Basecamp is an online project management and team collaboration software with various capabilities. Users can create to-do lists, assign tasks to one or multiple people, attach files that can be shared and searched, and automatically update everyone involved about the status of the to-do items. Basecamp’s third iteration is notable for its emphasis on uncomplicated organization and several communication tools, among its most robust features. The platform also offers a free personal plan with limited features.
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Basecamp Cons and Disadvantages
Basecamp, as a trailblazer in online productivity software, has established a devoted following. The platform’s emphasis on providing only the essential features has made it less daunting for companies that may feel intimidated by technology. Nevertheless, if you intend to use Basecamp for your business, it may be beneficial to obtain additional details.
1. No Tagging or Labeling Function
Basecamp provides dedicated pages for to-dos, schedules, and documents, making businesses more organized. However, the platform does not offer the ability to tag or label to-dos for grouping, categorizing, or prioritizing purposes, which are now standard features in other PM tools. Although Basecamp has a search function and filters, other software also provides these capabilities.
2. No Time or Expense Tracking
Basecamp facilitates collaboration and feedback for those working with clients. However, the platform does not have a built-in time or expense tracking feature, which may be necessary for billing purposes. Users may need to integrate another application or use separate software for managing their timesheets and invoicing clients. Businesses offering professional services may benefit from dedicated PSA software.
3. Limited Features
Basecamp’s tools, such as Ping, Campfire, or Check-in Questions, perform consistently well for their intended purpose. However, businesses that require more than messaging systems, such as analytics or forecasting for resource planning, may need to use other project management software. Basecamp is more of a task management and collaboration software than a project management tool.
4. Limited Cross-Project Views
Basecamp helps manage individual projects with multiple tasks. However, if businesses need to work on various projects and view them all together for a consolidated view, this may be challenging on Basecamp. Integrations can help, but using another PM tool with specific features for working across multiple projects may be better.
5. Limited Customization and Settings
Basecamp users have reported a lack of options to get settings right, such as turning off notifications. Although users can turn off notifications, they complain of a flood of email notifications for everything on the platform if they don’t. Basecamp’s simple all-or-none setting lacks more options, such as personalized settings for notifications.
6. Limited Reporting and Exporting Capabilities
Basecamp’s lack of reporting tools built into the software has been a frequent concern of users. Although real-time updates are beneficial for getting project status or progress, exporting in a report format for presentation purposes, sharing readable documents with clients, or analyzing data may not be possible without additional tools.
7. Limited Integrations
Basecamp focuses on essentials, designed based on the minimalist philosophy of its founders. However, the available apps and services for integration are limited, restricting teams and businesses that need specific or additional capabilities not offered by the PM tool.
8. Fixed Pricing
Basecamp’s pricing scheme is straightforward. The complete edition costs $99 monthly, including all features, unlimited users, projects, clients, and 500GB of storage space. While this may seem attractive to larger teams and companies, smaller teams that need more features may have to pay more because the required features are not offered.
Basecamp Pros and Advantages
1. Single-Page Projects
Basecamp is one of the few project management apps with single-page projects. Regardless of the project’s size, you can track its progress and stay updated on its status. Even if you have numerous projects running simultaneously, Basecamp ensures that no data is lost, making it easy for your team to follow and complete projects quickly and efficiently.
2. Personal and Business Options
Initially designed for business professionals and small business owners, Basecamp now offers a personal plan that allows individuals to organize their projects while keeping followers updated on projects unrelated to the company. Business plans are still available, but the personal option is less expensive and offers all the same features.
3. Mobile App
Basecamp’s official mobile apps for iPhone and Android users provide a comprehensive overview of your projects, no matter where you are. Third-party solutions are also available for BlackBerry and Windows Phone users. The mobile app even has a chat function for casual conversations or discussing upcoming deadlines.
4. To-Do Lists
Basecamp’s to-do lists make it easier to keep track of specific tasks. They can be assigned to individuals or groups and have due dates added, ensuring everyone knows the deadline. Comments can also be added to the to-do list, making it helpful in discussing tasks multiple people are working on.
5. Easy File Transfers
Basecamp can handle large files, making it a preferred means of transferring files such as wireframes, visuals, images, and PDFs to back up ongoing projects. When files are attached to a message, they are automatically added to the files section of Basecamp for everyone to access, making file transfers more manageable.
Conclusion
In our opinion, Basecamp’s pros outweigh any cons, such as using to-do lists, file transfers, and the ability to keep tabs on everyone’s schedule. However, one criticism is that if a new message or to-do is not assigned to anyone, no one will receive a notification, which could result in messages going unnoticed. The lower costing plans are also limited in the number of projects or users allowed.
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