Project management systems can help provide a clear overview of a project and its ongoing status.
The best systems will allow you to check if a person is available to urgently pick up such a task while supporting and tracking finances. You can see whether all the tasks involved are on track and will be completed on time—monitor whether there is a late task and how it may affect projected deadlines for other jobs.
Whether you are a small business or an individual looking to stay on track with several projects or a multi-billion dollar company home to a vast project portfolio, or just in between, there are project management systems designed with a business like yours in mind.
Let’s look at ten critical components of project management freelance apps that you will require to be successful.
1. To-Do List Tools
A to-do list is the cornerstone of a project management system. Whether the structure is numbered, bulleted list, markings, or color-marked, a to-do list is an optimal organization tool.
While many project management freelance apps have to-do list features, not all have the correct connotation. A good system will simplify the creation and management of tasks and share these activities with colleagues.
2. Workflow Tools
Workflow tools in the management system allow you to keep track of the project and activities as they shift through the multiple stages of the ongoing process to completion.
A workflow tool is not complex, but it offers invaluable assistance in project management. A complete workflow tool should at least have the following features:
- Assign team members
- Comment
- Attach file
- Design boards
3. The Gantt Chart Tool
A Gantt chart is a project management tool that uses horizontal bars to show completion dates of a project. The progress made and milestones within when it starts to its end. A Gantt chart is a component that every viable project management system should have.
4. Time Monitoring Tools
Project management often involves direct contact with clients and customers. Invoicing and time monitoring are two necessary components of your project management system.
Therefore, the system should have a time tracker that allows you to start the clock and track the time taken to perform the activities. Moreso, the use of Microsoft Teams and Outlook for resource scheduling is highly recommended for a more efficient team project development. It should also allow you to enter the recommended time frame for each project activity manually.
5. Work Collaboration tools
Improved collaboration is the goal of project management. A proper management system should guarantee an excellent avenue for collaboration with customers and colleagues. It should have:
- Live chat features
- Message boards
- Allow sharing of documents and files
6. Budget Management Tools
Defining a project’s budget then implementing and monitoring it in real-time is critical in maintaining a high project performance. When choosing your project management system, pay attention to how the allocation of costs and accounting is allowed in the system.
7. Multi-level Customization Tools
A proper project management system should support the individual project manager fully by facilitating the activities. It should be able to quickly adapt to any kind of project through the creation of:
- Custom reports
- Custom fields
- Custom advanced analysis
8. Integration with Management Tools
Project management is interconnected, so a management system should maintain this. Analyze what connections and evolutions the project management system allows. It should integrate with all major corporate ERPs and CRMs.
9. Remote Feasible Tools
Remote working has become a norm, so project management freelance apps should allow working on various platforms. Can it connect on an iPad or tablet? Choose a project management system that can perform multiple systems such as android and ios.
10. Technical Assistance Tools
Technical assistance is an integral yet often overlooked component. A sound project management system should clearly show how to obtain timely technical assistance. Timelines are essential to project management, so this is a component your software cannot afford to miss.
Consider Using Freelance Apps Today
Whether you are managing large, complex projects or a simple-structured business, life is much easier when you use a project management system. Consider the above ten components when choosing a project management system, and you’ll be sure to land on the perfect system for your needs.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
