The Best Online Project Management Software
|
|
CREDIT: Global social media network image via Shutterstock |
Business owners know the hardest part of a project can be keeping it organized. Online project management tools cover everything from schedules, budgets, reports and task managing giving users the freedom to actually work on the project, without worrying about its organization.
While the best online project management services are flexible and can manage projects in all industries – construction, engineering, accounting, technology, development and training – finding the best fit can be perplexing.
Our sister site, TopTenREVIEWS, does extensive in-depth reviews of online project management tools. Here are the Top 3 recommendations for online project management tools:
*********************************
Clarizen took home the top spot in this year's rankings for being easy to use and wide-ranging in its tracking and monitoring abilities. There are shared interactive timeline abilities and full customization, as well as social networking capabilities. Instead of downloading this application to a computer, it runs online, giving users access to their projects anywhere the internet is available. The service offers a number of collaboration resources that allow users to share information and keep updated on the project without having a meeting to discuss it. For further collaboration, users can have instant message discussions, write wiki-style notes and share documents.
Ease of Use: From login through a project's completion, the service is very easy to use. When logging onto the project management software, the dashboard lists the projects and tasks to be completed that day. Clicking on a folder icon opens a window with two panels: a breakdown of tasks and a roadmap for theircompletion. Since the project management software runs online, all updates are automatically saved, and no hardware downloads or version updates are required.
Help and Support: Before getting started, an online tutorial gives users a complete rundown of the program. Clarizen also offers email support and online chats and forums.
Costs: To compare costs, visit TopTenREVIEWS best online project managment tools.
*********************************
AtTask earned its high marks in part for its customizable dashboards for all involved in a project, including employees, managers, CEOs and clients. The software manages the organization of objectives, schedules, resources, business data and schedules. The service is offered online, giving all users access to project details anywhere the internet is available. AtTask's collaboration capabilities let everyone working on the project stay up to date as changes are made. The software also gives project managers the option of posting a list of available tasks, with team members able to accept tasks as their workloads warrant. In addition, project managers have the opportunity to monitor the stream of communications flow and detect the prevailing communications tone.
Ease of Use: The software does have a learning curve, so users should be prepared to spend time navigating the interface and reading the documentation to familiarize themselves with the program. After that, navigation through the many features and options is simple.
Help and Support: AtTask’s extensive support includes online chat, documentation, FAQs, phone numbers, email support, multimedia tutorials and threaded notes. Users can also purchase additional training, including Rollout Coaching, AtTask Boot Camp and On-Site Consulting.
Costs: To compare costs, visit TopTenREVIEWS best online project managment tools.
*********************************
For its numerous features and resources that let users stay on top of their project, big or small, Daptiv PPM took home this year's TopTenREVIEW's Bronze Award. Daptiv has tools such as news, polls, discussions, document management and calendar events to help users keep in touch with their teammates regardless of where they are located. Also offers timesheets, budget reports and a capacity planner to ensure resources are balanced when multiple projects are in play. The software's dashboard can be set to simply display the progress of projects, or customized with tools such as notifications, task lists and timesheets. Daptiv also sets itself apart from the competition with its archive of user-developed applications.
Ease of Use: Takes a unique approach to ease of use by allowing users to configure their interface to display the tools and buttons they use most, giving them greater control over their experience.
Help and Support: Daptiv offers a number of supports options via phone, email and ticket request. Community forums and blogs are also available to help users.
Costs: To compare costs, visit TopTenREVIEWS best online project managment tools.
See full reviews on at TopTenREVIEWS. See BusinessNewsDaily’s Small Business Resource Center for more business reviews reviews.
Chad Brooks is a Chicago-based freelance business and technology writer who has worked in public relations and spent 10 years as a newspaper reporter. You can reach him at chadgbrooks@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @cbrooks76.