When we talk about software project management in a conversation related to the organizational paradigm, it usually comprises of all of the things from software development, documenting the whole process, testing every single element, and delivering the finished product on time. At this point, we all know what project management is and how it can help you in the development and execution of a project development process.
Software project management is exactly like that but is only exclusive to the development and execution of software. Whenever we talk about an incremental project management methodology that makes sure that all of your project development processes are performed in different iterations to be as precise as possible , we talk about Agile software project management. In this project management methodology, you break down all of your projects into smaller bite-sized pieces.
These smaller pieces are useful to the project development teams as they are more manageable and can be easily completed in two to four weeks. Yes, anyone and everyone who is connected to the project should be included in the project development process, so that their feedback is included in the overall development and there are no problems in the future.
The Waterfall software project management is quite different from agile in such a way that there are no incremental iterations, instead, it uses a more linear approach to project management where you only move to the next project development process when you have completed the previous one. This project management methodology is quite efficient in some projects, but when it comes to flexibility in projects, this methodology fails dismally.
This is because most of the projects nowadays have ever-changing requirements according to customer feedback and market statistics, and if the project is not built to withstand change from the start, there is no future for it when it comes to changing, well, anything. As you know that the tasks included in a software development process are nowhere easy, so in order to make sure that they are performed at the highest level possible, we implement software project management to manage them.
Here are some important things that software project management enables managers to do for their projects. Of course, if you want to execute what you read in the upper section of the article about software project management, you need a kickass team that is creative enough to pull off a software project management process effectively and without any hurdles.
In a software project management team, the project manager has the most important role and has to perform the following operations:. This member of the software development process is responsible for the management and design of the project databases and also managing the web services and APIs of the project.
These individuals analyze all of the business requirements connected to the projects and also guide all of the software engineers that are working on the projects, to build solutions that meet the business model put forth by the client.
They are responsible for crafting the graphical interfaces for all of your websites, mobile apps, or web applications. These are the different processes that are included in the overall software project management process:. In this phase of the project development process, all of the necessary elements related to the project are planned.
This project planning provides an amazing outline of all of the different steps that you will have to perform in order to create the project deliverables. In this step of the project development process, the project managers create a detailed roadmap of all the different tasks and processes being done in a specific period of time.
You can even implement automations that send notifications to task owners when a phase of the project is complete. This helps maintain a culture of transparency and builds momentum. Take your projects to the next level with actionable insights. Depending on which solution you choose, we included a few features that will help you get the most out of your data:.
Assess project success against KPIs—this data can then be used to guide decisions or new projects. Automations can speed up your workflow for more efficient project management. For example, you can notify managers automatically when due dates are passed, create a new task item every week, and more. Many project management trends are shaping how we work. Artificial intelligence AI may be the biggest force with the largest, lasting effect. As outlined in this Forbes article , in addition to AI, there are three other project management trends we can expect in the near future:.
No matter what, project management is here to stay! But not all project management software is created equal. The best project management software for you depends on your needs. Try our platform now, the first two weeks are on us. To dive in right away, check out our Advanced project management template.
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Our developers have been busy adding festive additions to our As a digital project manager, staying up to speed on all the skills, tech, and tech-skills you need can be Your complete guide to project management in Explore article topics. Having problems signing up? What is project management? Why is project management important? According to a study by the Project Management Institute : In , Initiating As with any good project, preparation is vital to ensure it will be completed on time and within budget.
During the initiation phase, determine the following to create the project foundation: Project scope: the specific limits and boundaries for the project.
It essentially covers what will be accomplished in the project and what will not i. High-level project overview: This considers the resources, time, and goals required to complete a project. Included in the overview is a way to monitor these requirements over time. Budgets: How much is needed to achieve a successful project? Planning During this phase, key milestones and dates are set, including the final project completion date. The planning phase also includes: Selecting the team members Outlining deliverables Estimating resources Determining associated activities 3.
This stage occurs simultaneously with the monitoring and controlling phase and might involve: Managing workflows Recommending changes and corrective actions 4. The more visual and real-time this is, the better as you can then easily communicate it to key players and adjust. Pick right framework or methodology for your project The second step toward successful project management is finding the right framework or methodology. Promote a culture of transparency and ownership Transparency can make all the difference when managing a project as complexities and sensitivities arise.
Decide on a realistic scope Scope creep is one of the main challenges project managers face. As promised, here are high-level descriptions of the leading project management frameworks with links to even more comprehensive deep-dives : 1. Read more. How can you build a productive project team? Recruit talent across departments Your project team will likely come from different departments because projects benefit from and require varied expertise and input.
Use project documentation to speed up framework adoption Project documentation is the practice of recording key project details and documents required to successfully implement projects.
What does the future of project management look like? The ability to understand other humans is critical. Read this article for other essential project management skills. Adoption of customized or hybrid PM approaches: Gone are the days where a single PM methodology will suffice. A more diverse team structure: As mentioned above, your team will grow more diverse. Though ultimately a positive trend, increasingly diverse teams will also create a broad range of challenges as teams collaborate effectively and efficiently.
Today, the following pricing structures are popularly used: ongoing monthly fees, one-time only fees, cost per user pricing, and feature-based pricing. When determining the cost of a solution, several things must be taken into account, including the cost of the software itself, deployment costs may include adding new hardware to existing infrastructure , any ongoing fees from the manufacturer, and the costs associated with allocating resources, such as additional man hours, to its deployment and maintenance.
For most small businesses as well as those with small profit margins, cloud-based solutions will offer the highest level of affordability due to their self-maintenance and monthly pricing plans. Excluding freeware options, these solutions typically employ monthly fees that are based upon the number of licensed users and the selected package of features.
Businesses with high revenues and those with dedicated IT teams can consider self-hosted systems, in addition to cloud-based applications. Self-hosted solutions typically employ a one-time only fee that is based upon the number of licensed users and the chosen feature package. However, the final cost may also include additional hardware and maintenance costs, such as paying for software upgrades and additional man hours. Some companies may also charge an additional annual registration fee on top of their quoted prices in order for the software to remain active.
Although the cost of a solution will be a key factor during the decision making process, it should not be the driving factor behind choosing a project management software package. Too often, companies will equate high costs with high quality, only to find that the chosen solution does not improve their efficiency or the quality of their work.
Similarly, an application should not be purchased simply because it is the only solution that can currently be afforded. Instead, each solution should be considered at length and evaluated according to its features and usability.
Choosing a project management solution will take time and serious thought should be given to each available package. Companies that can dedicate large amounts of cash and resources to deployment and maintenance will be free to choose between both types of solutions. Use the budget to guide the final decision, but be sure to figure in any ongoing costs, such as monthly or annual fees and maintenance costs, prior to selecting a solution. Create a required feature list - Understanding the needs of project managers and team members is vital to making the right purchasing decision.
Gather the whole team around for a meeting to discuss current and expected obstacles that hinder the progression of projects and find out what each team member needs in order to address those issues. It will also be useful to make a list of non-required, but desired, features.
Prioritize your needs - It may not be possible to get all of the required features in an affordable package. Prioritize the required feature list to figure out which features are vital to completing projects successfully and which features can be overlooked for the time being.
Figure out how many user licenses are needed - Since many software manufacturers offer different packages based upon the number of licenses required, it is important to figure out the maximum number of users required. A common mistake that many companies make when determining this figure is to assume that project members will be able to effectively share the same logins with one another. For maximum efficiency and productivity, each team member should have their own seat.
Think about how many projects will be running simultaneously - Some solutions will only allow a single project to be tracked, while others may offer the ability to track multiple projects at once. Each solution typically places a limit on the number of active projects, so it's important to find a product that can accommodate all of your projects.
Determine the maximum amount of required storage space - Every running and archived project, licensed user, communication, and uploaded document will take up server space. To ensure that the chosen solution is able to accommodate your needs as projects grow, select a package that offers more space than you feel you need.
Check for compatibility - When choosing a cloud-based solution, ensure that all of its features and functions will display and function correctly in the web browsers used at your offices.
For self-hosted solutions, ensure that the software is compatible with your servers and operating systems. Opt for advanced reporting - Most project managers need to compile regular progress reports on budgetary and performance data in a variety of formats. Select a solution that makes this easier by providing you with a number of templates and report types to choose from.
Consider third party integration - It may be necessary to sync the project management software with other computer applications, such as scheduling and budgeting software.
Integration makes this process easier through automation. Choose a solution that allows for the creation of individual and shared dashboards. Think about communication needs - Some solutions offer instant messaging, message boards, and email functionality.
Giving team members a centralized location for all of their communication needs may increase productivity and decrease errors. Consider deployment - Some solutions may take more time, money, and effort to deploy than others.
Find a solution that can be deployed on time for your next project without maxing out your available resources. Always try before you buy - Most project management software solution providers will give you access to video and live demonstrations of their software. Some go a step further by giving the project manager and a select number of team members access to the full package for a limited time. Never commit to a solution until you've tried it or seen it in action.
Microsoft Project : This self-hosted solution is one of the most popular options amongst both large and small organizations alike. Microsoft Project features an intuitive interface that will be very familiar for any current and past Windows users.
Key features include user-controlled scheduling, task assignments, resource planning, and automated project status updates. Microsoft Project also offers integration with a number of other Microsoft products, such as SharePoint, Excel, and Word.
Additional noteworthy features include project templates, advanced reporting, and the ability to collaborate through Microsoft SharePoint. There are currently three editions of Microsoft Project that are available for purchase: Standard, Professional, and Server. Standard and Professional have been designed only for desktop installation, while the Server edition can be installed on a compatible server.
The software is currently compatible with Windows XP and all later versions. However, it is important to note that additional software and hardware may need to be purchased prior to installing any version of Microsoft Project and should be figured into the final cost. Due to the costs and maintenance requirements of this software, it may be better suited to companies with high expense accounts or small project teams.
Basecamp : Basecamp is a Web-based solution that offers the ability to easily collaborate and track progress via any Internet browser. Due to its ease of use and low pricing plans, it is popular amongst both small and mid-sized companies. However, large companies, such as Kellogg's, National Geographic, and Adidas also rely on this solution for their project tracking needs. Basecamp features a wealth of online tools for communication and collaboration, including a public message board, personal messaging, and automated email notifications that can be triggered any time a change to the project has been made or a communication has been received.
Other key features include a central database for project-related documents, personal task lists, time tracking, scheduling, project templates, and multilingual support. It also offers 15 GB of storage and accommodates up to 35 projects. There is also a free plan which allows for an unlimited number of users, a single project, but no file sharing. All paid plans include the full suite of features and the ability to purchase add-ons, such as mobile device support and integration with third party software.
QuickBase : This cloud-based software solution is popular amongst big businesses, including Google, Chevron, and eBay. QuickBase is known for its high level of customization, rich list of features, and ability to integrate with third party software.
Key QuickBase features include easy data importing from a variety of sources, such as Excel spreadsheets, customizable forms and project templates, automated email notifications, and advanced reporting. It is also possible to automate tasks, build a document database, and access the software through any Internet browser at any time. The mid-priced plan, Extended Team, provides support for up to users and tacks on additional storage space, while the most expensive plan, Enterprise, supports up to users and tacks on additional features, including a developer sandbox and security management.
Pricing for the Extended Team and Enterprise plans are available as individualized quotes directly from the manufacturer. FogBugz : FogBugz is a self-hosted and cloud-based project management tool that is known for its advanced reporting functionality, user friendly interface, and ability to drill down into data at a very granular level.
Due its diverse range of plans, it will appeal to businesses of any size, but it will be better suited to projects involving software or hardware development. Noteworthy FogBugz users include Amazon.
FogBugz allows project members and team members to easily track bugs, scheduled items, and customer comments. Additional features include an advanced search, hierarchical task views, the ability to track a project's timeline in multiple formats, and a developer history. It is also possible to receive and sort incoming emails from existing customers and create tasks from messages. Huddle : This cloud-based solution has a wide range of plans that will appeal to small and large businesses alike.
It also offers mobile device support, so project members can access their work from anywhere at any time. Key Huddle features include customizable dashboards, an advanced search, project archiving, and online file sharing. Collaboration is also simplified through a central discussion board as well as a digital whiteboard that can be used for brainstorming.
Both the discussion board and whiteboard track and save every comment that has ever been posted. Originally Huddle was a fairly low-cost option, however as they pushed into the enterprise market they request you "contact sales" for pricing. They still offer a free day trial though. It is platform independent and can be accessed from any Internet browser.
Key features of this software include a high level of customization, the ability to build multiple dashboards, configurable reports, templates, and resource assignments. A document database, portfolio manager, and time sheets are also included. It is also possible to establish a help desk and track issues within the application. There are currently two major feature packages available for task: Professional and Enterprise, with Enterprise being the most robust option.
There are also several different types of license, which affect users' abilities to interact with the software's features. For example, a Requester License will allow a user to submit requests and track those requests, while a Full User License gives a user the ability to access and modify everything within the application from dashboards, to plug-ins and reports.
Instead, they offer annual quotes based upon the company's stated needs. This price tag includes the cost of training and setup. Key features include a customizable interface, interactive timeline, email notifications, deadline reminders, and exportable reports.
To learn more about this solution, email support 5pmweb. To find out more about solutions from 24SevenOffice, email info 24sevenoffice. Assembla - Assembla, which was launched in , is a Web-based service that offers a wide range of plans that can serve both small teams and entire organizations. Key features include ticket management, chat, Wikis, time tracking, and task assignments. For more information about Assembla, email support assembla.
BrightWork - BrightWork has been offering project management solutions since Their current solution works as a Microsoft SharePoint add-on and features project templates, Gantt charts, and project status tracking. If your servers are currently running SharePoint successfully, they should be able to run BrightWork. To find out more about this solution, call or email info brightwork.
Central Desktop - Founded in , this Web-based solution offers a wide range of features, including Web meeting functionality, Salesforce. For further information, call or email sales centraldesktop. Cerebro - Cerebro is a project management solution that is offered by CineSoft, which was established in This cloud-based software offers messaging, time planning, tagging, task lists, and search tools.
Clarizen - Founded in , Clarizen offers Web-based project management and features budget management, resource tracking, document sharing, time tracking, and Gantt charts. It is also possible to create recurring tasks and group discussions.
For more information, call or email sales clarizen. This cloud-based solution provides users with a document manager, Wiki, forum, and issue tracker. To learn more about this solution, call or email info intland.
Collabtive - This self-hosted software was established in and is available as a free, open source download. It features time tracking, reporting, and file management. To run this software from your servers, PHP 5. For more information, email collabtive o-dyn. Contractizer - This self-hosted solution is available from Objective Decision LLC, which has been operating since This software runs exclusively on Intel and PowerPC-based Macs and features mail merging, task management, as well as an address book.
For further details, use the online form. It features budget management, product cataloging, proposal management, and canned reports. Small to mid-sized companies as well as charities utilize this software for their project management needs. This self-hosted application features a Web interface, reporting, activity histories, task management, and resource tracking.
Endeavour Software Project Management - Endeavor is a free and open source solution that features use cases, Gantt charting, a Web interface, project planning, and forum tools.
To gain access to their technical support, it is possible to purchase monthly support plans. For further information, email e-cuellar users. Easy Projects. NET - Easy Projects. NET was founded in and currently operates as a self-hosted and cloud-based solution. Key features include task management, time logging, batch tools, message boards, and custom reporting. To run this software on your servers, a Windows Server operating system is required as well as IIS 6.
To learn more, call or email info easyprojects. Based in PHP, this application offers task management, contact management, team calendars, file management, and time tracking. For further details, email info stylite. Key features include project templates, third party software integration, and scheduling tools. It is currently available for both the Mac and Windows platforms. To learn more, call Feng Office Community Edition - Available since as a self-hosted and cloud-based application, Feng Office offers project overviews, workspaces, note taking tools, task management, and document management.
The self-hosted version currently works on the Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems. To find out more, use the online contact form. GanttProject - GanttProject was founded in and is available for free as a self-hosted application. It currently is compatible with the Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms, and features resource assignments, Gantt charts, and exportable reports. Gemini - Founded in , Gemini is available as a cloud-based and self-hosted service.
Key features include multiple project management, templates, workflows, and permission allocation. Gemini consists of an ASP. The Microsoft. NET framework v3. Genius Inside - Founded in , Genius Inside offers both self-hosted and cloud-based product plans.
Key features include third party software integration, portfolio management, project tracking, and document management. Glasscubes - This Web-based solution offers file sharing, task assignments, multilingual support, discussion boards, and automated email notifications. Goplan - Goplan is a cloud-based application that provides users with task management, issue tracking, calendar, discussion, and time tracking tools. HyperOffice Collaboration Suite - This cloud-based solution is offered from HyperOffice, which has been in business since It features tools for online collaboration, document storage, contact management, and scheduling.
For further information, call InLoox - InLoox was founded in and offers a variety of self-hosted project management solutions.
Key features include project planning, task management, and Outlook integration. InLoox is currently compatible with Microsoft XP and later. To learn more, use the online contact form. Key features include a bug tracker, task boards, activity tracking, and change logs. To find out more about this Java-based solution, call Journyx - Founded in , Journyx offers the self-hosted project management solutions, ProjectXecute. Key features include resource tracking, to do lists, task assignments, and integration with MS Project.
For more information, call or email info journyx.
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