Good Web Based Project Management Tool: 5 Things To Consider When Looking For One

Joanne is an IT manager and being in the tech field, she is looking for a good web based project management tool that can simplify tasks and do away with complicated reporting. Likewise, the tool should also enable her to collaborate more efficiently with her staff, whether in or out of their desks. So she asked the question:

“Hello. I hope you can help me with my concern. Am in charge of this big IT education campaign within our company and am looking for a good web based project management tool that can help me launch the campaign from the ground up. I really don’t want anything with all the bells and whistles, something basic is good enough for me, even better if it’s free. Any recommendations and tips you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!”  Joanne, MD

Hello Joanne, since you’re working on a specific project, it would be easy and simple for you to consider two major functions of the good web based project management tool you are looking for. One is in the area of project management, how the tool can help you map your project timeline, calendar, contacts and tasks required. Second is the collaboration feature that the software should have specially if you’re working with a team. Various channels of communication such as messaging, chat, email and forums, among others can help all of you achieve your goals in the fastest way possible.

We recommend that you consider the following features when looking for a good web based project management tool:

1. Flexibility. A versatile app should give you freedom to customize your dashboard so that you are able to focus on things you only want to see, minus the clutter. You can set it up to include tasks, items, milestones, due dates , sub-division of projects or any top priority you want to put in there.
2. Pricing. Because of  competition among software providers, the cost for availing of a good web based project management tool often will not cost you a dime. Oftentimes, the company will offer a free trial so the sales prospect can try out the best features first or decide which one suits him. Premium plans are of course available. Oftentimes, it depends on the number of features or the number of users that you want to subscribe to for a billing period, either monthly or yearly. But what’s also nice is that you can also scale your subscription depending on the needs of your small business or project. As the enterprise grows, then you can very well subscribe to the more expensive plans.
3. File storage and management. Project management often involves the uploading and exchange of big files. Look for a tool that has enough gigabytes to accommodate those graphics, visuals, documents, spreadsheets or whatever you may need. Note that the more expensive the plan is, the more gigabytes of storage it can offer you.
4. 24/7 mobility. Related to the above, it is important that you can access information pertinent to your project wherever you are, as long as there is a reliable internet connection. In the same vein, you should be able to work on your project wherever you are, whether  in front of the computer, on your mobile phone or laptop. As such, there is greater flexibility to do the tasks at hand, no matter what place or time of day.
5. Security of data. Being hosted on cloud servers is more advantageous, especially if much of your worklife is anchored on web transactions. Improper file storage and losing  documents can be a nightmare for project managers like you so find a provider that can assure your data is securely encrypted and have no chances of being hacked.

Good luck!

By Stephanie Seymour

Stephanie Seymour is a senior business analyst and one of the crucial members of the FinancesOnline research team. She is a leading expert in the field of business intelligence and data science. She specializes in visual data discovery, cloud-based BI solutions, and big data analytics. She’s fascinated by how companies dealing with big data are increasingly embracing cloud business intelligence. In her software reviews, she always focuses on the aspects that let users share analytics and enhance findings with context.