24 Highly-Recommended Project Management Software

Everyone manages projects differently. Some use email, others prefer visual tools or calendars, and some stick to pen and paper.

But when you work together as a team, you need project management software that suits everyone. Especially now, with many teams working remotely, it’s crucial to have an app that helps track complex projects, collaborate, and keep everyone informed.

The good news? We’ve made things easier for you! We’ve curated a list of the best Project Management Software on the market.

What is project management software?

Think of project management software as your trusty sidekick, which helps you organize, track, and manage tasks across multiple projects. They make better team collaboration, keep everything on schedule, and help meet deadlines.

This software usually includes a work task list, schedules, time tracking, project templates, and progress updates.

Key Functions of project management software

• Project overview and progress
• Task management
• Cooperation
• Resource planning and resource management
• Time Tracking
• Documentation

Good project management software is like task management apps in one but on steroids, where you can view, work on, and manage single or multiple projects without the need to toggle from one app to another. Users can see what needs to be done, who’s doing it, and when it needs to be finished with smooth communication integrated into it, a complete setup!

Our top four picks for project management software

After testing several software options, here are our top four project management tools, which we highly recommend for maximizing work optimization.

Each exhibits exceptional performance in managing projects, task management, time tracking, improving team collaboration, seamlessly undertaking multiple projects at once, and is a leg up compared to other project management software.

With Bordio’s advanced functionality, a simplified interface, and solidly built task management features, users get an all-in-one solution for smooth-running project management and delivery. Bordio supports and targets an enormous scope of work. From planning, executing, and monitoring to team collaboration and project delivery, the software carries team members from start to finish. It’s a straightforward and uncomplicated calendar-based system that caters to all the team’s needs in a single dashboard. Bordio’s leading-edge design replaces extensive to-do lists with a much more precise, day-to-day overview of tasks, enhanced by a color-coding method for quick visual reference.

Bordio also offers practical functionalities such as task estimates, setting due dates, and a waiting list for low-value tasks, which promotes prioritization. Talk about a bird’ s-eye view! The software provides customizable notifications for an enhanced user experience that reminds users of impending tasks and deadlines. Managing projects and effective scheduling are more straightforward because the developer made it accessible on mobile devices. Bordio is on the go!

Project Schedule

Creating a more precise roadmap for your project is easy with this feature. Just use the main board view of the app to map out your daily tasks, events, and meetings for the entire week, which becomes your project timeline. Everybody is on the same page about what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. There’s no losing track of tasks because the whole project schedule is accessible in one place. This feature makes managing your files more accessible, meeting deadlines, and moving forward to the next big project!

Kanban Board

To get a visual overview of your tasks in one go, you should use Bordio’s Kanban board. Customize it as you like, with colors and columns representing each task status. Set up a 4-step or more detailed project; it’s up to you! Unlike other apps, there is no need to click too many buttons because you can easily filter them by users or statuses. The best part is that you can move cards left and right as you move and progress with your project. 

Team Communication

Ever felt frustrated when you had to switch to another tab to message your team about the information you needed and then wait for them to receive it? It takes too long and slows down the process for the whole team. That’s why Bordio’s real-time messaging is such a deal-breaker. Team members convey and relay messages instantly, no matter their proximity, making collaboration easier. All your chat history is saved under a specific task, so you can return to it when needed. With Bordio, it’s all about communication!

Writing Project-Related Notes 

Your project management software should be your second brain, allowing you to capture critical project-related details and information you can access anytime. But you cannot do that without note-taking organization. Bordio’s Project Notes feature is like your digital sticky note. Open a note, write all the details you think are essential, tag the member involved, and start working collaboratively. This note-taking and file-sharing system promotes shared knowledge, teamwork, and accountability. Plus, it has editing tools that everyone’s familiar with and are easy to use. 

Conclusion:

If simple and practical are what you’re looking for in a project management board, then get Bordio. It’s not like any other apps that give you too many features you don’t need. Bordio gives its users a compact app with an intuitive calendar-based system with complete features such as real-time chat, Kanban boards, and project notes. Aside from that, it has time blocks, time estimates, and waiting lists — all necessary for a better workflow. So, whether you’re working with a group of young members or seniors in the field, you’re sure they won’t have a hard time using Bordio because it’s made to be “that” easy.

Teamwork provides feature-rich systems with basic and advanced tools, yet it’s more precise than high-end platforms. It enables effective collaboration with both team members and clients. You can easily organize projects and teams, manage resources and schedules, and more. 

Key features:

• Teamwork’s dashboard lets you focus on your latest tasks.
• Email integration lets you respond to comments and notifications directly from your inbox.
• The time tracker includes an invoicing tab for easy billing and calculating billable hours to generate client invoices.
• Teamwork allows users to share documents, files, and resources, leave comments, and track real-time changes.

Conclusion: 

Teamwork simplifies project management by providing team members with a straightforward interface and essential tools. It includes billing and invoicing features, making it perfect for teams handling client work. With powerful tools, project managers or business owners can monitor time and workload, stay on top of deadlines, send invoices to clients, and much more.

Monday is not just for managing multiple projects; it’s software that helps teams work together effectively and efficiently for successful project delivery. It has all project management features covering all basic workspace needs, such as task creation, resource management, and time tracking. Also, plus points for Monday for its customizable boards and ready-made project plans. 

Key features:

• Gantt chart for a better project overview.
• Timers for accurate time tracking.
• Automation of repetitive tasks.
• Customizable dashboards for project sharing .

Conclusion

All businesses target successful project delivery, and Monday supports just that. While some features may not always be helpful, having them handy is wise. Features like the Workloads and My Tasks tab are used efficiently as a team task tracker.

Nifty‘s layout is designed to allow you to track time for billing, view task progress, and communicate seamlessly with your team. But that’s not all! This project management tool lets you work on documents inside the app or link up with Google Docs for even more flexibility, smoothing the way for brainstorming ideas, sharing updates, and number crunching.

Key features:

• Milestones serve as the core of project organization.
• Tasks are managed within milestones for easy progress tracking.
• The discussion board encourages team communication within the platform.
• Integrated lightweight documents and Google Docs support work processes.

Conclusion 

Nifty prioritizes milestones in project performance and offers unique project management features like Goals to boost team morale during intensive project phases. While it may only suit some teams, it offers a fresh approach to project management.

Other options worth checking out

5. Hive is a robust platform that cultivates teamwork and collaboration. With various team and project templates available, team members can easily manage projects, track progress, and communicate efficiently, all in one spot.
6. MeisterTask has a manageable interface, so teams can easily manage projects, add tasks, and track progress, making teamwork a breeze. With Kanban-style project boards, MeisterTask provides a visual overview and digital workflows, making project delivery easier.
7. Workast is software that serves as a digital to-do list for its users. It keeps things organized and effective and enables project managers to assign tasks, collaborate, and set deadlines within the software. Its spaces are customizable to suit specific business needs and extend its functionality.
8. Jira is a popular project management tool. It’s an umbrella platform that consists of several software developers, all of which combine to offer assistance on task development while securing smooth project execution, no matter the team size. 
9. Basecamp is an easily operated software that caters to small businesses and teams while offering project management features that are available in top-pick software. Basecamp is a straightforward option, with paid plans based on requirements, not users, which appeals to smaller teams or growing businesses.
10. Wrike is a cloud-based project management software that helps keep multiple projects organized and on track. It has built-in resource management features, time-tracking, and budgeting features that help teams do more with less.
11. Airtable is a fun app. Just because we’re in a work setting doesn’t mean we’re banned from having a little fun. With Airtable’s flexibility and highly customizable options, teams can organize projects, track progress, and collaborate aesthetically, making teamwork fun.
12. Asana is one of the more popular project management software programs available. It’s an all-around tool for helping teams efficiently manage projects and tasks for various work organizations. Work structuring, team collaboration, and progress tracking are all available from one labor-saving platform.
13. ClickUp is a robust project management tool that works well for larger teams, even those operating remotely. Access to features that support project planning, organization, and management solutions is available even with the software’s accessible paid plans.
14. Workfront is designed for enterprise and marketing teams and provides an all-embracing project management app. From planning to executing and tracking, it helps teams maintain work from start to finish. The software offers Gantt charts, reporting functions, and asset management capabilities you’d usually find from an Adobe product.
15. Trello offers a unique project management feature set that simplifies prioritization and organization. Teams can create boards, add cards, and move tasks through different stages. Similar to Airtable, it provides a space for a fun and engaging working environment. 
16. Notion s an organized space where teams can create pages for different project templates. It can be customized and tailored accordingly—it’s like having a digital filing cabinet! It adapts to specific needs and requirements, adjusting to how minimal or powerful you need it to be.
17. With Zoho Projects’ built-in collaboration features, such as chat and file sharing, CRM, recruitment system, and sales platform, teams can work together from anywhere. Zoho Projects can support both small teams and large businesses.
18. Range, from the name itself, is designed for teams working remotely. The software maintains transparency and honesty because sharing daily updates, setting goals, and staying connected with your team is not a problem with Range.
19. SmartTask can be described as an intelligent assistant without feelings. It’s known for its prompt reminders, helping you stay on top of your deadlines. SmartTask is an intuitive project management tool that offers real-time charts, effortless time tracking and reporting, and customizable fields.
20. Toggle is your go-to app when tracking is your number one priority. This software gives you different tracking options for teams and tasks. Everything about it is a number game, so you’ll be sure to have a precise data record.
21. ProofHub is a rich and functional platform that is flexible enough to accommodate many workflows. It aims for a stress-free work environment, so task planning, organization, and communication are all arranged in an all-in-one project management software.

Why do you need project management software?

Without a doubt, businesses, no matter the size, run multiple plans, project templates, duties, and team members. The workload, juggling one task after another while managing and keeping everyone aligned towards a common goal, can certainly be daunting. Thanks to technological advancements, project management solutions have become available, and their solutions to our restless project managers cannot be overstated.

Here are the top reasons why integrating such a platform could be a game-changer.

Better planning and scheduling

PM software offers solutions for an efficient project planning and scheduling process. It allows users to single out and trace critical tasks, assign, create timelines, set deadlines, and track progress.

The software’s automated communication allows team members to collaborate faster, even if the project planning was done individually.

Such a platform is used as a project task tracker, allowing the project manager to make timely and appropriate decisions.

Progress tracking

Smart project tracking is one reason to use project management software. It provides detailed timelines, task lists, and progress reports that enable teams to monitor their progress.

Issues are caught before they become problems, ensuring the project is completed on time and within the budget.

Moreover, the software can provide precise and cohesive feedback that can help pinpoint areas for improvement and potential risks. Talk about effective progress tracking.

Project delivery forecasting

The best project management solutions provide insights and predictive analytics on the project’s progress. By leveraging this solution, project managers can gain insight into where the project is heading and foresee opportunities and risks, allowing them to target, plan, and correct them in a timely and efficient manner to avoid costly delays.

All project-related information can be found in a single place

Traditionally, businesses used older tools such as spreadsheets, whiteboards, or emails to track, communicate, and plan a project, relying on one tool for each problem, which seems like a solution from the Stone Age era. The one key feature, and we say the central project management solution feature, is that it provides all solutions in one platform, allowing team members to easily control all aspects of work.

Amplify collaborative environment/ Facilitate teamwork

One of the benefits of the best project management software is improved team collaboration. Notifications and reminders of deadlines can be automated, allowing for sped-up communication and document sharing.

Project dashboards and task management make it easier for project managers to break tasks into smaller, realistic deliverables and delegate them across the team. This helps team members stay organized while working together towards a shared goal.

Keep everyone on the same page. 

Ensuring people are working on the right things is essential for a smooth and successful project delivery. Good thing project management features include allowing everyone to be in the same loop and ensuring the whole team knows what to work on, with task lists and priorities front and center. It gives employees a systematic method to collaborate on projects effectively and efficiently.

The 4 phases of the project management lifecycle

Before we dive deeper into further project management software analysis, it’s essential to understand a project management life cycle. This way, we can target needs from their roots for better software integration.

Here’s our brief take on this:

1. Initiation

The first step is to pinpoint the business needs, problems, and opportunities and deliberate on ways to combat them. During this phase, you’ll establish a goal, determine whether the project is feasible, and identify deadlines and significant deliverables.

2. Planning

Say, the project is approved, the next step is the planning phase. Larger projects are broken down into smaller achievable tasks and assigned to dispersed teams with set deadlines.

3. Execution

This phase turns your plans into actions, and it’s time to get to work! The project manager’s responsibility is to keep the work on track, manage resources, and ensure the work is done in alignment with the original plan.

4. Closure

The final stage is closure once the team has completed all the tasks and work needed for the project. During this phase, final deliverables will be provided, project resources will be released, and the project’s success will be determined. The project manager’s final task is to evaluate what worked and what did not work with the project.

Four types of project management software 

Nowadays, ample project management platforms are versatile and can cater to almost all project management requirements, from task management to task creation, resource management, resource allocation, and team collaboration.

Knowing the types of project management tools by category will simplify selecting the best project management for you.

This serves as a guide for a project manager looking to make an informed and rational decision in choosing the most suitable software for project management.

1. Individual Project Management Software

This software only uses one application to manage all the processes within a project. It gives users access only to what’s necessary and assigned to them. From the name itself, this type of software promotes exclusivity.

2. Collaborative Project Management Software

This type of software brings stakeholders on board. Stored data can be controlled and worked on by anyone with access. With its highly customizable features, the potential for conflicts can be minimized. However, due to its struggle to process real-time changes in data, collaborative project management software may not be best paired with businesses that need to access data simultaneously.

3. Integrated Project Management Software

The software’s ability to execute projects concurrently solves the hiccup of collaborative project management software. Any data input is stored in a mainframe, allowing different team members to access changed data in real time.

4. Client-server Project Management Software

Cloud-based management software are applications that are hosted in the cloud. One of this design’s key features is enabling access to data from anywhere.

When should you invest in project management software?

When deadlines are missed, processes are all over the place, and miscommunication arises, it may be time to consider investing in a suitable solution, such as a project management app.

If you’re running a business, you should consider investing in software before a problem arises. While essential tools such as spreadsheets are available, the more your business grows, the less beneficial these tools can be.

Here are three obvious signs that it’s time to invest:

Growth

The most notable factor in decision-making is your business’s growth pace. If you’re taking on more projects and hiring more team members, it is ideal to give project management software a chance to help you. As communication becomes more challenging, you may also need to create a system of collaboration, which is almost impossible without the proper tools.

Project management platforms will also help set the stage for enabling and supporting your growing business. An expanding business equals more tasks, complex projects, and complicated processes that require automation and tools to manage all the pieces for project success.

Interdependency

For startups and small companies, team members are dispersed individually or work in smaller groups. However, as the business expands, complexities and the need for better collaboration come with it.

Interestingly enough, even if your business is stagnant, changes in functional structures or physical locations can be a sufficient reason to invest in project management software.

Communication and integration become challenging if you hire contractors or remote workers.

Efficiency

Without project management software, timely delivery of manual tasks, such as entering data into spreadsheets, will also be a struggle. It requires more time from the start and will likely promote backlogs due to errors and misplaced data.

Project management platforms aid the need for manual and repetitive tasks, allowing more time for analysis and planning while also eliminating the possibility of overworking employees with repetitive tasks. Nobody’s happy when their spreadsheet crashes and they lose the report they’ve been working on.

Keeping your team members happy and fulfilled is one major factor when investing in software.

Questions to ask yourself when looking for the best project management software

Suppose you’re still wondering what to look for or what to select from the many available project management software programs. In that case, these questions are created to specify and precisely target your software needs and requirements.

1. What is the scope?

This question targets the extent to which you will use the software. It’s best to pick software that aligns with the size of the projects you’ll manage and identifies whether it’s for personal use, will support an entire team, multiple teams, or multiple companies.

2. Who are the end-users?

Identifying the number of people using the software, their demographics, and their roles can help estimate the budget needed for the software and identify the combination of project management features to look for.

3. Does it simplify managing my team’s time and resources?

As you take on more significant projects, the likelihood that tasks need to be automated increases. Something as simple as tracking will be next to impossible in the good old spreadsheet. That’s why it’s essential to select a project management software that allows you to monitor resources and enables you to rearrange and reprioritize tasks accordingly.

4. Will it help my team start projects quickly and effectively?

Setting up the project for success starts at the beginning. The first goal is to avoid poor planning and slow execution by selecting software with forms and templates to support project creation and setup. After all, there would be no successful project outcomes if it were a failure.

5. Which project management methodology will be used?

The chosen project management methodology influences the effectiveness of the software. For best results, visualize your future projects and their current contributors using Kanban boards, flowcharts, task lists, Gantt charts, or other combinations aligned to your needs. Identify how effective these methods are and select from there. 

6. What project information needs reporting?

While most project management software has a reporting feature, the specific benchmarks analyzed can vary from software to software, as can the deliberation of the reports within the platform based on the given data. Identifying the reporting features you need can help you differentiate the software at a glance.

7. Will it streamline collaboration, feedback, and approvals?

Relying on emails or shared drives for communication can lead to missing or duplicated information. The best project management software allows you to gather all files and feedback together in one place. Documents can be attached to their respective tasks, support proofing approvals, and provide real-time alerts of project-related notes, allowing team members to work concurrently.

8. Is it flexible enough for my team’s diverse needs?

Each business has its structure, unique tasks, hierarchy, and project types. One of the most effective strategies for picking the right software is to ensure it’s customizable to your team’s work style and preferences.

9. Will it reduce busywork and give us more strategic time?

One goal is to reduce tasks that don’t provide much value to your business. Don’t get me wrong; the tasks still need to be worked on, but the objective is to have them take up as little time as possible. An intelligent pick is software that will help you automate and streamline the low-value tasks to make way for the high-value ones.

10. What is the cost?

Cost is one of the top things to consider when choosing the right PM software. While choosing budget-friendly software is paramount, you must also consider the features you are paying for; sometimes, you pay for project management features you don’t need. 

Key features to look for in project management softwar

Project complications happen when working on a large project with scores of moving parts that don’t align. Without proper alignment and harmony, there’s a higher chance of project delay due to reduced productivity. That’s why project management software is integrated into teams and their workspaces. 

In a perfect world, a magical tool would cover everything in our required project management functionality. Still, the reality is that there is an abundance of options available, making it daunting to find software that serves as almost all, if not an all-in-one, solution to our seemingly never-ending project task list.

The workaround is to secure these key features first and select from there.  

1. Project calendar 

If you can keep up with projects and deadlines using one or two calendars, you may not realize the importance of a calendar feature in project management software. On the other hand, a project management app that includes a project planning calendar has its own targeted benefits. Yes, traditional calendars can support our work on a day-to-day basis, but to what extent?

We have to admit that a growing business needs foolproof planning and collaboration. While your good old calendar can notify you of deadlines, it cannot inform you of the hierarchy of projects, who they are assigned to, and their progress. On the contrary, project calendars have all these options in one place.

Benefits of a project calendar include:

• Manually track and plan projects.
• Prioritize particular projects, teams, and data.
• Status, channel, and task assignees are organized through a color-coding scheme.
• Overview of projects daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

Remember that conventional calendars are not designed to support the level of detail that project management software can provide. Look for a system that gives you a bird’ s-eye view of everything running.

2. Project collaboration

Many obstacles can lead to project delivery delays. Significant factors include poor project planning and miscommunication. A project collaboration feature is a compact platform that allows team members to collaborate, share information, keep everyone on the same page, and work together efficiently towards a common goal.

Benefits of comments & communication include:

• Automated project timelines
• Real-time status updates
• Event and deadline alerts 
• Bridge communication gap

It all boils down to communication; after all, communication is key!

3. Comments & Communication

Comments allow leaving notes on folders, tasks, and projects within your workspace. This functionality allows you to ask questions, provide updates, and communicate with other team members. This feature lets you quickly relay and convey messages without needing emails or other messaging platforms. 

Benefits of comments & communication include:

• Keeping all conversations within the software.
• Recipients can easily access new and old comments tied to a task or project.
• Eliminating the need to toggle between workspaces and messaging apps.
• Tag colleagues in the comments.

For best practices, it is essential to utilize such features to help avoid project delivery errors.

4. Time tracker

The time tracking feature can improve work planning, deadline estimates, and project progress. This feature makes it easy for project managers to keep track of everything, such as hours spent on individual tasks, accuracy, and employee effectiveness.

Benefits of a time tracker include:

• Allowing team members to add time entries.
• Tracking hours by task, project, and employee.
• Reducing micromanagement.
• Discovering bottlenecks and inefficient processes by monitoring task duration.

The time tracker eliminates employee multitasking and prevents them from being stalled by non-critical tasks, ensuring everyone’s efficiency.

5. Relevant task views (Kanban board / Task list / Gantt chart)

Simple as setting up project dashboards and not being able to visualize progress in real-time is overbearing.

It’s essential to look for software that offers impressive project visualization, something as reliable as Gantt charts, Kanban Boards, and task lists that will set a clear path for project planning and execution. 

This is what the Gantt chart looks like

The horizontal bars represent tasks and project timelines, making it easier for teams to see a graphical depiction of a project schedule and monitor it more effectively.

On the other hand, a Kanban board is a visual representation of both workload and process. It aims to avoid bottlenecks and helps run projects smoothly and efficiently. 

Finally, Task List! Below is an example of an optimized and automated overview of tasks, individual duties, and deadlines stacked and listed.

Benefits of Relevant Task views include:

• Project visualization and organization at its best.
• Optimized workflow.
• Seamless planning, tracking, and execution.
• Real-time collaboration.

One of the chief characteristics of quality project management software is that it can support the entire project life cycle. Remember, it should make your life easier!

6. Note-taking feature

For the most part, if not always, ideas, comments, reminders, or important information related to the project should be documented, as it helps everyone on the team stay connected, informed, and understand the context of changes. 

Benefits of a Note Taking feature include:

• Notes that can be seen across the whole team.
• Better organization and tracking of thoughts, tasks, and project details.
• Better communication among team members.
• Serves as a reference point for past and future discussions.

It’s not debatable that documentation serves as a memory aid for insights, decisions, and discussions so that important information isn’t lost or forgotten.

How to start implementing and integrating project management software

Finally, you’re leaning towards purchasing your first project management software and eyeing these three best matches that can cater to all your project’s needs. A smart move is to strategize implementing and integrating the software into your project and team members. 

Let this be your guide:

Assess your needs

The first step is acknowledging what seems to be making your life difficult. You can pinpoint this by adequately assessing your company’s needs, which will help forecast the ROI. Everything that can make your work life easier and bring you success is an investment. 

Choose the right software

Once you’ve figured out precisely what fits your need in software, it’s time to narrow down the list. Considering the size of your business and the scope of needs, it may help get the team’s two cents while re-visiting this article as your guide. After all, this article aims to educate and help you choose the right platform. 

Plan for project launch

Just like any other project you’ll work on, the software implementation needs proper preparation and planning before execution. At the very least, this implementation strategy includes a complete timeline, a communication plan, a software training plan, and established roles and responsibilities for every team member. 

Implement project management

Whether your team is a first-time project management software user or you’ve just upgraded to a better one, the execution phase is a transition process. This means that data entry, ensuring your IT department is advised, and having a backup plan should be ready in case something goes wrong during the implementation.

Stay open to feedback

The best practice actively seeks feedback and input on the software’s primary users’ usability, performance, and functionality. This will help identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments for optimal impact on project outcomes. Plus, you can ensure that the PM software continues to meet your business’s developing needs.

How much does work management software cost?

Costs for any PM software depend on business needs and demands, from essential task management to complex projects and project planning.  

Like any other product in the market, project management software costs vary. From project management features to the number of users, several deciding factors can affect the pricing plan, and here’s a short rundown:

The software vendor

Different software vendors offer project management solutions at different price points. Popular vendors with established reputations in the market may have more expensive paid plans due to brand recognition, advanced features, and reliability. Alternatively, newer, less famous vendors may offer more affordable options as they try to break into the competition.

The software functionality 

Another cost-affecting factor of project management software depends on the set of features and functionalities it provides. Software packages with sensible yet basic features like task management and collaboration may be more affordable. However, software with advanced functionalities, such as analytics, automation, and integration with other tools, apps, or systems, may come with higher-paid plans. Assessing the business needs and choosing project management software that balances features and affordability is imperative. 

The size of your business 

The scale and size of the business also impact the cost. Some vendors offer price plans based on the number of users or the business size. More cost-effective options may be available to smaller organizations with fewer users. At the same time, larger enterprises with many teams and team members may require advanced and scalable solutions, which will cost more. 

Frameworks best paired with project management software

In a nutshell, a project management framework is a combination of tasks, tools, and processes that help organizations map out the development of a project throughout its whole lifecycle. 

While some frameworks are designed for general project management solutions, others were built to target specific use cases such as business improvement, IT governance, or software development. 

Now, when choosing a project management framework, managers have diverse options. Here are the six best options for you:

Kanban 

The Kanban Framework is a visual representation of project backlogs. This style eases the likelihood of bottlenecks using better workflow and progress visualization.

One of the most straightforward frameworks, yet one of the most flexible, as it is compatible with existing organizational settings, aiming to introduce small but meaningful changes. 

Agile

This project management framework prioritizes cross-functional collaboration and ceaseless improvement. It splits projects into minor aspects and helps teams evolve through the project.

Agile’s universal approach can be used for any project or team. The catch is deciding which framework to use with it. 

Waterfall

From the name itself, Waterfall is a linear process in which work cascades down and is organized in a sequential and successive order.

This straightforward approach manifests task dependencies as they are requisites of one another.

Scrum

This is a different approach from Waterfall, as this framework promotes dependencies. Tasks are uniquely delegated to teams of 10 or fewer, allowing a project cycle to be completed in one to two weeks at a time.

Lean

Lean believes that less is more. It aims to cut to the chase, creating a simple process by reducing “waste.” 

While reducing waste was initially referred to as a physical product, Lean refers to wasteful practices such as wasted resources through non-value practices and waste through overproduction. 

Ultimately, it aims to do more with less by maximizing teamwork. 

Six Sigma

Six Sigma’s primary goal is to improve processes and eliminate errors ceaselessly. The framework is best for large organizations with more team members who require a more significant impact. 

Should I choose project management software based on my PM Framework?

Your PM framework will directly relate to the features and functionalities you need for project completion. Therefore, yes!

A traditional framework like Waterfall will prompt the need for a task list, dependencies, and benchmarks. At the same time, Kanban will require a board view where tasks are arranged visually according to project phases or collaboration features that allow better coordination.

If you’re familiar with project management tools pricing, you can tell that a Kanban board view is in a high-tier paid plan. Consequently, it will affect the budget and decision of which software to select.

The best free project management software

Honestly, there aren’t any excellent free project management software. If you’re working on a solo project, you’ll find a few tools that may offer a free plan for a single user, but they have limitations. Some restrict the number of users, and other “free” project management software limits the number of projects and storage space or offers less support for you in task management.

You can use other project management software alternatives like Google Workspace or Microsoft Office if you’re on a tight budget. Still, again, they come with their own set of limitations.

Top 6 mistakes when choosing project management software and how to avoid them

Some projects are delivered unsuccessfully as issues can arise from planning and takeoff to completion. Many of these issues stem from oversight, inefficiency, poor creativity and planning, and a lack of the right tools to address issues that can support the team’s workload and responsibilities.

Mistakes are inevitable, even when choosing the right project management software, but recognizing these pitfalls ahead of time can save money and frustration. Remember, prevention is always better than cure!

The software doesn’t meet business needs

Mistake: One of the biggest mistakes people make is unquestioningly picking software without outlining a clear list of the business needs and requirements and relying solely on assumptions. 
Tip: Make the time to underpin issues, conduct assessments, and research business needs and goals to establish the necessary features and functionalities to support them. 

The selection process is scheduled during a busy period

Mistake: “Timing is everything,” and this is fitting for selecting project management software. Rushing into it and not dedicating enough time to choosing the right software sets one up for failure. 
Tip: Plan the software selection as a project and plot it into a calendar. This makes it an official task that needs time and dedication.

Cost is prioritized over quality 

Mistake:Opting for the cheapest software option while jeopardizing the quality, reliability, and ROI is a no-win situation. What’s the purpose of project management software if it doesn’t offer you a solution?
Tip: When selecting software, strike the right balance between cost and functionality. Assess the usability and serviceability of its project management features.

Unthinkingly following trends 

Mistake: There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in project management software. What works for others might not work for you. 
Tip: Don’t purchase software because it’s hyped or trendy. Instead, evaluate options that address and support the business needs and requirements.

Failing to check references or reviews 

Mistake: Skipping research on customer references and forgetting to read reviews from other users before buying the software.  
Tip: When buying a product online, we check the reviews and ratings before entering our credit card information. The same should be done before buying project management software. 

Failing to gauge integration with existing project management tools

Mistake: Not giving much thought to software integration is self-sabotage. What if it’s not compatible with existing processes and tools? That’s money down the drain
Tip: Always consider how the new software will fit into your existing workflow and ecosystem to diminish disruptions and maximize project efficiency, setting a seal on a smooth transition and long-term success.

Industries that benefit the most from project management software

The truth is that collaboration becomes significantly more complicated as business grows. This poses a massive challenge as their growth depends on the size of the projects they undertake and the number of successful deliveries. The modern solution for our project management problem is software! 

While project management software is flexible and can be used by all industries, below is a list of the common ones that benefit most.

Marketing Agency

The short explanation for why Marketing Agencies benefit primarily from project management software is that it allows marketers to run campaigns efficiently.

As marketers undergo an intensive brainstorming process at the beginning of a campaign, software solutions are already purposeful. From distributing tasks to members to marketing campaign launches, the software acts as a trusty marketing associate for managers.

Construction

Grand, towering structures and majestic skyscrapers are built with teams of hundreds of members, and these projects can take several years to complete. 

Without the proper tools and guidance, the finished product may be substandard, and production may take longer than usual. This is where project management software comes into play. Ideally, software integration should be made as early as possible to manage projects from beginning to end. 

Project budgeting is the most helpful feature for those in the construction industry. It ensures that companies don’t go over or fall below the budget for materials. 

IT

Something as broad as information technology, which usually entails handling digital security and program development, requires a robust solution to efficiently distribute the line of work, ensuring no oversight and supporting a remote work setup. 

Perchance the software’s best service is through projects that tackle strengthening the security, ensuring assets are safe from breaches and hackers in an establishment the IT team is tending.  

Law

A law firm run by competent lawyers may not need intellectual assistance. However, when faced with multiple clients and cases daily, a digital personal assistant that helps reduce risk, standardize legal projects, and suppress manual processes is practical. 

When incorporated into the legal industry, project management software makes it easier for lawyers and managers to track time, manage clients effectively, and improve overall project management, communication, and workflow. 

Event Management 

All events involve scores of moving parts. From speakers, attendees, food, decor, and sound to the stage, everything is meticulously arranged and planned for success. Perhaps the most notable reason is that event management greatly benefits from project management software. 

Education

The hardest part of teaching is setting up a school year’s lessons across multiple classes. With a great project management app, creating an organized curriculum and syllabus has never been easier, even for a large class.

Faculty members can also utilize the software to better coordinate with each other and set up alerts for assignment/project deadlines.

Video Game Development

The game development industry has come a long way. Of course, along with its growth is the complexity of the work required to develop a game. Developers can fast-track and organize the work required to create the games by incorporating project management into the workflow. Being organized also reduces the risk of producing buggy games.

How many project management tools do I need?

Ideally, you would not need more than one project management software. However, in unique cases, circumstances may require one tool for communication, another for file sharing, and yet another for task management if and only if your current project management software doesn’t have all these at once. Though this may be frustrating, an important thing to remember is that the best project management software should let you integrate all these features you currently use.

Is project management software worth it?

The short answer: YES!

When you find the best project management software for you, it will offer an almost endless list of benefits. The first thing that comes to mind for most project managers, productivity seekers, and teams taking on multiple projects is task management and efficiency as the reason to purchase software. Still, the right software can do more than increase the number of project deliveries.

If you decide to invest in a great project management app, you can seize up silos and focus on larger goals.

What happens when you don’t have project management software?

Project management software serves many purposes and functionalities that surpass the traditional organizing and scheduling of work. 

Indisputably, it is vital for operating a business, managing projects, helping teams perform their best, and accomplishing projects with desired results. For ages, organizational teams have settled and continue to settle with traditional solutions. Unfortunately, most organizations fail to see this. 

Below are a few issues businesses face rooted in the absence of project management software.

Low visibility

Team members who lack access to a real-time schedule of tasks and deadlines waste time, effort, and resources. Receiving updates requires extra effort, resulting in more wasted time that could have been allocated to a high-value task. 

Missed Deadlines

Being aware of the deadline but having no idea about the workload involved? A disaster waiting to happen! 

Little to no credibility

When you miss deadlines and fail to meet expectations, whether for a completed project or not, the business loses its credibility. Deadlines are like promises; they should not be broken under any circumstance.

Is project management software secure?

Data privacy and security are ultra-critical in project management software to safeguard sensitive information and data, comply with regulations, block unauthorized access, maintain integrity, and reduce the risk of both internal and external threats.

A great project management tool offers many levels of security. Project management software development teams have integrated security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor authentication (MFA). These notifications show security updates and patches, intrusion detection, user activity monitoring, data encryption, and privacy protection. Businesses should commit to seeking such protection.

The best project management software for your team

Still wrestling your way through managing your team projects and deadlines? Still settling with stone-age, traditional solutions that barely keep up with your modern needs? 

Darn! Does it feel like you’re just making ends meet, workspace edition?

Why not try Bordio? It’s an all-in-one, user-friendly solution that supports and smooths your project management and delivery path. It’s a leg up!  

With Bordio, you can kiss the chaos goodbye!