How to choose the right project management software

By Blue Wren Ltd

08 Jul 2020

shrug.jpg

Businesses cannot continue to operate as they did before COVID-19 and expect everything to be OK.  You cannot afford to simply ‘batten down the hatches’, cut costs wherever you can and wait for things to pass.

You need to do more with less.

Effective project management can help you do just that by helping to optimise process and improve productivity across the business.

Project management software is one of the most helpful tools that can assist businesses to be as effective as possible, regardless of the industry.

While adopting project management software can definitely improve process, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to using it which require careful evaluation.

Advantages of Project Management Software

Collaboration

Project management software includes communication tools that can assist teams in discussing issues in real time.  Each team member can be kept up to date, quickly dealing with issues as they arise.  This is particularly helpful when working in a remote environment.

Document storage and sharing

Document sharing tools allow individuals to share, edit and update relevant documentation related to the project. All resources are stored in a central, secure location making it easy to find and audit.

Manage costs

Project management software helps the business to track costs against a project, measuring profitability in real time.

Manage risks, forecasting, and budgets

Project management software records all relevant information to do with the project giving management excellent levels of visibility and transparency.  This means risk can be easily mitigated against, forecasts are more accurate, and budgets can be tracked throughout the life of the project.

Reporting

With flexible report formats and the ability to quickly access data project management software can support strategic management decisions.

Disadvantages of Project Management Software

Though the benefits significantly outweigh the drawbacks, there are still a number of disadvantages to consider when using project management software.

Some can be very costly

Project management software can provide great solutions, but many times those solutions come at a significant cost to the business with very little return on investment.

Complicate simple projects

While using project management software is a popular option for many, simpler projects may not need it.  When project management software is used inappropriately it can unnecessarily complicate matters.

Over-reliance on automated alerts

While alerts are helpful to remind team members that tasks are due, a problem develops when more time is spent on setting up the alert than the task itself.

Choose the right Project Management Software

Before choosing the project management software that is right for your business it is first important to understand and map your processes. If this is something haven’t done but would like to, take a look at our short tutorial here.

TUTORIAL: HOW TO CREATE A SIMPLE PROCESS MAP

With your processes mapped you can then put together a list of software requirements and evaluate the options available. A very good way to evaluate software is to use ‘Use Cases’.  These are scenarios that the business may face, such as managing risks, resource or budgets matched against the capabilities of the software. If the software can effectively deal with the different ‘Use Cases’ then it will be fit for purpose.

Time to do more with less

The COVID-19 crisis has presented you with a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform your business into something more resilient, productive and profitable. You now need to do more with less.

We have the expertise and the project management software to help you. So, if you would like to discuss how we can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can do so by calling the office on 01772 823734 or emailing [email protected]

Latest news

1

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid inspired-500x500.png

Major shareholder makes Inspired takeover bid

23 Apr 2025

2

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire. Thompsons meeting (1).png.png

Nominate your favourite family-run business in Lancashire.

22 Apr 2025

3

Business academies to continue for an additional year Cllr Mark Smith (r) with Top Gun Tools & Fixings team presenting Blackpool Net Zero Academy certificate

Business academies to continue for an additional year

22 Apr 2025

4

Napthens advises A Lamb Associates (ALA) and subsidiary Morham & Brotchie Partnership on their acquisition by Hawkins & Associates Richard Robinson Feat IMG

Napthens advises A Lamb Associates (ALA) and subsidiary Morham & Brotchie Partnership on their acquisition by Hawkins & Associates

22 Apr 2025

5

Six promotions at Farleys Solicitors Promotions at Farleys Solicitors

Six promotions at Farleys Solicitors

22 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
24 Apr 2025 - 24 Apr 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April
1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
25 Apr 2025 - 25 Apr 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: April

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

People Power: Exclusive Event Series
Stay ahead in 2025.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
29 Apr 2025 - 29 Apr 2025

People Power: Exclusive Event Series

People's History Museum, Manchester, M3 3ER

17:00 - 21:00

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin