An ideal software project is all about perfect coordination. Project management software is here to ease the hassle. From combining project documentation to collaborating teams on a common platform, project management software is just getting better and better.
But what about the start-ups, the SMEs, and non-technical organizations? Do they need project management software too?
Project management software is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury, even in small businesses. Here we take a deep look at what are the reasons for making project management software so important in 2021 and beyond.
Project Management: An Overview
Project management is the planning, monitoring, and complete management of all kinds of projects. It is a very popular umbrella term that includes a lot of different things like project planning, scheduling, and resources management.
All professional and important projects will have some or the other kind of management team working behind them to make it a success.
Most top teams and various kinds of business organizations assign a person all the rights and power to hire team members, and resources, and manage budgets, mostly called a Project Manager. A project manager is also responsible for overseeing different projects and controlling the complete execution of various tasks.
One would not need any kind of certification to be a project manager. A project manager must be experienced enough to handle various kinds of challenges and team members.
The person should have good communication skills, leadership capabilities, and, of course, the required skills. He/she will be playing a crucial role and is responsible for any kind of performance degradation or project failure.
Expense Tracking Online
The overall project management is smartly being shifted to online app-based services. One major reason for success for some of the famous project management software is easy expense tracking. Gone are the days when firms and organizations had to hire professional bookkeepers and managers for expense tracking purposes.
Project management software is packed with expense trackers and in-built business expenses software that easily and automatically track all the expenses of an organization.
The expense tracker can help the project stay on budget and reduce unnecessary expenditures easily. Projects are mostly interconnected with each other and sometimes can lead to unexpected expenditures.
In such scenarios, a centralized software for expense tracking can make sure the team stays on budget and makes the most out of the resources.
Time Tracking
A well-known feature and functionality of some of the top project management software out there is a time tracker or time tracking. For any kind of project development, keeping up with deadlines is a priority. Time tracking software is incorporated with project management ones helping the whole team to stay on a deadline.
Another popular functionality of modern project management software is that your admins can easily keep an eye on the time and period of all of your employees’ working hours. These software can also be used for insightful monitoring remote and work from home team members around the world.
Additionally, some of the most popular ones also include different features like time tracking software with screenshot add-ons.
This benefit of reliable project management software simply makes the whole process of employee time tracking simpler and faster. Managers can have a much more detailed look at every employee’s working hours.
They can have a screenshot of the employee’s time tracker and check if everything is going as per plan or not.
Cloud-Based Management
The future is cloud-based and we all are already living in the future for sure. With the growth of remote jobs and cloud-based applications, project management software is a big help for managers having remote employees and outsourced professionals.
These software are making it easier for the management of remote employees. And with the pandemic, the need for cloud-based project management is just getting higher and higher.
Workflow Combination
These project management systems are incorporating some additional software. Some of these include tools like Gantt & Pie tools, project & task mapping for employees’ software, and other workflow management tools for the different projects.
Constant and quick communication, mutual file sharing, easy-to-understand workflows, task mapping for all, and various other project-related factors on a common platform will benefit both the employer and the employees.
Modern workforces and business organizations are leveraging the power of remote working and the new normal of working from home. Teams are now having members from different time zones as well as different ethnicities and cultures scattered all around the world. Work-from-home employees have different kinds of devices.
This is where modern, web-based project management software is highly beneficial. From management and centralization of team members to adapt to the new normal work culture, these project management software do it all.
Multi-Device Functionality
It’s now evident that technology has come out of the LED screens of desktop computers. People are working on their easy-to-carry laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Your team might also have employees working on an on-road basis, remote jobs, and non-traditional desk jobs.
Project management software needs to have cross-device functionality. It should empower users to access the software from mobile, browser-based websites, and of course, the desktop version. And future-centric project management software has to offer them all.
Analytics and Reporting Tools
A project is a process that has a lot for the team to learn from. If done the right way with the right tool, a well-planned and powerful project management software would allow you to fetch a lot of insightful and crucial data.
You can learn about which one of your employees performed the best, which task took the longest, and what more can you do to improve your future projects.
And of course, you would learn a lot about your plans and how would your strategies have benefited your business organization.
Optimal Resource Utilization
Every business in the world, especially the small ones, has very limited resources to do business with. A well-established and powerful project management software helps you in utilizing the full potential of your available resources.
Resources is an umbrella term that includes all kinds of assets like your employees, budget, physical devices, and so forth. Project management software is packed with tools and features that allow all levels and sizes of business organizations to easily make the best output with limited resources.
Why Use Project Management Software?
A consistent and united workforce is a must for all kinds of organizations across the globe. But the fact is that this is only halfway to a successful business.
The strategic use of resourceful and intuitive project management software is important for planning projects, tasks, and employee schedules in a highly productive and feasible manner.
Post the Coronavirus pandemic, remote working has taken the front seat for all kinds of workforces. It is empowering businesses of all types and kinds to keep up with their projects and deadlines.
From small to enterprise-sized businesses, all kinds of teams are leveraging the power of remote working for keeping their projects and teams managed. It has stood out as the only answer to tons of our productivity roadblocks like document sharing, remote working productivity, data centralization, tracking projects, time tracking, and so forth.
A web-based online project management software is the only and simply the best answer to all kinds of remote working roadblocks. The best part is that modern online project management software is that most of the best ones are integrating the power of AI and automation.
This new technology speeds up the whole process of project management and remote working. The automation in project management software also streamlines different processes like task delegation, all kinds of team collaboration processes, workflow customization, multi-task management, and so forth.
Some of the most appreciated ones allow users to easily import and export multiple projects from different kinds of platforms like desktops, mobile applications, and tablet PCs. Managers can easily set up priorities and balance team efficiency.
And if you have a very strict budget, modern project management software takes care of that too. It eases the cost of project management and remote working for all levels of businesses in the world. You would not have to maintain and invest in costly hardware for keeping your data safe and secure.
You can easily invest in making your core business advanced and profitable in the future rather than keep your projects and deadlines on the line.
Details of Top Project Management Software Listed in this article.
01. Monday.com
Monday.com is a project management software that helps teams optimize their productivity and workflow. It offers a variety of features and tools to help teams manage their projects, including task tracking, team collaboration, file sharing, and more.
It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use so that teams can get the most out of their work hours. Monday.com offers a free trial for new users so that they can try out the software and see if it meets their needs.
Monday.com is a great tool for teams who want to improve their productivity and workflow. It offers a variety of features that can help teams manage their projects more effectively, including task tracking, team collaboration, file sharing, and more.
Top Features of Monday.com
- Task Tracking: Monday.com offers a variety of features to help teams track their tasks and progress. This includes features like task lists, kanban boards, and more.
- Team Collaboration: Monday.com helps teams stay connected and collaborate on projects more effectively. It offers features like team chat, video conferencing, and more.
- File-Sharing: Monday.com makes it easy for teams to share files and resources with each other. It offers features like file storage, file sharing, and more.
- Project Management: Monday.com helps teams manage their projects more effectively with features like project templates, Gantt charts, and more.
- Time Tracking: It helps teams track their time and progress with features like time tracking, timers, and more.
- Customer Relationship Management: Monday.com helps teams manage their customer relationships with features like contact management, sales tracking, and more.
- Human Resources: Monday.com helps teams manage their human resources with features like employee onboarding, time-off tracking, and more.
- Marketing: Monday.com helps teams manage their marketing campaigns with features like lead management, campaign tracking, and more.
- Finance: Monday.com helps teams manage their finances with features like invoicing, expense tracking, and more.
- Reporting: Monday.com helps teams generate reports with features like data visualization, custom reports, and more.
Pros & Cons of Monday.com
Pros:
- Monday.com offers a variety of features to help teams optimize their productivity and workflow.
- It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to use.
- Monday.com offers a free trial for new users.
- It integrates with a variety of third-party applications and services.
- Monday.com is available in a variety of languages.
Cons:
- Some users have reported issues with the software, including bugs and glitches.
- Monday.com is a subscription-based service, so it may not be affordable for all users.
- The free trial only offers limited features and access.
02. ClickUp
ClickUp is a cloud-based project management software that helps users track and manage projects at one place. It offers a variety of features such as task management, team collaboration, file sharing, and more.
ClickUp is designed to help teams work together more efficiently and get work done faster. Using ClickUp can help teams avoid missed deadlines, ensure tasks are completed correctly and improve overall communication.
ClickUp is a valuable tool for any team that wants to work smarter and get more done.
Top Features of ClickUp
- Task management – ClickUp makes it easy to track and manage tasks in one place. This can help teams avoid missed deadlines and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
- Team collaboration – ClickUp makes it easy for team members to collaborate on projects. This can help teams work together more effectively and get their work done faster.
- File sharing – ClickUp makes it easy to share files between team members. This can help teams avoid lost files and ensure that all team members have access to the latest versions of files.
- Prioritization – ClickUp allows users to prioritize their tasks so that they can focus on the most important tasks first. This can help teams avoid missed deadlines and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
- Recurring tasks – ClickUp makes it easy to track and manage recurring tasks. This can help teams avoid missed deadlines and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
- Assigning tasks – ClickUp makes it easy to assign tasks to team members. This can help teams ensure that all tasks are completed on time and that everyone is aware of their responsibilities.
- Task dependencies – ClickUp allows users to create task dependencies so that they can see which tasks need to be completed before others can begin. This can help teams avoid missed deadlines and ensure that all tasks are completed in the correct order.
- Time tracking – ClickUp makes it easy to track the time spent on tasks. This can help teams optimize their workflow and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
- Customizable views – ClickUp allows users to customize their views so that they can see the information that is most important to them. This can help teams optimize their workflow and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
- Integration with other tools – ClickUp integrates with a variety of other tools so that users can access all of their information in one place. This can help teams avoid lost data and ensure that all team members have access to the latest information.
Pros & Cons of ClickUp
Pros:
- ClickUp offers comprehensive project management features.
- ClickUp is easy to use.
- ClickUp integrates with a variety of third-party tools.
- It is customizable, so users can tailor the tool to their specific needs.
- ClickUp offers a free trial so that users can try the tool before they commit to it.
Cons:
- ClickUp’s free trial is only for 14 days.
03. Basecamp
Basecamp is a project management tool that helps teams stay organized and on track. It gives you a single place to manage all your projects, communicate with your team, and get things done.
Basecamp is perfect for managing any kind of project, from small tasks to complex initiatives. And because it’s web-based, it works anywhere you have an internet connection.
Basecamp is easy to use and intuitive, so you’ll be up and running in no time. And because it’s designed for collaboration, Basecamp makes it easy for your team to stay on the same page and get work done together.
Top Features of Basecamp
- Project management– Basecamp gives you a single place to manage all your projects, so you can stay organized and on track.
- Communication– You can easily communicate with your team and get everyone on the same page.
- Task management– Basecamp makes it easy to manage tasks and keep your projects moving forward.
- Calendar– The calendar helps you stay on top of your schedule and plan ahead for upcoming deadlines.
- File sharing– Basecamp makes it easy to share files and keep everyone up to date on the latest versions.
- To-do lists– Basecamp’s to-do lists help you track progress and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.
- Timetracking– The timetracking feature helps you keep tabs on how much time you’re spending on each task.
- Milestones– With Basecamp, you can easily create and track milestones for your projects.
- Check-ins– Basecamp’s check-in feature allows team members to provide updates on their progress and share what they’re working on.
- Notifications– Basecamp’s notification system ensures that you never miss an important update or deadline.
Pros and Cons of Basecamp
PROS:
- Basecamp is easy to use and intuitive, so you’ll be up and running in no time.
- It is perfect for managing any kind of project, from small tasks to complex initiatives.
- Basecamp makes it easy for your team to stay on the same page and get work done together.
- Basecamp is web-based, so it works anywhere you have an internet connection.
- Basecamp offers a free trial, so you can try it before you buy it.
CONS:
- Basecamp is a subscription-based service, so you’ll need to pay a monthly fee to use it.
04. Hive
Hive, the popular productivity platform, is a project management solution designed and developed for business organizations of all sizes and types across the globe. This cloud-powered service allows teams to streamline their projects by sharing files, automating tasks, chatting features, etc.
Some of the top integrated features of Hive include workflow templates, multiple group messaging, task views, and around 100 different app integrations. With features like task deadlines, and attachments, the application streamlines project-based collaboration.
Hive’s popular kanban look and style allows users to track project progress in a quick and easy manner. From deadlines to workloads, the solution allows all levels of organizations to plan tasks easily in a Gantt chart view.
Overall, the collaboration and project management features of Hive are impressive and one of the best in the category.
Why Hive?
Hive, as compared to its alternatives, is faster and offers simplified features. The integrated Gantt chart tool, the kanban board, the calendar, table view, and a lot more streamline the project-based organization for all levels of business teams.
Team members can easily switch between different kinds of views. Every update is reflected quickly between different views. Hive also offers an intuitive chat and messaging tool that offers seamless conversations for groups as well.
Hive is one of the best solutions when it comes to integrations. Users get access to applications like Slack, Zoom, Google Drive, and so forth integrated and it also offers options for a lot of other productivity-enhancing solutions.
The real-time visibility, team collaboration features, and overall flexibility make Hive a great option for all levels of business organizations.
Pros and Cons of Hive
Pros
- Ease of use – Hive is a user-friendly software that is easy to learn and use. Even if you are a newbie with project management software, you should be able to get up and running with Hive quickly and easily.
- Affordable – Hive is a very affordable project management software as compared to other popular options.
- Flexible – Hive is very flexible that can be used for a variety of different types of projects. Whether you need to manage a small project or a large project, Hive can accommodate your needs.
- Cloud-based – Hive is cloud-based software, which means that it can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This is a great feature for those who need to manage projects from multiple locations.
- Mobile app – Hive has a mobile app that allows you to access your project management information on the go. This is a great feature for those who travel frequently or who need to manage their projects while away from their desk.
CONS
- Limited features – Hive is a very basic project management program that does not have all of the bells and whistles that some of the other software on the market have.
Conclusion
Project management software is all about increasing overall productivity and easier team management. If your project management software is doing the opposite, you need to part ways with the one you are using.
And in the upcoming years, with the rise of such remote-based jobs and work-from-home culture, project management systems are here to stay.
Being one of the most important areas of business management and employee organization, project management is something you just can’t ignore. Also, the web-based project management software world is packed with a lot of amazing tools.
With future-proof features and tools to offer, such as Cloud Storage, Online Chat, Mobile & Web Application, Time Tracker, Gantt Chart, Resource Scheduler, Timesheets, Clone Projects, Activity Tracker, Screenshots, Overviews and so forth, a reputed and profitable project management software is all you need right now. Do let us know which one you would choose for the upcoming year.
