15 Project Management Tools

I don’t use many sophisticated tools to manage my work or team.  While it may take me some time to create what I need in Excel – I find that the end result is custom fitted to what I need.  Luckily at Rosetta we have a Sharepoint implementation that allows us to version control and share (with clients) documents, bug lists, etc.  Some love Microsoft Project – I very much dislike it.  Too bulky and cumbersome for the type of work I manage.  When I have tried to use it I become almost obsessed with updating the workplan, etc and getting everything perfect.  Not a good use of my time.  Maybe if I were managing a 35 person team it would make sense.  But for the team I need to keep track of, I’ll take Excel.  Whatever you do – don’t fall in love with any 1 tool/app.  Have a solid process and approach that can be supported by the tool.  Don’t wrap your process and approach around some “miracle tool”.

I have looked into Backpack a couple of times and should I be in a situation where Sharepoint is not available to me, it would be my first serious consideration.  It does cost money, but seems very reasonable.

Here are some other free and non-free alternatives with reviews and opinions… 15 Useful Project Management Tools

- Bill Weber

photo credit: karramarro