Is it business essential or a trendy trend? Business leaders explain why project management software is necessary.
Americans are known for their propensity to get caught up in a consumer frenzy, whether they want the product or not.
“If the guy over there really wants it,” I must also have it.
This is not a good way to run your business. However, if your competitors are using something that you aren’t, your business should investigate that investment.
Let’s take, for instance, project management software.
Our research shows that more than half (57%) U.S. small business owners use project management software. More than 25% of those who aren’t using PM software are either planning to do so in the next two-years or are evaluating their options.
If you are among the 18% of small-business leaders who don’t have or plan to use project management software, you might have FOMO.
You should be aware of what you are investing in before you spend money, just like your competitors.
How to choose project management software
We asked project managers and business leaders why they invested in project management software. Here’s what we found.
1. Task tracking across the organization
Liz McQuillan, a project manager from Florida, said that tracking tasks across her organization–involving both project managers and non-project managers–was her impetus for adopting a project management tool.
“In my previous leadership role as a PMO leader, I managed large programs that extended across the organization and had up to 50+ team members. We needed a web-based tool to track project/program tasks. It would be easy for non-PMs…to add and update their tasks to the (work breakdown) structure.
What does task tracking look in a project management tool like?
This video demonstration is from Easy Project.
Task tracking demo (Source)
Are you looking to track tasks across your entire organization with a project management tool?
Check out our Top 20 Most User-Friendly Project Management Software Report
2. Consistent communication
Jason Caton, a global manager for DePuy Synthes’ project management division, stated that his primary motivation for investing in project management software was the ability to “communicate state reliably and immediately on any given project.”
Poor communication is cited by almost 30% of failed projects as the leading cause of failure. Business leaders must remove all barriers that prevent effective communication. Project management software that includes a collaboration tool allows project teams and individuals to share status updates, information, and other information from different locations and time zones.
It’s time for a change if you still use email to share important project information. This chart shows how to use your PM Collaboration tool in conjunction with other channels. It is part of our article on effective project communication tools.
Are your teams having trouble collaborating on projects?
You can find collaboration software in our directory, which has been filtered to include project management options.
3. Supporting project management best practices
Geoff Reiss is a project manager and author. He cautions that project management software should only be used in conjunction with best practices in project management.
“Tools are not able to solve all your problems. A fool with a tool is still fool. It is important to organize, establish clear roles and processes, and then consider tools to help you.
What does this all mean for your business? Before you spend money, make sure you have great project managers
