Other Software Products
The following sections examine several other software packages you might consider for your project.
AMS REAL TIME
A suite of software products from AMS includes several cross-platform compatible programs designed to let you manage your project more efficiently. REAL TIME Projects includes cost management and critical path method analysis; REAL TIME Resources lets you organize and track all resources; REAL TIME Solo allows for interaction with team members; and REAL TIME Server serves up an overview of the project. For details, go to
Artemis Views, 7000, and Knowledge Plan
Artemis offers three powerful software products. Views handles project planning, cost control, tracking, and analysis; Artemis 7000 provides a sophisticated, customized cost-control system; and Knowledge Plan is a well-stocked resource base to assist with cost estimation. To learn more, go to
Often, companies already have software packages or individual programs that they use. If the company already has sufficient project management software to do the job, you probably don't need to buy something new.
B-Liner Project Outliner
This project organizer from B-Liner provides a flexible, user-friendly system you can use to create your work breakdown structure, estimate costs and time, and set up your project schedule. Project analysis and technical development are included. For details, go to
CommonOffice
An easy-to-learn, Web-based management and collaboration tool, CommonOffice helps you save money on IT administrative costs while performing numerous timesaving activities. Some of the possibilities include hiring talent from anywhere in the world, booking boardrooms, and finding rental-car deals for out-of-town stakeholders. The system makes it easy to track and generate reports and coordinate activities with off-site team members and other key players. For more information, go to
iTeamWork.com
iTeamWork offers a simple system for creating projects and tasks and assigning tasks to team members. You can check out the overall status of the project or use the e-mail notification system to communicate with team members about various tasks as they proceed through the project. For details, go to
Journyx Timesheet 4.0
A Web-based time-tracking component, Timesheet works with any operating system and browser. Wireless capabilities let you create time records and track time from anywhere. You can also track billing and payroll, or keep tabs on other aspects of your project. Timesheet 4.0 can be customized to integrate and import information to and from other software programs. For more information, go to
Micro Planner
Micro Planner offers X-Pert and Manager to support different-sized projects. The programs interface with one another to support all levels of an organization. X-Pert is used by high-level executives and can handle up to 10,000 operations (tasks, milestones, etc.) while reporting on both progress and cost performance of many projects. Manager is an easy-to-use, multifaceted program with up to 1,500 operations and five subprojects per file. Data entry on Gantt charts, spreadsheets, work breakdown structures, and reports are all included. To find out more, go to
onProject.com
The onProject Web-based interactive system is designed to help managers work with their team and allocate resources while bringing team members together from any location. For one low price, you can bring as many as twenty team members together. For details, go to
Many software packages offer what-if scenarios to help guide you through a variety of events that may take place. The software can provide alternative methods, find resource conflicts, and display the project at any point along the critical path from any of several desired angles.
OPX2 from Planisware
A Web-based system, OPX2 offers a suite of products for enterprise-wide project management. OPX2 Pro, TimeCard, Server, and Intranet Server will allow you to customize your project planning and reporting based on templates and business rules. Continually refine the process and optimize your production as you work with these fully integrated tools. For more information, go to
Plan & Progress Tracker from 4aBetterBusiness, Inc.
A Microsoft Excel-based program, available for one to ten users, P&P provides planning and actual Gantt charts. The software lets you track all the important elements of your project and provides percentage completion data and a visual warning system. For details, go to
Project KickStart3 from Experienceware
Eight steps in easy-planning icons allow you to quickly start planning your project. Task lists; a library of goals, phases, and obstacles; unlimited report capabilities; sample projects; easy-to-maneuver Gantt charts; and free tech support are features of this comprehensive PM program. To find out more, go to
QuickGantt from Tools-for-Business.com
An easy-to-use software program, QuickGantt includes a pop-up calendar, intuitive worksheet, and, of course, the popular Gantt charts with multiple features and capabilities. QuickGantt allows you to compare actual project data to the original plans, make numerous revisions, and print customized time- and cost-variance reports. For details, go to
Task Manager 2000 from Orbisoft
From single-to 100-user versions, this easy-to-use program is designed to help organize any project. Task lists, budgets, instant snapshot overviews of work in progress, user-friendly graphic-interface custom reports, and direct e-mailing features are all included in this highly rated program. For more information, go to
TeamPlay from Primavera.com
An extensive project, process, and resource management program, TeamPlay was designed as an IT software package to handle numerous projects of varying scopes. A centralized system maintains all project background and data, and can be used with other information systems. For more, go to
Time Control 3 from HMS Software
A widely used, state-of-the-art time-management tool, Time Control 3 links with other popular time-management programs and works as a project timekeeping system. Numerous features include a hierarchical data system, preprepared timesheets, and customization of the user interface. For details, go to
Time Tiger from Indigo Technologies, Ltd.
Designed to replace timesheets, Time Tiger easily tracks all time-recording activities. For Workgroups 1.6 and 2.0, the program also includes invoicing and tools for current project analysis, and can support workgroups of up to 150 users. For details, go to
Which One Is Right for You?
Software packages range from $40 or $50 for a simple one-task program to upwards of $60,000 for the top-of-the-line multiuser programs (for high-level project management). Generally speaking, for $350 to $500, you can own a solid software package to handle the majority of your projects.
Look for clear information about all the features of the program and make sure it comes with whatever documentation you will need to learn how to use it. Also, check for a customer service phone number and see if it is a toll-free number. Save all packaging until you are sure everything works. Then save key information.
The capabilities of these and other programs are quite impressive. Customized Gantt charts, histograms, network diagrams, reports, and detailed tracking systems are among the commonly found features. You'll need to look more closely for other features that you feel will help you as the project manager. The goal is to let the program manage the paperwork, provide a clear picture of the overall project at all times, use calculations and formulas to guide you, and provide early warning signs when necessary. In the end, you'll want to combine modern technology with your own ingenuity, decision-making ability, management style, and people skills.
Discuss your potential selections with others who may have purchased similar software. Often, a recommendation is the best way to determine which program is the best. Decide whether there are potential future uses for the software, particularly if you are buying something for a home or personal project. A program with flexibility will be beneficial to you when you embark on your next project.
