Did you know that only one out of every four project managers uses project management software for their projects? Picking project management software for your business is a huge step in the right direction if you’re looking for the ability to take on more projects and boost your efficiency.
There are a number of options for software on the market so you’ll need to know what to look for in order to get the best software from a project management software provider. While looking at project management software features that will help you find the right fit, there are considerations like the cost.
The good news is that you’re in the perfect place to learn more about the things to look for when you’re picking project management software for your business. Keep reading for seven helpful tips today.
1. Think About Cost
First things first, you’ll want to set a budget for what you’re willing to spend when it comes to picking project management software for your business. This will help you narrow down your options so that you can focus on the pros and cons of your different options for the software.
This is the case no matter if you’re running a small business or a large business that is in need of good software for project management. That means that you need to find project management software that covers all of your essential needs when it comes to managing the projects that are active.
The cost is roughly the same no matter which option you go with. The big factor here is getting the most value for your money by making project management easier.
2. Security Issues
One of the main things that you should consider with any type of software that you’re looking to purchase is the security it provides. When you’re looking at project management software features, the first thing that you need to do is ensure that the software you’re purchasing will keep your data and sensitive information safe from cyber theft.
You should also do some online research to find out if the software you’re interested in has had issues with hackers or data breaches in the past. This is a quick way to rule out some of the options that you’re considering. Finding software that will help you avoid any issues with security should be one of the biggest priorities when you’re shopping for project management software.
Getting software from a project management software provider that is secure will give you peace of mind that your data is safe at all times.
3. Online Access
Another big thing to consider is the online access of your project management software. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more employees are working from home or in a remote capacity. The best way to make sure that everyone is on the same page is through online access and the use of cloud services.
If you’re looking at a project management software that doesn’t allow online access then you should look elsewhere. It will make it almost impossible for your team to work in a cohesive manner without cloud services.
The benefits of sharing information and online access are also great even when your team is operating from the office. You’ll find that it saves you a ton of time and hassle when it comes to saving and sharing documents and projects with your team. It will help your team find a fast and effective way to get your projects done and move on to the next ones.
4. User Interface
The user interface is another important feature that you need to think about when you’re shopping for project management software. You’ll want to get a software program that is easy to learn and use. Some software programs are complex and require a large amount of time to learn all of the ins and outs.
You’ll want to find a project management software that allows you to learn the software while still working on all of your active projects. That way, you won’t fall behind schedule but you’ll still have a strong grasp of how to work the different features.
5. Features
When it comes to the features of the different options for software, it is easy to get caught up in the bells and whistles. Those are great, but the real focus should be on which features will benefit you and your team the most. There are software programs out there that might not have all of the bells and whistles but that have everything that you need to get your projects done well and on time.
Sometimes too many features is a bad thing. Too many features can clutter the software and make it more confusing to use.
6. Integration Options
One thing that often gets overlooked when you’re looking at software programs is how the project management software that you choose will integrate with your existing systems and programs. Why is this important? It is vital because it will save you a ton of work and a ton of headaches moving information from one program over to the next.
7. Try Your Options
It is important that you try asking for a free trial when you’re picking product management software. A free trial will give you hands-on experience with the software that will come in handy when combined with online customer reviews. You’ll get a feel for the features and how they work.
Doing this will also help you understand how to use the software and discover how much it will help your project management team. This is a huge advantage over paying for something that you’ve never used and aren’t sure if you like.
Get Started With Picking Project Management Software
Picking project management software is a big responsibility because it has a massive impact on how efficient your project management team is. It is wise to pick one that is easy to learn how to use when you’re looking at options for software as this will allow you to learn while working on projects. You should also look for software that is secure and users a cloud server.
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