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.