subject: How to Select the Best Project Management Software [print this page] How to Select the Best Project Management Software
Project Management Needs and Priority
When selecting project management software it helps to have a detailed understanding of project management activities and daily needs. This is critical to determine how the project management software will solve project management issues. Every project has unique needs, and by analyzing project management practices then applying them in theory to the project management software one can identify one-for-one how each issue or project management need will be resolved using project management software. It also helps to list project management software features by priority. By prioritizing project management software needs, you create a clear picture to determine a best-fit between project needs and the software.
Assess Future Project Management Software Needs
Although it may be difficult to predict how project management needs will evolve over time, it is possible to understand the flexibility of the software. Flexible project management software gives your company options that can cater to organizational changes over time. The more flexible the software, the more options project managers can use to accommodate unique situations not considered during the project management software selection process. Project management software that is simple to use, may or may not have the ability to evolve with changing needs of a company. The ability to adjust to different and unique situations adds tremendous value. Often project management and business data is segregated between different software applications that do not communicate, and often create additional burden on the company. An effective project management software solution can accommodate changing needs or may be customized to meet changing project demands while maintaining existing project needs already set forth.