What is the Best Project Management Software for Your Business

Finding the best PM software is like going shoe shopping–you have to figure out which one is the best fit for your business. Organizations that undervalue project management experience 50% more project failures, highlighting the importance of choosing the right tools. Here are some of our favorite recommendations, so you can get an idea of which scaling system may best suit your needs.

What is Project Management Software

Project management (PM) software is an online platform used to plan, organize, and manage the resources and tools a business needs to operate daily. As a result, PM software plays a critical role in a business’s ability to stay on top of projects, maintain workload, organize business processes, procedures, and people, and ultimately scale.

Mastering Project Management for Projects of All Sizes

Managing both small projects and large initiatives requires a combination of strategy, organization, and the right tools. Here’s how you can handle it all:

Leverage Versatile Project Management Tools

• Choose the Right Software: Opt for user-friendly apps like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com that cater to both small tasks and extensive projects.
• Centralize Communication: Keep everything in one place to reduce chaos. Use platforms that integrate chat, updates, and document sharing.

Stay Organized and Focused

1. Prioritize: Break down workloads by importance. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to differentiate what’s urgent from what’s important.
2. Set Realistic Goals: For each project, define clear objectives and measurable milestones to keep track of progress.

Adapt Your Strategy

• Flexible Planning: Allow for adjustments. Smaller projects often shift quickly, while larger initiatives might require more static processes.
• Resource Allocation: Efficiently assign resources by assessing project scopes and timelines. This ensures that neither small tasks nor large projects fall short on attention.

Maintain Strong Leadership

• Empower Your Team: Foster autonomy by encouraging team members to take ownership of their tasks.
• Clear Communication: Consistent updates and feedback loops keep everyone aligned and aware of any changes.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll find yourself adeptly handling everything from quick assignments to substantial ventures with confidence and control.

Assessing Your Project Management Software Needs

When we onboard a client at Beyond the Chaos, one of the very first things we do is assess the tools the business is already using to identify areas of opportunity.

If the client already has PM software in place, that’s working for them, we then help them use every feature to its fullest potential and suggest functions that enhance the experience.

If the client has PM software that isn’t working for them, we’ll recommend ways to use it better–or another software that’s a better match. Of course, there is a cost to change software, and we’ll discuss the steps required when changing platforms and whether this transfer is the best option for the client’s goals.

Our team has experience working in various PM software and can even integrate workarounds beyond the standard features to give you the best solution for your money.

If you don’t have PM software in place, don’t worry. It’s never too late to get your business organized. The best PM software for your competitors or peers might not be the best software for you. Finding the right fit is more about you, the client, than the industry. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own!

Integrating Project Management Tools with Collaboration Platforms Enhances Efficiency and Project Outcomes

Integrating a project management tool with a collaboration platform can significantly boost the efficiency and success rate of project management. Here’s how:

Streamlined Communication: By combining these tools, you can centralize communication. Team members can easily engage in real-time chats and discussions, minimizing the need for constant emails. This immediate exchange of ideas helps to quickly resolve issues as they arise.

Efficient File Sharing: With an integrated system, all project-related documents and files are stored in one accessible location. This ensures everyone has access to the latest versions and reduces the risk of duplication or lost information.

Enhanced Organization: Collaboration platforms often offer features like task lists, calendars, and milestones that can be synced with your project management tool. This integration allows for a holistic view of the project timeline and can keep everyone informed of key deadlines and responsibilities.

Improved Meeting Management: Scheduling and conducting meetings becomes a breeze. Virtual meetings can be set up effortlessly within the platform, allowing participants to join with ease and access relevant documents during discussions.

Increased Transparency: Integrated tools provide a clear overview of each team member’s progress. This transparency helps to identify bottlenecks early and ensures accountability, making it easier to adjust workflows as needed.

By leveraging the combined power of a project management tool and a collaboration platform, teams can enhance productivity, stay better organized, and improve overall project outcomes.

Choosing the Best Project Management Software for You

Take a look at some of the best PM software listed below to get an idea of which one is the best for you. 

Teamwork.com 

Teamwork.com is an all-in-one project management software designed for professional service companies. It provides the tools and reports a business needs to maximize time and resources. So, in our opinion, it’s the most robust tool on the market and the best PM software a company can buy.

Beneficial Features: 

• Real-time collaboration with teammates and clients
• Client billing functionality
• Permission control
• Kanban functionality
• Automation
• High-powered API

Pricing Packages:

Free ($0), Deliver ($10/user), Grow ($18/user) Scale (Contact for price)

We are a Teamwork.com Partner and certified expert because we recommend the platform so often. Click here for a free Teamwork.com Audit to check in on your operations surrounding Teamwork.com.

ClickUp 

ClickUp is a productivity software designed to help businesses plan, track, and manage projects. It’s best known for its task management features that allow users to sort, filter, and view the most relevant tasks. In addition, ClickUp is a lower-priced alternative to Teamwork.com if pricing is a concern.

Beneficial Features: 

• Free plan allows unlimited users 
• File storage is unlimited on all paid plans 

Pricing Packages:

Free ($0), Unlimited ($5/user), Business ($9/user), Business Plus ($19/user), Enterprise (Contact for price)

Basecamp 

Basecamp is a straightforward, clean project management tool that offers a great dashboard for discussing ideas, planning marketing initiatives, and communicating with your team. Its functionality is simple, making it a solid entry-level platform for project management. And the best part is, once you outgrow Basecamp, you can seamlessly import your data over to Teamwork.com.

Beneficial Features: 

• Easy onboarding
• Basic project management features
• Dedicated tools to communicate, plan work, give status updates, share files, and more

Pricing Packages:

$99/month with unlimited users 

Asana 

Asana is another entry-level project management software that allows businesses to stay organized through its goals, project, and task functionality. It’s customizable and easy to navigate when onboarding a new user. Import all data to Teamwork.com when you’ve outgrown the platform.

Beneficial Features: 

• Template functionality in paid plans
• Priority and deadline settings
• Projects viewed by list, board, or calendar

Pricing:

Basic ($0), Premium ($10.99/user), Business ($24.99/user)

Beyond the Chaos is an official Asana partner.

Trello

Trello is the most basic project management software you can use. It offers a bird’s-eye view of each project board to allow users to work more efficiently and collaboratively. We recommend Trello to clients who need a simple structure and prefer to work in stages rather than projects. Import Trello into Teamwork.com when you are ready to upgrade.

Beneficial Features: 

• Kanban organizational structure 
• Apps can easily integrate into workflow
• No-code automation

Pricing Packages:

Free ($0), Standard ($5/user), Premium ($10/user), Enterprise ($17.50/user)

Monday.com

Monday.com is a PM software that provides resource management, time tracking, collaboration, reporting, and more. It’s convenient for businesses that may need to track hours, timelines, and invoices. So, we recommend Monday.com for clients who want a more customized solution. Also, Monday.com also imports into Teamwork.com.

Beneficial Features: 

• A focus on collaboration 
• Low-code customizable to suit business needs 
• Many supported integrations 

Pricing Packages:

Individual ($0), Basic ($8/user), Standard ($10/user), Pro ($16/user), Enterprise (Contact for price)

Beyond the Chaos is an official Monday.com partner.

Have you picked out the right PM software for your circumstances? Don’t wait. Get in touch today to get started. We know project management isn’t your favorite part of your business – but it IS ours. Want to know more about how to organize the operations of your business? Head over to our complete guide for successful business operations. A free resource for small business operations.