In previous posts, I covered the typical problem scenarios in which organizations find themselves in terms of project management software. In case you missed it, read part 1 now. I want to start now in the direction of talking about what to do if you find yourself in one of those scenarios. First, we'll discuss the various project management software categories out there. Then we'll discuss topics such as how to properly implement project management software, how to get buy-in, and other related topics.
It is not at all uncommon for me to be attending a conference or some event where I am meeting and talking with people in the project management community. It almost never fails that I receive questions that demonstrate a lack of understanding of the options available in the project management software market. This is not at all surprising. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of available software tools geared towards project management. Many organizations know that they need some help in this area, but they do not know where to start.
I am going to attempt to clarify that picture by identifying the main project management software categories. This will not be a list of project management software packages, but of the categories out there. For each category, we will discuss its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and even a couple of examples. We will also discuss what types of organizations should consider that category for their project management software.
A point should be made here. Is a particular category bad or wrong? No, of course not. Each category is different and will fit different organizations. It depends on your organization, its needs, culture, goals, issues, and objectives. Can I tell you which category or which software tool is best for your organization? No, not without a lot of analysis and learning on my part. However, I can and will give you some guidelines so that you can determine which category (or categories) may be appropriate for your organization. After all, you know your organization much better than I do. Can anyone say that a particular project management software tool is "the best"? No. It again depends on an organization's needs and how a particular tool fits into those needs.
With all of that in mind, next time, we will start with the first category which is...you'll have to wait until next time!