Project management software: The best tools in comparison

In the company, many processes are dealt with with the help of projects, the processing of which can become a real challenge. Because the high planning and resource effort often leads to non-calculable problems that can ultimately even fail completely. Good project management software supports you in achieving your goals and ensures that you keep an overview of the ongoing processes at all times. In this article we present the best tools for Windows and Mac in comparison.

1. Asana: The egg -laying wool milk sow

Asana is a real multi -talent because it combines all important functions for project management, task management and communication under a common surface. This not only uses it to be used across industries (e.g. for construction projects or in software development), but also enables a very transparent and agile work. The dashboards and lists are based on the Kanban method, in which the tasks are moved from left to right, similar to a whiteboard.

The user interface is very clear and structured. In addition, numerous integrations ensure additional comfort. With the help of email integration, for example, you convert messages that are sent to Asana directly into executable tasks («e-mail-to-act»). You can also create project schedule and represent as a Gantt diagram using the contemporary view.

Tipp: On the Asana development page you will find numerous instructions and information for the development of your own APIs.

The mobile versions for iOS and Android offer the same range of functions as the desktop version, but the use requires a permanent internet connection, just like this. The manufacturer also offers a free basic version of the tool, which is a good entry option, especially for new PM. The premium tariffs start at around 9 euros a month.

2. Monday.com: User -friendly and intuitive

You get a maximum of user-friendliness with the Israeli project management tool Monday.com. The software can be used without special knowledge and also has some sophisticated collaboration functions, with the help of which you can centralize the entire (project) communication at one point. The cumbersome exchange of information via an external mail mailbox is therefore completely eliminated.

Thanks to numerous integration options, the functionality of Monday.com can be expanded almost arbitrarily, and you can also use your preferred programs directly from the tool. There are currently 18 different platforms (including Gmail or Dropbox) available. Synchronization with Microsoft Outlook and the Icalendar is also not a problem in Monday.com.

On the other hand, a classic reporting, as you may know from other tools, does not offer Monday.com. The software is structured in such a way that you can record the essential information at a glance and thus be easier to analyze the individual areas of your processes and projects.

Monday.com also exists as a mobile version for iOS and Android, which you can download free of charge from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. The price for the monthly subscription depends on the range of functions and the number of users.

3. Clarizen: The project management software for professional services

Clarizen is a web-based project management tool that was primarily developed to automate processes at an enterprise level. In addition to structuring and monitoring, the focus of the software is primarily on enabling faster and more efficient work.

On the dashboard you can track the status of your current projects in real time and see at first glance the associated tasks including due date, time recording and the employee responsible. The surface can be configured individually, for example, you can also display project schedule, milestones or joint documents with if necessary.

Clarizen also offers functions for budget creation and automatically calculates how realistic or profitable a objective is actually. You will also receive regular reports on current progress and budgeting by email.

The web app can be operated either via the browser or integrated in Microsoft Outlook, Google Docs or Ical via add-on. In this way you also have the option of viewing your appointments directly via the dashboard. The package is completed by an integrated resource and roadmap management, which is a little reminiscent of Microsoft Project.

The prices for Clarizen start from $ 60 per user and month, but the manufacturer also offers a free trial version.

4. Atlassian Jira: Flexible solution for different areas of application

Jira was originally developed as a bug tracker and, however, has established itself as an extremely efficient and productive solution for a wide variety of areas of application in the company. The tool primarily relies on transparent and structured handling of information and, in addition to individual dashboards and integrated release management, also offers a whole series of report options.

At Jira you have the choice between two different hosting options:

• At the Cloud-Hosting the manufacturer takes over the furnishings and hosting for you.
• At the Self-Hosting However, manage your Jira instance completely.

Processes and processes are displayed on the Jira board. There are three types available here: one Scrum-Board (for teams who work on the basis of sprints), one Kanban-Board And a so -called Next-Generation-Board (for teams who don't have so much experience in the PM yet).

In addition to an extensive programming interface (for APIs) and SDK integration, Jira with Jira Query Language (JQL) also has the opportunity to program her own filters. This saves, for example, your searches for a later use or fit the workflow even better to your requirements with custom fields.

5. factro: Projektmanagement Made in Germany

The project management software Factro comes from the company Schuchert Managementberatung GmbH & Co. KG from Bochum. The provider works exclusively with certified data centers in Germany and Corresponds to the data backup and processing of German or European legislation.

Good to know: On request, you can also conclude an order processing contract (AVV) with FACHRO.

Projects are divided into «packages» and «tasks» in Factro. A package always represents a collection of several tasks that are required to achieve a project section. Thanks to the project structure plan and milestones, the tool can also plan far more complex projects. In the dashboard you can List view, a Kanban board or a Gantt diagram choose. However, the latter is only available to the users of a business or professional tariff. In addition, there is no possibility of displaying the critical path and creating a network plan.

In addition to the web app, Factro is also available as a mobile version for iOS and Android. The data transmission between the end device and the cloud is encrypted. For smaller teams with up to 10 people, the free basic cloud is sufficient. There are more functions in the paid packages (from 7.99 euros per month and user).

Some other project management tools can be found in the following video:

(53 votes, average: 4,10 out of 5)

Loading…