Project management software used to be so expensive and out of reach for many small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies used to spend millions on acquiring tools that help them better manage their projects and make sure they stayed within their budget. Well, gone are those days! As today, numerous software of this kind are already available and have been made affordable even for businesses that are managing just a few projects. Thanks to this cloud-based software, task management has become easier, more efficient, and less stressful.
The software industry brims with different kinds of software for project management, ranging from free versions with limited capabilities to pro versions that are acquired on monthly or yearly subscriptions. Each tool has its own features which dictate their price on the market. Free versions don’t have as many capabilities as the paid ones but most of them are enough for smaller businesses. The subscription versions are mostly used by larger companies that undertake more projects.
Before project managers decide on the software to use, here is a list of the 7 best task management software tools of 2019.
Individuals and small teams will find Trello easy to use and convenient, especially if they are just getting started with task management. Trello features a simple interface and follows the Kanban system which originated in Japan. Its free-form makes it flexible using only cards, lists, and boards, with the cards having the capability to include images and attach hyperlinks and files, as well as due dates and dropdowns. It also has the capability to archive old boards and cards, so they are easy to pull up when needed in the future. Trello is also available in free and subscription versions, where the former can be used with only one power-up or integration per board and has file restrictions. As to the latter, there are more features and definitely little to no limitation at all for $9.99 a month. All in all, Trello is good for starters but for organizations that work with detailed reports, other software is recommended. For those who like to stick to Trello but want to enhance its features, Bridge24 for Trello is a great option.
Wrike’s features are more advanced than those of Trello, but it doesn’t require a lot of time to set up and have the user go through a training period. Users can take advantage of its time-tracking tool, although it doesn’t replace a dedicated time-tracking system. Both the leader who is overseeing the entire project and the member doing a specific task have access to the time tracking feature which is capable of processing some of the most basic requirements. The paid version, which starts at $9.80 per month per user, offers all the software’s options and allows users to use Gantt charts, a built-in reporting suite, and dashboards that are necessary for task management teams. On the other hand, the free version limits the number of users and available features, but is capable of creating an unlimited number of projects. Wrike also has Android and iOS app versions, in addition to its web application.
Basecamp can be best described as having almost all features of many task management tools rolled into one. After all, it’s been in the business for more than a decade now which has earned itself a good following. For Basecamp users, they no longer need other paid services because aside from having the usual features, it also has file storage, private messaging, real-time chat, and scheduling and calendar features. Add to that its neat interface which makes it easy for users to know where to find a message, image, or task. Unlike other software, Basecamp does not have a free version but its 30-day trial is more than enough to see and experience its fluidity and efficiency. Users who want to avail of the software can pay $99 per month which already includes the capability to work with clients on the tool itself through sharing messages with people outside of the organization and email integration. Users can also opt to turn off their notification outside office hours and access their accounts on the web and through iOS and Android apps. Basecamp can be linked to an account on Bridge24 for Basecamp for even better task management capabilities.
Zoho Projects is about efficiency, convenience, and ease of use at an affordable price. Its features include Gantt charts, issue and workflow management, and customized reporting and integration with other services like Google, Microsoft, and Zoho’s own suite of apps. Thanks to its built-in chat app, Zoho Projects takes away the need to jump from one app to another for in-team communication. Additionally, it already includes a basic time tracking tool whose features are enough to track the time spent by members working on a project. Aside from having web and mobile versions of the software, it also offers free and paid versions. The free version allows an unlimited number of users but limits its storage of up to 10MB only. As to the paid version, Zoho Project offers a 10-day trial and charges a flat fee that is based on its features, starting at $20 per month.
LiquidPlanner is not just a great task management tool but is also a great resource management tool at the same time. It contains all the essential features expected of software of this kind, with the ability to integrate with many cloud-based storage providers like Zapier support which allows its users to build automated connections with other tools. One-time projects or those that will not be repeated can be assigned to any individual or group and its impacts are included when computing for project deliverables. Since this software does more than other software that offers similar features, its downside is that it requires more time to get set up and learn its processes. This makes it more suitable for larger teams and businesses. LiquidPlanner plans start at $45 a month per user, for a minimum of five users. The more users require the software, the higher the price of the software. Instead of a free version, the software offers a 2-week trial for its various plans.
Microsoft Project is sold and powered by no less than Microsoft which has been around for more than 30 years now. Because of its name and features, it is one of the most trusted task management software in the world and the top choice of many large task management teams with complex projects. As a result, it has a high learning curve that requires time, expertise, and budget for a team to maximize its capabilities. To be honest, it feels like the other Microsoft Office apps and even works well with them but there are only a few hints or tutorials on how to use them. This makes it more suitable for experienced and trained professionals, especially for its details on every task and resource whether these are people, tools, or physical material.
In terms of presenting management summaries, Microsoft Project has built-in and customizable reports that can be exported to Microsoft Powerpoint.
Users who already have a Microsoft Office 365 subscription can link it to Microsoft Project but have to pay for both separately. Another option is to buy both software as a package and install them on one computer. Subscription starts at $30 per month per user and depends on the features included.
It is easy to understand that a full-fledged task management software is complex but that doesn’t apply to all tools. Teamwork Projects’ interface is still simple to use and straightforward despite its being a full-feature set. Its menu options make it easy to find specific files and apps without going through tons of information and data. Additionally, tasks can be viewed through traditional lists or Kanban boards. Like other tools, Teamwork Projects allows the automation of actions within the app and through integrations but may require time and effort to set up.
Its pricing options vary, including a free version that offers limited storage and can be used for only two projects. Its high-end versions are usually availed by bigger teams, starting at $45 a month, which already includes 100GB of storage space. The software can also be accessed through its web and mobile versions.
Great projects deserve to be completed using equally great task management tools. With the choices above, everything can be done more efficiently and accurately.
Most of the products listed above were taken from this article: Top 10 Best Task Management Software & Tools
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