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Project Management Software
Using Online Collaboration Software: Centralized and Integrated Solutions
When
project management means managing team members in an effort to combine
the work of multiple members, whether at the same site or in different
places, collaboration software is needed. Online collaboration involves
working together to complete a project by the use of computer programs.
There are many different types of project management software that can
help project managers integrate the efforts of their team members to
produce one outstanding result. The two main types of project
management software designed to enhance group member collaboration are
centralized and integrated.
Centralized
project management software can be quite useful in some situations. If
everyone on your team has training in a specific type of online
collaboration software, then it is not a problem to create
presentations, papers, and reports using a centralized software
program. If a project manager’s team members are all located on site,
then a centralized solution may be appropriate.
However,
there are some things that need to be taken into consideration when
using centralized programs for online collaboration. First of all, the
applications are specific, so each member must learn the software and
know how to effectively use it. Additionally, project team members must
be online in order to view or check out documents. Some programs
require that work be done online. If a document or a portion of the
work is sent to another member via email, a centralized software
program may not track it (although some of them do).
Using
integrated project management software, however, eliminates some of
these problems. Most integrated programs, rather than using their own
applications, allow project team members to use applications like those
found in the Microsoft Office Suite. Many of the programs provide ways
for documents to be tracked through email and file transfers. Finally,
it is possible for team members to complete work offline. It makes it
easier for the project manager to oversee the various progress being
made, and integrated software also makes it easier to bring in outside
help, as the newcomers would not have to learn new software in order to
join the team.
In today’s technologically
advanced world, it is reasonable to expect that many projects require
online collaboration. This is because as companies expand and as
employees come from a variety of places, team members will need to be
able to work with each other to accomplish project objectives. Online
collaboration software makes great project management software, as it
allows the project manager to head up projects that may span more than
one location. Even if they do not, online collaboration cuts down on
the amount of time one must spend in project meetings.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
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