As project manager, it is your duty to select the right tools and software to make your work and that of your team easier. Manual project planning and management led to serious errors which are usually assigned as ‘human error’ ad not even the greatest planners or project managers can avoid this. However, with digital tools and software, it is easy to reduce and even eliminate such errors by utilizing machine intelligence and precision, leaving the innovative work to human beings.
In this article, the focus is on online software for project management, which basically separates it from other forms of project management software. Online software are also referred to as web-based software since they can be accessed through URL and are therefore not installed on once computer. This makes online software more secure and less susceptible to risk or corruption.
How Online Software for Project Management Work
Online software are first installed on secure servers which are owned by large cloud based companies. These companies ensure there is enough, secure storage for installed software and by assuring maximum security for their servers as well as several backups, companies are assured that their data is secure and easily retrievable even when there is serious infiltration.
Therefore, a project manager should ensure they settle on a good software for projects management from a reputable company that can assure such risk free storage and handling of their data. Some features that the best software for project management have are:
Prioritized File Organization
A single project may require tons of data and information and these data are filed in a way that make them easily accessible and retrievable by the team members. Reliable software will ensure that there are mechanisms for labeling files and saving them in a way that arranges files according to use, schedules and access. This way, a team member will not have access to confidential information, privy only to the project manager. However, project managers can open up access to all files for all team members to ensure there is accountability and openness.
Enhanced Task Scheduling
Tasks have to be assigned and scheduled based on the project’s timelines. One event has to either follow or concurrently take place with other functions, and the software should be able to tell the difference. When it comes to project scheduling, the project manager must first assign projects to the team members based on their competencies and also state when each project should be completed. Team members can then collaborate on shared tasks, or simply work on their individual tasks before deadline.
Enhanced Collaboration
Any team must have good collaborative skills and though the project manager is the lead, the entire team should be able to work seamlessly with each other. This means that for tasks that require collaboration, the software should have the right communication platform, allowing file sharing, uploads, downloads and reviews.
In conclusion, project managers can utilize a wider array of tools and software to make their work easier. By selecting software that has a combination of these features, plus more, the project manager can be assured of better collaboration between members.
