An increasing number of project managers are becoming involved in the choice of project management software. This is quite logical, as it is the project managers who are the first users of the product.
They will also have strong opinions about what the software should do and how it can help them manage their projects. Here is a list of tips that should help you choose the best software for you.
Customization possibilities
Any good developer should always offer you the possibility to customize the software if you need it. You may want to add additional features or request additional adjustments that you feel are necessary.
In fact, a professional software development team should encourage you to look for ways to customize the product to meet your needs. They will understand that one project management software package will not be perfect for all companies. In other words, you will need to spend some time thinking about what you really need before you choose your software.
Integrating your future project management software
Another interesting point to keep in mind is the integration you want with other systems and processes. A good example in this case is project management software that integrates perfectly with the search engine (Google for example).
If you have this type of integration, then you can effortlessly connect to your Cloud account, Gmail accounts and more. It may not seem like a big deal, but it will make your life easier in the long run. That's another thing you'll need to think about first, as integration needs vary from company to company.
Try and compare
Not all project managers are aware that they can request a trial run on any project management tool that interests them. All types of project software can be tried, which is a huge advantage when it comes to making a good decision. If you are hesitating about making a decision about a software, trying it out can help you decide.
By trying it out in a real-world environment, you can form a solid opinion about how it will work for you. It will also allow you to show it to your team and get their opinion on its usefulness. It is also important to choose software that is easy to use. Indeed, think about making sure that the software you want to invest in is easy to use.
This goes without saying, but some tools are very complicated and users need several days of training. The best product for you will be one that you and your team will find easy to use and that will also suit your future projects. So take advantage of free trials to see how the software works before you commit to buying it.