continue to be effective as they allow for greater versatility in how project managers can work around different data sets whilst also creating a narrative around each data. Combining spreadsheets with color boards and a collaborative framework creates a more effective project management tool, that can also work in software form.
What to Look For In Project Management Software
Not all project management software will be the same. Some are designed for small projects requiring less personnel and resources whereas others are designed for larger projects that take a lot longer. Some of the project management software that large companies use for major projects is ERP software that can provide a collaborative platform for over 100 members. However, there are certain basics in all these software in that they prioritize project scheduling, project monitoring, and reporting. They also allow members to track the progress of each task and evaluate whether there are enough resources for all the different tasks.
Some projects may require external input either from suppliers or from consumers. You can opt for free software for project managers that may allow limited access to third parties and once their input is complete the software can lock back access.
Conducting Quality Research
Good research is essential if you intend to arrive at a good software solution. The first step is to understand what your project entails and who will form part of your team. Once you have an idea of what your team needs, then you can search online for a solution that best fits your purpose. A great way to start out is by testing free versions of several project management software you are considering. This trick will give you a firsthand experience of what each software solution offers and then you can decide what feels right only after using it for a month. Your team will benefit immensely from this trial as it gives everyone a chance to decide on which method and solution fit the entire project well.
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- Linda’s right hand, Kenneth has been working with Linda for years, helping in planning, managing, and editing projects.
