A collaborative system is designed to support multiple users modifying different sections of the plan at once, for example, updating the areas they personally are responsible for such that those estimates get integrated into the overall plan. Web-based tools, including extranets, generally fall into this category, but have the limitation that they can only be used when the user has live Internet access.
To address this limitation, client-server-based software tools exist that provide a Rich Client that runs on users' desktop computer and replicate project and task information to other project team members through a central server when users connect periodically to the network and other tasks. An integrated system combines project management or project planning, with many other aspects of company life.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Managing Time and Information Wisely with Project Management Software
A good project manager understands her responsibilities to the business, his team and his client as well as the particular project. From inception to completion to delivery, every group needs to hold its project manager accountable at each stage of a project.
Web projects can have bug tracking issues assigned to each project, the list of project customers becomes a customer relationship management module, and each person on the project plan has their own task lists, calendars, and messaging functionality associated with their projects. Similarly, specialized tools like Source 0Forge integrate project management software with source control and bug-tracking software, so that each piece of information can be integrated into the same system.
There is project management software available that will allow the customers a limited view of the projects timeline, such as through Pert Charts and Gantt Charts. Or they may offer views of specific stages of development, milestones, from conception to completion of the project. The software, will offer the work plan owner access to more tasks or business related matters concerning the project. There are some project managers who would prefer to keep all projects in-house. And, depending on the size, needs and policies of the organization, on their own server. There is also web based project management software available. This would enhance security, no matter the in-house capabilities or limitations of the company, for back-up or maintenance of the project.
Toward the end of a project, a Project Manager is under stress to make sure things are done on time and that everyone is motivated to wrap up his or her part to meet the deadline. It is sometimes difficult to keep everything and everyone on schedule. There is business software specifically for this purpose. With the use of this software there should be no question as to who is doing what or at what stage of completion the project is. PM's can breathe a sigh of relief if they've trained everyone involved before the project is begun. If there are any issues in the project, they can be found and focused on early enough to be resolved before the last minute. Using project management software will help everyone be productive and the finished project may even be completed under budget.
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