Hello-
We have a small team of developers (3 right now) who support a few hundred customers with banking related applications.
Right now we are challenged with collecting and managing user requirements for projects as well as having a record of the project structure itself. We have a bunch of loose emails, Word documents and that is not efficient.
We are currently evaluating Jira, Wrike and Liquid planner.
We are looking for PM software recommendations that can:
1) Manage projects
a) Provide an easy to use visual hierarchy of Projects/Tasks/Sub-tasks and version control
2) Communication with customers to collect and manage project requirement documents
a) Ability for multiple people to work on a single requirements document.
a) Ability for projects/tasks/sub-tasks to link to requirement or status documentation
3) Provides views of project status, roadblocks
4) Supports MS file types, links within documents, Wiki, Blogs
Any incite to a software package would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Ken Saving Changes...
I still prefer ms project however Jira is a good choice but how far you can use it to leverge the cost ... have a look at the smartsheets as well. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
It's been a year on (plus some)! : )
Any update Ken? Saving Changes...
Deb OsfeldRetired California IT Project Oversight Manager| California State Department of TechnologySacramento, Ca, United States
Hi Ken,
It sounds like Jira may be a good tool, but I would agree with some of the comments that you will still benefit from a human (aka- Project Manager or whatever you would like to call the role) to not only configure the tool/reports, but to also be available to manage those pesky things that tools just can't (manage risks, stakeholders, and guide the project from a strategic view). Much luck! Saving Changes...
Meade RubensteinPM III| IT Project GuideSparta, Nj, United States
I've used Jira (and it's add-ons) for project planning, documentation and enhanced communication and have found it effective for internal teams BUT may not be appropriate for end users....(its a bit geeky).
Another tool that is very useful is SmartSheet - easy to use project/task planning - includes ability to add a status/dashboard, track requirements and issue/bug tracking....much more end user friendly. Saving Changes...
Frank ValdiviaDirector of Analytics| Heifer InternationalShoreview, Mn, United States
it does not sound like a "small" project if you are in that situation, would you consider getting a BA just for that task? and then back to your small PM standards? Saving Changes...
RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Interesting and valid postings are done above. I am sure it addresses the intended purpose Saving Changes...
Erik GradineTechnical Program Manager| Handheld GroupAdair Village, Or, United States
JIRA is a great tool for visualizing the flow and managing work. I would avoid MS Project unless you have someone with PM experience, it is overkill IMHO.
This is not Project Management, but more work management. You need a dedicate person to fill the PM role in the long run, but you can get by for a while if you set JIRA up right for your workflow. Saving Changes...
RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
There are a whole host of software application either cloud based or desktop based that will support a project from initiation to close. The only issue is that you need to have you own Project Management style defined so that you know what you want in a software solution. The easy approach is to use Microsoft Project and scheduler as a starting point as well as Microsoft Office products suite including the versatile Excel to produce a first draft of you project documentation and populate this information. Then refine and revise this information. If you still need more in a software solution then look at your existing software solution and do a requirements gathering on it for your new software solution. Then draw up a decision matrix based upon the usually attributes of pro, cons, cost, easy of use and other headings that you require. Saving Changes...
