Picking a project management system can be an overwhelming and stressful chore. You want to choose a software that’s easy to use, allows all the functions you need, and falls within your budget—a nearly impossible feat. However, there’s also the added pressure that every member of your team might need to use this software at one point or another, and if they don’t like it, you’ll never hear the end of it. So, when you’re on a mission to find the perfect project management system for your company, keep the following three tips in mind.
The Templates Match Your Business Needs
Quality, simple templates will make the use of your project management system much more efficient and effective. However, just because your prospective software says it has template options doesn’t mean that those options will complement your work activities. In addition, Jennifer Lonoff Schiff, a contributor for Cio.com, reminds us that even a great project management system will do no good if your team can’t accomplish the goals they need. The right templates will alleviate this problem immensely. Consider really looking into the interface of the project management system before you purchase. This way, you can ensure that the templates you create will be of use to your team and won’t create even more headaches.
Adequate Budget Management Features
According to Software Advice, 46% of small business were still using a form of manual project management as of 2014. This could include using email, writing everything down by hand, or creating their own spreadsheets. However, these methods leave room for human error. Without using a system to help double-check your numbers, you risk large discrepancies, especially within the budget. By using an effective budgeting feature within a project management system, you can plan the budget for your project, track your progress along the way, and make changes if you find you’ll be over budget before the project is over. Catching these financial red flags is much harder without some software by your side.
Visible Timeline Progress Options
It’s of the utmost importance for team members to know when a project needs to be completed. A good project management system will leave no room for doubt with regards to when each member needs to have their portion of a project completed, and what the current status is with regards to the entire timeline.
In order for your project to be successfully completed on time, Sarita Harbour explains that project timelines should coordinate not only with the individual tasks within the project, but must also coordinate with your ongoing business activities. If the project management system you’re contemplating implementing can marry both types of projects in one software, you’ll find your processes and operations pleasingly simplified.
Project management systems are there to help make your business run smoothly. Before you begin using new software in your company, do your homework so you can feel confident that your system will help you easily manage any tasks necessary.