Project management tools refer to various software applications, platforms, and techniques that project managers use to plan, execute, and control projects efficiently. These tools are designed to simplify complex project management tasks, increase collaboration and communication among team members, and improve overall project outcomes. Some examples of project management tools include Gantt charts, project dashboards, agile project management software, and project portfolio management (PPM) software.

What type of project management tool do you need?

As mentioned earlier with the features of a project management tool, it’s important to keep in mind that a PM tool might have what you need, but not to the level of maturity that you need it. To know if a project management software is right for your needs, it’s worth knowing if it’s even a project management tool you need or is it a project portfolio management (PPM) tool.  

The main difference between a project management tool and a project portfolio management (PPM) tool is the level at which they operate.

A project management tool is focused on managing individual projects, providing features such as task lists, timelines, collaboration tools, and project scheduling. It helps project managers and team members plan, track, and execute project tasks to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

In contrast, a PPM tool is focused on managing multiple projects as a portfolio, providing a higher-level view of the organisation's overall project portfolio. It enables project managers and executives to evaluate and prioritise projects based on strategic objectives, resource availability, risk, and other factors. A PPM tool helps organisations optimise their project portfolio by selecting the most valuable projects and allocating resources effectively across the portfolio.

PPM tools typically provide features such as portfolio planning, resource management, risk analysis, financial management, and reporting and analytics. They allow executives to make informed decisions about which projects to prioritise, which to invest in, and which to put a pin in.

What project management tools are available?

When it comes to project management software tools, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best project management tool depends on the specific needs of your organisation, the size of the project, the level of complexity, and the available resources. However, some of the key features to look for in project management tools include ease of use, scalability, integration capabilities, and customisability for several reasons:

Ease of use

Project management tools should be easy to use to encourage adoption by team members. The easier a tool is to use, the more likely team members will be to use it consistently. Fluid has an intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, making it easy for team members to use. Fluid has simple navigation, with drag-and-drop task management, project timelines, and a customisable dashboard that simplify project management and improve visibility.

Scalability

As organisations grow and take on more projects, their project management tool should be able to scale with them.Scalability means that the tool can handle larger amounts of data, more complex projects, and more users. Fluid is designed to scale with organisations as their project management needs grow and can handle larger amounts of data and more complex projects. Fluid’s scalability provides value to an organisation as its needs change and grow.

Integration capabilities

Good project management tools should be able to integrate with other tools and systems that the organisation uses. Integration capabilities allow data to flow between different systems, reducing manual effort and improving data accuracy. You should keep an eye out for integrations that simply duplicate data on each platform, rather than add value. Fluid offers plenty of integrations with other tools and systems, helping you to keep working in a way that suits your organisation including financial systems, as well as Jira and AzureDevOps.

Customisability

Organisations have unique needs and workflows, and project management tools should be able to adapt to those needs. Customisation allows organisations to tailor the tool to their specific requirements, ensuring that it fits seamlessly into their existing processes. Fluid offers a range of customisation options to tailor the solution to an organisation's specific needs. Fluid allows users to create custom project templates, workflows, and project boards. Reporting dashboards can be customised (and saved!)to show the most important real-time project data that you need at a glance.

Fluid allows you to take full control of your project portfolio and deliver the right projects at the right time, with an all-in-one PPM platform. Offering a wide range of features designed to improve project planning, execution, and monitoring, Fluid allows users to create detailed project plans, track progress in real-time, manage resources, and collaborate with team members. Let’s not forget the access to advanced reporting and analytics features, enabling users to gain insights into project performance and make data-driven decisions. Book a demo today to find out how Fluid can help your organisation.

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