Project Management Software

By Author: Muddassir Malik
Total Articles: 42
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Project management is planning, arranging, scheduling and managing some resources for the completion of a certain task with achievement of its goals and set objectives.
Project management softwares are specially designed softwares for covering many types of software, including scheduling, cost control and budget management, resource allocation, collaboration software, communication, quality management and documentation or administration systems, which are used to deal with the complexity of large projects. The basic tasks of project management softwares are divided into 3 main groups

1. Scheduling: Scheduling is the most important task, as it the one which schedules or forms a pattern for how to work and use the tools for the achievement of the end goal- the Project. Scheduling constitutes of some specified challenges that it has to meet like arranging the resources, the professionals to work, relating events with one another, completion of task within its time limit, dealing several other projects for finalizing the main project.

2. Calculation: Calculating is basically to calculate all the events time and ...
... schedules that are occurring for the fulfillment of the main project. This is which determines the exact finishing time of the main project.

3. Information: The provision of information to a number of people for the various tasks is an essential element, with scheduling the resources and having an overview of the maximum time, any phase involving risk, information regarding amount of work. One of its utmost features is that to give information regarding previous projects, how they were consumed and progressed- the historical information.

Top Ranking Softwares:
Now we come to the top ranking softwares available in the market and their uses and benefits. Here are the top 5 options on the market for tracking a project schedule. The top 5 project softwares are:

1. Microsoft Project: It is the top rated project management software, as it is relatively easy to learn and access. Its import/export capability lessens its learning requirement, especially for the ones who have used windows and other Microsoft products. Due to its price options, it becomes less ideal for managers who are in need of project management software that fits in their tight budget. But it is one of the highly integrated projects, allowing ones access to a number of variables.

2. Mind View: The 2nd top-rated project management software, an easy usage spreadsheet like a layout. The keyboard navigation lets one add, edit or delete tasks without moving of mouse around the screen. But its most rare option due to which it is considered the top rated software is its Mind Map option- that's lets one see ones project in visuals reminiscent of brainstorming bubbles, and how each task is related to each milestone.

3. Project Kickstart: The 3rd top-rated project management software, an easy to use software which merges well with the other applications like that of PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, Word, Microsoft Project, ACT, WBS Cart and MindManager. This software is good in planning and organizing for the basic project, but it lacks some features that are present in the two top rated project management softwares, especially the features of collaboration and resource management.

4. RationalPlan Multiple Project: The 4th top-rated project management software, with its top most feature of its capability of managing sources and budgets; as both these are essential for success and these help in finishing the task in time and within budget. It also helps in integrating with projects created in Microsoft Project. The areas where it lacks are its ease-of-use and project management features.

5. FastTrack Schedule: The 5th top-rated project management software, which is basically concerned with project schedules and resource allocation. It uses easy-to-read schedules. Gantt charts and calendars to show what tasks need to be done and when. Likewise other project management softwares it can also integrate with Microsoft Project. Though it also contains some of the features of the top-rated ones but it is difficult in learning and use, and has some confusing elements.

Essential Elements
The essential elements of project management softwares should be considered before purchasing the software. There are some elements discussed below

1. What You Require and What Is Offered: There are different kind and ranges of softwares from low-end, mid-range and high-end according to the project. As by the names low-end project management softwares are good for smaller groups with limited needs as the product has limited functionality. The mid-range project management softwares offer more robust features at a normal price range. The high-end project management softwares are designed for large group or rather large organizations which have a worldwide collaboration.

2. Scheduling by Project Management Software: One of the essential features that should be present in the project management software should be the scheduling, and this is present in mostly low-end and mid-range. Not all of the software comes with this feature. It works like this that if it is provided with a starting date, the time span and the amount of work the software will itself calculate and schedule the work and finish it within time- this is intelligent scheduling.

3. Microsoft project Import & Export: To look for the software that contains all the features of the Microsoft Project especially the import and export, is it with the project or a separate installation for it. Many project management solutions cannot recognize nor import these relationships, again taking away any administrative advantages.

4. Separate One Group of People from Other: The software should have the feature of separating one group of people from another like if you plan of using your project management software with outside vendors, contractors, clients, or individuals from different departments. Multi-role means assignation of various roles like team member, project manager, project report viewer, timesheet approver, expense report approver, invoice manager, and systems administrator.

5. Support All Four Relationships: The basic task of the project management software is to complete the project within time span and here comes its four basic relationships; Finish-to-Start, Start-to-Start, Finish-to-Finish and Start-to-Finish. Before purchasing any project management software solution, always test the software to make certain that it can calculate interdependencies on the following commonly encountered task relationships.
You can get to know more about Proect Management Softwaresfrom Project Management Softwares and about GTD Things from GTD Things