Running a successful business is not as easy as it sounds. You have to master the art of project handling, time tracking, resource allocation, dependency mapping, and project status monitoring. Boosting team collaboration and communication is also a must.
You are mistaken if you think you can do all this by yourself, especially in a large-scale organization. Maintaining optimal balance while handling multiple projects simultaneously is a nerve-wracking task. However, project management solutions have made it a hassle-free task.
Don’t go around looking for the best vendor in town. We have meticulously curated a list of best-of-breed project management software that are the linchpin of the business spectrum. Let’s dive into their details.
Trello
Trello is a kanban-style software that makes the impossible possible by bringing teams together. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface encompasses a series of boards, lists and cards to organize tasks. Trello elegantly handles projects from the get-go. Also, it streamlines project streams, unleashes the team’s creativity and features a well-structured resource hub. Trello upsurges organizational productivity by visualization and putting innovative ideas into action.
Key Differentiators
- Workspace level templates
- Advanced checklists
- Custom fields
- Public board management
- Organization-wide permissions
Pros
- Centralized administration
- Easy project planning
- Collaborative specs for team coordination
- Integrations via “Power-Ups”
Cons
- Lacks advanced reporting capabilities.
- No built-in budgeting tools.
Price
Starting at $5 per user/month and up, except for the free bundle.
Wrike
Wrike is a flawless project management and collaboration tool offering countless benefits to clients. It simplifies the task management and assignment. Wrike allows users to initiate productive projects by setting milestones, encouraging team collaboration and conducting analytic reports. This scalable software adapts as the business grows, driving efficiency and productivity. Wrike even maintains 360° visualization, improving project visibility.
Key Differentiators
- Cross-tagging
- Project resource planning
- Kanban boards
- Dynamic request forms
- 400+ Integrations
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Time and budget tracking features
- Foster teamwork
- Drive strategic initiatives
Cons
- Lacks note-taking capability
- Granular reporting can be improved
Price
Starting at $9.80 per user/month and up, except for the free plan.
ClickUp
ClickUp is a client-oriented AI solution built with the needs of corporations in mind. The software offers an integrated suite of marketing, HR, software development and PMP certification, engineering and operational management functionalities. ClickUp works beyond users’ imagination, shaping project workflows like never before. It leverages tech-savvy tools, encouraging teams to work smarter. With its realistic work management services, ClickUp makes teams more productive and efficient.
Key Differentiators
- Workload and box view
- Scrum points
- Real-time editing
- Drag-and-drop attachments
- Custom and formula fields
Pros
- Visually appealing
- Helps hit the goals
- Time tracking and estimation features
- 20+ real-time views
Cons
- The interface may be overwhelming for smaller teams
- Basic reporting may not suffice for complex analytics needs
Price
Starting at $7 per user/month and up, except for the free plan.
Quire
Quire is a tech-inspired project management software equipped with exquisite functionalities that help teams flourish. Its motto is “Dream. Plan. Achieve,” and it makes tireless efforts to accomplish it by setting dynamic timelines, visualizing project flows, etc. Quire has a built-in focused sublist view, thus keeping teams focused on the right things. The winning edge of Quire is that it enables teams to make decisions backed by concrete facts.
Key Differentiators
- Smart folder
- Custom fields
- Smart tracking
- Nested task lists
- Calendar and time tracking
Pros
- Organize team agendas
- Fosters clutter-free workflow
- Pinpoints roadblocks
- Slack, Zappier, and GitHub integrations
Cons
- Workspaces are not intuitive
- Calendar syncing is incompetent
Pricing
Starting from $7.65 per user per month and above, excluding the free plan. Also, Quire offers monthly and annual subscription plans.
Smartsheet
It is an enterprise work management and collaboration platform shaping organizational workflows and processes at scale. Smartsheet combines best-in-class client experience with consistency to drive effective project delivery and alignment. With Smartsheet, companies gain confidence to scale to new heights as the vendor aligns with their personalized needs. Also, it provides teams access to crucial data without jeopardizing data confidentiality and aids with strategic transformation.
Key Differentiators
- Portfolio management
- Resource management
- Digital asset management
- Account administration
- Secure request management
Pros
- Build solutions at scale
- Streamline workflows
- Effortlessly works for multifaceted companies
- Provides thorough assistance
Cons
- Terrible support
- Outdated interface
Pricing
Starting from $7 per month per user and above, except for the free plan.
Monday.com
Monday.com is not just software but a platform for workspaces. It puts forth a new way of working, transforming business norms and boosting team efficiency and alignment. It has dipped its fingers into sales, marketing, finances, IT, HR tasks and project management. With its diverse feature range, monday.com keeps projects in check and teams in the loop, maximizing productivity.
Key Differentiators
- Resource allocation and management
- Portfolio management
- Risk and issue management
- Formula and dependency column
- Whiteboard collaboration and embedded documents
Pros
- Robust project management
- Multiple project views and permission settings.
- Budget and resource allocation features
- Automated workflows for process efficiency.
Cons
- Relatively higher starting price point.
- May be overly complex for small teams or freelancers.
Price
Starting at $8 per user/month and up, excluding the free plan.
Forecast
Forecast software is a robust project and resource management software focused on maximizing returns. This AI-driven tool maximizes team utilization, manages team prioritizes, tracks costs and maximizes profits. Forecast software leverages technologically advanced tools for risk estimation and predictable project execution. The vendor revolves around intelligent reporting, workforce planning and program management.
Key differentiators
- Project baseline planning
- Timesheet locking and approvals
- AI-augmented project status
- Audit logging
- Revenue recognition
Pros
- Advanced project management
- Workflows automation
- In-depth insights for better predictability
- Hits higher margin goals
Cons
- Features need variations
- Should include more integrations
Price
The starting price of the Forecast software is not listed officially. Contact the vendor to inquire about details about its annual priced bundles.
Concluding Remarks
All-in-all, project management tools are pivotal for businesses. They streamline workflow, optimize resource allocation, improve team coordination and track projects. A compatible PM tool can take an organization’s success to a new level, as explained in this guide. These tools unlock team potential, identify roadblocks, and keep projects in check.
So, explore our top picks with fine attention to the details. All the vendors mentioned above have different specs in store for you. So, as we said earlier, assess your requirements, pen down shortlisted features, and, if possible, go for a demo or free trial before investing in a vendor.
