Recently, a large number of programs have been released that are aimed at working in various fields. So, there are software for journalists, content makers, designers, accountants, businessmen, etc. Today we will consider project management programs.
Software
Before you know what kind of applications are presented on the market, you should find out why they are needed. So, project management software is represented by a set of software that has a task scheduler , schedule, price control, budget management, work with partners and employees, etc.
A project management program is usually very functional. It allows you to solve both basic tasks and small tasks, organize collaboration, communication, quick management, documentation and administration of systems. In particular, such programs are necessary for large-scale projects and organizations.
Scheduler
This is one of the main tasks of these programs. Allows you to implement all requirements, event planning and management. It is presented by a number of tools. So, there is an organization of plans, as heterogeneous, yet of the same type. It is possible to identify the large components of a project, separate them, form a structure, create a hierarchy.
Employees create schedules and determine their resources for each task. They calculate the time it takes to solve the tasks. As tasks are completed, it is possible to compose them using the Gantt chart to present a work schedule. You can manage multiple projects at once.
Control
The project management work program should have tools specifically for the given purpose, adjust the list of tasks for employees and allocate resources, allow creating reviews of tasks, finding possible risks associated with the project.
Tools can provide information about the workload of each task, the stages of progress in work, indicators on them and forecasts. It is also important to have good communication. Using software, they coordinate work issues, fix problems and requests, if changes are needed. In case of identification of risks organize their management. You can enable the event feed, where the main changes will be displayed.
Variations
It is also worthwhile to understand that all such programs can be both universal and variable. They can be divided into several subspecies. For example, desktop software is installed on every PC. It has a simple and flexible interface, multitasking is implemented. There is saving data to files that are later transferred or opened for public access.
The next type is the web interface. These applications are used in browsers. Thanks to this, everyone has access without having to download special software. Access control is simple, there is a multi-user mode, when all employees work on the project at the same time. There is a risk of low speed, there may be problems with access to the servers.
The personal type is intended for a home project, single-user, designed to manage an individual project or a small organization. Multiuser are in large companies where it is possible to use a client-server, and hundreds of employees can get access at the same time.
Jira
Management of innovative projects and programs is possible thanks to Jira. In general, the main task of this system is to track errors, organize user interactions and manage projects. First born in 2002. It was developed by specialists from Atlassian. The application has a web interface.
The program runs on the basis of Java EE and a pair of database and OS management systems. The main tool in this software is the task. She has a name, theme, type, priority, componentity and content. The task can be expanded with the tools that a particular organization needs. Here you can add photos, screenshots, comments, etc.
The user is presented with a number of features that may go beyond the scope of an individual task. All applications are identified by individual types of tasks, with a specific workflow and a set of statuses. Thanks to the "schemes" there is an option to configure access, behavior, visibility, etc. for the project.
The main advantage of this program is its versatility. It is easily customizable, and therefore makes it possible to regulate non-core tasks, manage requirements, risks, implement small tasks, automate processes, etc.
Jira supports working with other systems through the popular interfaces SOAP, XML-RPC and REST. There are specialized services that implement the program in an integrated development environment. There is access in several languages, including Russian.
Slack
The project development management program, as mentioned earlier, can be specialized. So, Slack is more of a messenger for employees than a complex analytical service. First appeared in 2013 and the next year it became available to users. It is interesting that on the first day more than 8 thousand companies took advantage of the software.
The application is a fairly large corporate "social network". In one window, the user has access to discussions, private groups, private messages. The software has its own hosting, where it is easy to find any image by preview. The application is accessible from other third-party resources, including Google Docs, Twitter, Jira, Dropbox, etc.
There is a free version that launches an unlimited number of users, gives access to 10 third-party resources, archiving 10 thousand messages. There are a couple of paid tariffs that to some extent remove the restrictions.
Ganttpro
The GanttPro project management discipline program is based on the Gantt chart. She also plans and manages the project over the network, visualizes the stages of work, creates tasks, defines tasks and goals for employees, and regulates deadlines and work progress. Adds milestones, forms a Gantt chart and allows you to view it both for employees and customers.
The software makes it possible to automatically plan projects, add files to diagrams and comment on them. There are tons of tools that drag and drop tasks and expose progress. There is an installation of working hours and days, automatic accounting of tasks and projects.
With the help of software, dependencies between tasks are set up, both simple and complex multi-level projects are formed, roles for each employee and access rights are distributed.
Lighthouse
This is a lightweight project management program. Designed to identify bugs and adjustment requests. It works with a timeline, stages of project promotion, integrates into the mail system. From there it is possible to change tasks, manage beta testing, prioritize , etc.
To create a project in this software, you need to spend only a couple of seconds. Enter the name and describe it with a couple of words. Next begins the entry of tasks, messages, comments. You can divide everything into parts and structure, sort by date, state, author, etc. You can add illustrated content to all comments.
It is possible to establish access rights, create invitations for other employees, thanks to e-mail. There is also synchronization with third-party resources such as Google Calendar. To a greater extent, Lighthouse is designed for small companies or single users. It is believed that this program is for those who do not want to understand the multifunctional Jira, but are looking for a "light" version that can be mastered in five minutes.
Primavera
Managing programs and project portfolios is possible thanks to Primavera. This software is clearly focused on working with projects, helps to manage and control, track resources, materials and equipment. Software appeared for the first time in 2008. He became the brainchild of Oracle, although it was developed by another company - Primavera Systems, Inc.
This is a comprehensive program that works with complex projects, multifunctional and structured. Especially popular in the field of engineering and construction.
Primavera is a project management program that helps you choose the right combination of strategy, provides project management by all means, improves the methods and progress of promotion. It facilitates appropriate communication, measures the progress of actions and achievements, connects the project with the strategy or, according to the template, forms work in several directions at once.
Other options
If you have a small organization, it’s much easier to use web services. They are easier to learn and have wide access to use. Asana may also be available on iOS and Android devices. Creates separate tasks, sets projects, deadlines, priorities, statuses, etc. The software is easy to use, makes it possible to create several complex tasks at once.
Redbooth is another project management program implemented in a web service. It works with errors and bugs, analyzes them and fixes them. It helps to plan a project, forms tasks, manages resources. Promotes communication of employees, creates tasks for them, deadlines and analyzes expenses.
Teamweek is a similar application to the ones described above. Also, work with it is carried out in the browser. Creates Gantt graphics. It has a simple and intuitive interface. This application and similar ones are unlikely to be suitable as state project management programs , more often they are used by individual entrepreneurs and small firms. If you need serious software, then you should turn to the already described or such popular giants as Microsoft Project.