Leobit
Only 35% of project managers state they are “somewhat or very satisfied” with their tools. Hence, new project management platforms for efficient software development are more than welcome. Such software can help an organization deliver on time, ensure the expected quality, and align the work of many departments.
This article covers the top tools for managing software development in 2022. Some of them are industry-standard, while others are only gaining popularity. Check them out to pick a platform for your PMs.
Learn Why To Prefer Sustainable Software Development
How to Pick Project Management Software
The choice of project management tools for software development will significantly impact the flow of your project. If you pick the wrong platform, switching when the project starts will be challenging. Hence, you should consider various options beforehand going through the following steps:
1. Research the market
Read the articles like this one and check software review websites to see what others use. The best project management solutions are usually popular with thousands of companies that share their experience. You can learn what tools they apply and how they do it to better understand the market yourself.
2. Decide what features you need
Think about the project management approach you will use and what capabilities you need to implement it. This will guide you on what features are must-have in the project management software you look for.
Here are the most frequent activities project managers complete:
Based on these activities, you will most likely need a tool that allows you to complete:
- Task prioritization
- Task distribution
- Scheduling
- Time tracking
- Resource management
- Communication and collaboration
- Reporting
- Budget management
3. Pick a suitable tool and test it
Select the PM tool with the necessary features and request a demo version or free trial if the provider offers it. Testing the tool before adopting it in your company will allow you to ensure you can benefit from this project management platform.
If you need any consulting regarding arranging your work or help with software development, contact us for a talk.
Types of Project Management Software
Project management software is an umbrella term covering many solutions. In this category, you will find tools to track project status, redistribute tasks, handle project documentation, etc. Project management solutions also vary by implementation.
Here are the most common types of project management tools:
Mobile project management apps
If your team works remotely and spends a lot of time on the go, you may benefit from mobile apps. Team members will access the tools from smartphones to check tasks, send messages, and complete other actions.
Desktop platforms
This PM software category is less common today since mobile apps and web-based solutions are more convenient. Yet, you can still find tools to install and use from your desktop.
Web-based SaaS solutions
Web solutions are the most popular type of project management software. They don’t require installation and enable team members to access the platform from any web browser.
Note that one project management platform may be available in multiple versions for all users. You can combine a mobile app and a web-based platform, for example.
Top 5 Project Management Tools to Consider
The tools in this section are not the best or the only options you can use. Yet, they are prevalent among software development teams and have proven reliable and secure.
#1. Monday.com
Monday.com is a project management tool recommended for software development, among other industries such as construction, sales, and marketing. You can use it for sprint planning, software releases, and bug tracking.
Since Monday.com smoothly integrates with third-party tools, implementation is easy. It even has a free version enabling simultaneous use by two people.
Pros:
- Multifunctional dashboards
- Suitable for different types of teams
- Great data visualizations
- Free version for beginners
- Automation capabilities
Cons:
- UX/UI issues with the mobile version
Pricing:
Individual, Basic ($8), Standard ($10), Pro ($16), Enterprise
#2. TeamWork
Teamwork’s team calls the tool “the only platform that’s actually built to run client work.” This project management platform is trusted by over 20,000 companies across the globe, from Disney to PayPal.
Teamwork is particularly good for task management. It has a drag-and-drop dashboard where you can assign tasks and create teams. You can also enjoy rich reporting capabilities, including the profitability report that estimates how much profit each employee or project brings; project health; milestones, etc.
Pros:
- Helps track goals and milestones
- Evaluates profitability
- Time tracking and invoicing features
- Workload and resource management
- Custom workflow builder
Cons:
- May be sluggish to respond
Pricing:
Free Forever, Deliver ($10), Grow ($18), Scale
#3. Zoho
Zoho, a well-known platform for sales management, has a lot to offer to project managers working in the software development field.
Its main features include task management and automation, blueprints, time tracking, team collaboration, reporting, and integrations. You can break down your project into simpler tasks, visualize dependencies between tasks, set up recurring processes, create sprints, etc.
Pros:
- Easy setup and navigation
- Variety of features
- Role-based user permissions
- Web and mobile versions supported
- Extensive integrations and add-ons
Cons:
- Designed for sales and marketing teams in the first place
- Confusing to integrate and set up due to the variety of features
Pricing:
Free, Premium (€5), Enterprise (€10)
#4. Trello
Trello is a project management platform offering convenient Kanban boards. While other PM platforms take some time to master, Trello doesn’t require learning. The moment you see it, you understand how to visualize tasks, assign them to different team members, track your progress, and complete other repetitive actions.
Even though Trello has fewer features than alternative project management platforms, it’s perfect for those who value simplicity. It also has iOS and Android mobile versions apart from the web tool.
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Timeline and productivity info in one place
- Kanban-based boards
- No-code automation
Cons:
- No budgeting or invoicing
Pricing:
Free, Standard ($5), Premium ($10), Enterprise ($17,5)
#5. Asana
Asana is a web and mobile project management solution that is fantastic for managing small teams. Here you will find a workflow builder, a range of boards, a calendar, and other capabilities standard for PM platforms.
You can streamline processes through automation, view workload for team members, set goals, and build Gantt timelines.
The best thing about Asana is the wealth of additional resources it offers. Subscribers can visit events, participate in courses by signing up for Asana Academy, and read articles from Asana developers.
Pros:
- Built-in automation capabilities
- Strong timeline tracking features
- The abundance of additional educational resources
- Many integrations supported
Cons:
Insufficient customization
Pricing:
Free, Premium ($10,99), Business ($24,99)
Final Thoughts
Leobit’s team recommends these tools because we use them ourselves. Our company hires skilled project managers that work in leading PM approaches, including Agile and Scrum, and apply the latest solutions to optimize the SDLC.
If you need any consulting regarding arranging your work or help with software development, contact us for a talk.
