advantages and disadvantages of project management softwares
Advantages and Disadvantages of Project Management Software
The main advantage to using project management software is that it eases the complex organization process of a project. Projects are made up of numerous tasks, many of which are inter-related. The software allows a project manager to input these tasks, and the computer is then able to organize them into schedules, budgets, and reports. Tied to that, project management software provides the benefit of a system that records, stores, and recalls all details of a project in one place. This is useful throughout the duration of the project, and also serves as a historical record once the project is complete. Once project information is inputted into the program, the software acts as a tool to analyze information in various ways. Finally, project manager software assists a project manager by easing the communication of progress to other parties through reporting features, data sharing and e-mail.
There are two main disadvantages of project management software. First, in order to benefit from project management software, the user must have an understanding of the project management methodology and vocabulary. Most project management software packages rely on this as a prerequisite. Unless the user follows basic planning and task definition steps, the software will not be of any benefit, and may, in fact, complicate the project.
Second, the information that a project manager inputs into the software is likely to change throughout the course of the project. Reports and analyses produced by the software are based on the data entered in the planning phase. As problems occur and things do not go as planned, the information stored in the softw1are is no longer valid. Consequently, a project manager using software must enter any changes into the computer as they occur, and re-generate analyses and reports. Some project managers feel that this adds to their workload, and outweighs the benefits
The main advantage to using project management software is that it eases the complex organization process of a project. Projects are made up of numerous tasks, many of which are inter-related. The software allows a project manager to input these tasks, and the computer is then able to organize them into schedules, budgets, and reports. Tied to that, project management software provides the benefit of a system that records, stores, and recalls all details of a project in one place. This is useful throughout the duration of the project, and also serves as a historical record once the project is complete. Once project information is inputted into the program, the software acts as a tool to analyze information in various ways. Finally, project manager software assists a project manager by easing the communication of progress to other parties through reporting features, data sharing and e-mail.
There are two main disadvantages of project management software. First, in order to benefit from project management software, the user must have an understanding of the project management methodology and vocabulary. Most project management software packages rely on this as a prerequisite. Unless the user follows basic planning and task definition steps, the software will not be of any benefit, and may, in fact, complicate the project.
Second, the information that a project manager inputs into the software is likely to change throughout the course of the project. Reports and analyses produced by the software are based on the data entered in the planning phase. As problems occur and things do not go as planned, the information stored in the softw1are is no longer valid. Consequently, a project manager using software must enter any changes into the computer as they occur, and re-generate analyses and reports. Some project managers feel that this adds to their workload, and outweighs the benefits