subject: Effectively Manage Your Resources With Project Management Software [print this page] Keeping track of different projects requires diligence and the ability to sift through details. When you want to know who worked on what project for how long and when, you may have to search through several spread sheets or contact individual workers to find the answer. A centralised place for your project management data and tasks, however, can reduce the amount of time and effort you spend coordinating tasks on different projects.
Some project management software is web-based, eliminating the need to install the software on individual computers in your office. Online project management programs also facilitate smooth communication between contractors in remote locations and employees in different cities or buildings.
Project management software typically features communication tools to help employers send the same message to all employees and contractors without having to contact to each one individually. This reduces the amount of time managers spend giving instructions, and it frees them to work on other tasks like handling emergencies and finding new customers. Discussion boards or other interactive communications tools helps workers learn from each other, too. Workers can answer each other's questions and brainstorm together to generate new ideas. If the project management software has a whiteboard, they can share ideas visually.
Other features of project management software include the ability to create and assign tasks to individuals. You know who is responsible for what task, and you can track how long each person spends on his particular responsibility. This makes it easier for you to calculate payroll and prevents human resources staff from having to ask each member of a project team how long he spent on tasks each pay period. It also eliminates needing to turn in time sheets. Some programs automatically track how long workers spend on a project without them having to manually enter the information.
Collaboration features in project management programs offer contractors and employees ways not only to brainstorm together, but also to coordinate hand-off of tasks as project tasks are completed. Real-time document changes and the ability to store documents in one location further facilitate teamwork. Some project management programs are open source, meaning that you do not have to pay for them. They have limited functionality, but the features they do offer may be sufficient for a simple project and for small and medium-sized businesses. Other programs offer monthly subscriptions and the ability to upgrade from an open source program to a more advanced version without losing data.
Project management software can increase your business' capacity for efficiency and decrease its overhead costs. Research each type of program thoroughly before you choose one. Take stock of your particular needs to avoid paying for more than you need. Find reviews of the product and talk to other users with similar needs to ensure you select the best product. Also talk to your employees and contractors to find out what features they would like to have since they will use the software on a regular basis as well.
