A tool is a device or gadget that makes work easier. Therefore, a project management tool is a system that makes the process of project management easier. There are digital and analogue tools, and in this article we shall examine the digital tools that fit within the confines of project management software and others that also work singly as online or in-computer tools. This article examines what project management tools are and how to go about choosing them.
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Project Management Software versus Project Management Tools
Project management software oversee entire digital frameworks combining the entire project management work outline. This means that software for project management combine planning, monitoring, tracking, scheduling and even execution of projects all in one platform. On the other hand, project management tools may be one or a combination of these features. A tool might handle project planning and it does this to its utmost utility and by maximizing on all the digital resources it has been designed with. Therefore, project management software is a combination of several tools working in tandem and synergistically.
Things to Look For When Selecting a Project Management Tool.
As already stated, project management tools serve dedicated functions and therefore your specific needs case will dictate which project management tool to use. The following factors play a part in deciding which tools to use.
1. Conduct Sufficient Research
Research is key before you settle on one project management tool. As stated, there are tools dedicated towards one or more core functions in project management. These tools go a step further in streamlining that specific function and therefore your research should yield which tool has dedicated functions or not.
2. Understand Your Needs
The better you understand your project’s needs the more attuned you will be to choosing the right tool. By understanding the project, you will be in a better position to understand the problems and if they are unique then you’d be best placed to gauge the level of uniqueness that your project requires. Overall, this will help you tune the PM tools that will work best for you and not just a template that doesn’t respond directly to your unique needs.
3. Conduct Sufficient Tests and Trials
For each tool you are considering, make sure you take them through a small trial phase to check which ones you and your team will find most agreeable. Some tools may look great on their marketing channels but once you deploy them, they do not meet the specific needs of your project. Testing and trial phasing is the best method to arrive at a solution faster and easier.
4. Respond to Feedback.
The best outcome from the trial phase is receiving both positive and negative feedback. As project manager, you should refrain from projecting your preferences to your team as this might affect the feedback process. You need the feedback to be brutally honest if you are to receive the right output that would lead to making the right choice.