Project Management Tools

You could use pencils and paper. In fact, that's how the Egyptians managed the Pyramids project, and it turned out OK. But you probably don't have as much time as they did. You need some project management tool that works fast with as little work from you as possible. This sounds like a job for computer software.

There are software project management tools galore. Some are general, flexible frameworks, while others are customized for specific industries and types of projects. Some software runs on your desktop while other programs run on the vendor's server, and you access them via the Web. But all software project management tools have certain features in common:

• Task management
• File storage
• Reporting functions
• Client access
• Subcontractor task assignment
• Time tracking
• Security

Security is most important when using online project management tools. You should have SSL encryption on your connection to the online project management tools so that hackers (most likely, competitors!) can't intercept and read what you're doing.

Online project management tools are typically priced like hotel rooms: you pay by the time you're going to use it, and the price per unit of time depends on the amenities you want. Some Web-based project management tools include Codendi, Redmine, ProjectPier, Trac, Project HQ, Collabtive, eGroupWare, Kforge, OpenGoo, and ClockingIT.

Open source project management tools are free to use, even to customize any way you want. Open source project management tools include Open Workbench, dotproject, Taskjuggler, activCollab, and Projectory.

There are many different project management tools. Indeed, sourcing a project management tool for your organization's needs is itself a pretty big project. You need: a requirements list; a list of potential programs; tracking of which programs you have ordered, received, and tested; feedback from users; and notes on pros and cons of all each program.

Don't get bogged down in all the details of project management tools. Just grab one recommended by a friend or some guy on the Internet and get started. As you learn the ins and outs of one program you will develop your own judgment of what to look for in the future.