Because it’s such a complex task, many different forms of software have risen to support project management, from complete packages like Microsoft’s Project Manager to standalone programs that create smaller pieces of project management tasks like GANTT chart programs. In order to assess project management software properly, the buyer should know exactly what to look for.
Smaller projects with only one or two simultaneous tasks may not need any kind of supporting software at all, but only a written plan and a calendar.
For larger projects with many tasks, multiple timelines, and large budgets and resource lists, the software helps a project manager immensely with keeping the project on task and within budget.
What to look for in project management software programs
You can find project management software for free online or commercially. Most of the best programs are commercial programs designed for generic use; sometimes, though, you can find some good free programs designed for specific industries like construction or software.
The least you should look for in a complete project management software package are the following items:
- Resource, cost management, and budgeting elements
- GANTT and time control elements
- Collaborative files, scheduling, and messaging
- Processes for tracking issues, time, and other things
If you have a small project to manage, or if you have systems in place to cover most of your project’s necessities, you should scan the above list to determine what elements are missing from your current project.
Things to remember
- Compare before you buy. Most projects live and die on the ability of their staffs – but bad software cripples your ability to manage and assess your staff’s work.
- Always leave yourself plenty of time to learn your project management software thoroughly. Only by understanding the program can you fully utilize its potential for organizing your project properly.
- Don’t forget to include lots of time in your timelines for testing and errors. Don’t rely on your software to do all your work for you; instead, maintain constant hands-on communication with your team. All your software can really tell you is what’s being reported to it. It’s up to you to actually assess how things are going.
- Remember that all documentation is only a static picture of how your project looked at one point in time. Just because your project appeared to be doing well last week does not mean that this week you can skip checking on things personally.
