When you are managing multiple projects and teams that are spread across the globe with different time zones, it becomes very tough to stay on top of all the tasks without a proper plan in place. It is important to have the right project management tool in place to get all the work done and know the progress of each project, team without any hassle.
There are so many employee project tracking tools in the market that can help you in this process. If you are reading this blog, you are most certain to invest in a good project and time tracking tool. In order to simplify the selection process, we have curated this guide to know what to look for while choosing a project management tool along with top tools that you can find in the market.
Let us get into more details without any further ado.
Features to Look for in a Project Management Tool
There are so many tools in the market and this usually creates a lot of confusion among the team managers to choose the right one. However, if you know what to look for, it becomes super easy to choose the tool that would align with your requirements. Here are some of the important factors that you need to look for in a project management tool.
Project Planning and Scheduling
The first and foremost requirement for a project management software should be the ability to create different projects and subtasks in each of those projects, assign projects to the respective teams and set priorities for them. It should also contain the option of deadlines to ensure that the team accomplishes tasks within the stipulated amount of time. Features like shared team calendars to schedule and organise meetings is very important as well.
Time Logging and Tracking
However, a tool like Time Champ can be doubled down as a project management tool and time tracking tool that will help you understand the productivity of your team, allocate resources as per the requirement, etc.
Reporting and Analytics
Project management tools should include reporting and analytics solution. This is a non-negotiable feature and every tool must have it without fail. This particular feature will help in transforming your project data into data rich visualization. You will get detailed reports about the tasks that you have worked on, the number of hours spent on each of the tasks, the total expense incurred. These reports can come in handy for your meeting with the clients.
11 Best Project Management Tools in the Market
Now, here is the comprehensive list of the top 11 project management tools in the market. We have considered the type of features they have, the industries that they are suitable into consideration before listing them here.
1. Time Champ
Imagine a tool that not only helps you manage projects but also keeps a sharp eye on your team’s productivity. Sounds intriguing, right? That is Time Champ. This productivity and project management tool is the only one that you need to keep an eye on your team and manage multiple projects effectively.
Features of Time Champ
a. Time Tracking Excellence: One of Time Champ’s standout features is its precise time tracking. Say goodbye to manual timesheets – with Time Champ, you and your team can effortlessly log work hours for tasks. This helps you gauge how much time is really being spent on each task, making project planning and resource allocation a breeze.
b. Intuitive Task Management: Time Champ knows how to simplify things. Its intuitive task management system lets you create tasks, set deadlines, and assign them to team members with just a few clicks. No more scattered to-do lists – everything is neatly organized within the platform.
c. Visual Project Timelines: Need to see the big picture? Time Champ has got you covered. It offers visual project timelines that help you understand the project’s progress at a glance. You can easily identify bottlenecks, task dependencies, and potential delays, ensuring you stay on top of your game.
d. Team Collaboration Hub: Collaboration is key, right? Time Champ provides a collaborative hub where team members can communicate, share files, and provide updates on tasks. This real-time interaction keeps everyone in the loop, fostering a sense of unity and collective achievement.
e. Smart Analytics and Insights: Numbers tell stories, and Time Champ is fluent in that language. Its smart analytics provide insights into team performance, task completion rates, and overall productivity. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions to optimize your project strategies.
f. Customizable Workflows: No two projects are alike, and Time Champ understands that. It offers customizable workflows that adapt to your project’s unique needs. You can tailor the tool to mirror your existing processes, ensuring a seamless transition and efficient management.
g. Mobile-Friendly Flexibility: Life happens on the go, right? Time Champ gets that too. Its mobile app lets you manage tasks, track time, and stay connected with your team, no matter where you are. This flexibility ensures that you’re always in control, even when you’re not at your desk.
h. Seamless Integrations: We know you use a bunch of other tools that you love. Time Champ doesn’t want to replace them; it wants to play nice. With its seamless integrations, you can connect Time Champ to your favourite apps, streamlining your workflow and reducing duplicate efforts.
2. Trello
Trello is like your virtual whiteboard filled with sticky notes, making task tracking feel effortless and fun.
Features
a. Organize tasks into customizable boards and lists.
b. Assign due dates, labels, and attachments to tasks.
c. Collaborate seamlessly with team members.
d. Move tasks using simple drag-and-drop actions.
3. Asana
Asana is your ultimate task wizard, helping you plan, prioritize, and streamline your projects with ease.
Features
a. Create project timelines with due dates and task dependencies.
b. Assign tasks to specific team members.
c. Visualize project progress using intuitive dashboards.
d. Repeatable project templates for consistent workflows.
4. Monday.com
Consider Monday.com your project control centre, where you can manage tasks, track progress, and automate routine actions.
Features
a. Customize boards to fit your workflow.
b. Track project status and updates in real time.
c. Automate repetitive tasks for efficiency.
d. Collaborate with team members in context.
5. Basecamp
Basecamp is like your virtual campfire, where you can gather your team for discussions, task management, and file sharing.
Features
a. To-do lists and task assignments for clear responsibilities.
b. Message boards for team conversations and updates.
c. Share files, documents, and project resources.
d. Event scheduling and calendar integration.
6. Jira
Jira is your superhero for software development projects, providing tools to track issues, manage tasks, and ensure smooth workflows.
Features
a. Bug and issue tracking for streamlined development.
b. Agile methodologies for efficient project management.
c. Customizable workflows and project dashboards.
d. Seamless integration with development tools.
7. Wrike
Wrike is like your dynamic project orchestra, helping you orchestrate tasks, timelines, and resources with precision.
Features
a. Interactive Gantt charts for visualizing project timelines.
b. Task dependencies and resource allocation.
c. Real-time collaboration and discussions.
d. Performance analytics for data-driven decisions.
8. ClickUp
ClickUp is your versatile Swiss army knife, offering a range of tools from task management to goal tracking, all in one place.
Features
a. Multiple views (lists, boards, calendars) for flexible task organization.
b. Goal tracking and management for strategic alignment.
c. Time tracking and productivity insights.
d. Collaboration and document sharing tools.
9. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is your digital canvas for project management, merging the power of spreadsheets with project planning features.
Features
a. Spreadsheets for task and timeline management.
b. Dynamic sheets for task tracking and resource allocation.
c. Collaborative workspaces for team coordination.
d. Automation and alerts for timely updates.
10. Teamwork
Teamwork is your ultimate team companion, providing task management, communication, and customer support features.
Features
a. Task tracking and assignment for project clarity.
b. Messaging boards for team discussions and updates.
c. Customer support ticketing system.
d. Integration with popular tools for seamless workflow.
11. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is your organized project HQ, offering features to plan, execute, and collaborate on projects seamlessly.
Features
a. Task lists and milestones for project planning.
b. Gantt charts for visualizing project timelines.
c. Document management and version control.
d. Integration with Zoho’s suite of business tools.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right project management tool shouldn’t be a big issue if you have a clear idea on the requirements you have, the features that you need and budget. Although, there are some of the best tools in the market, it is important to invest in a tool like Time Champ that you can use as a project management and time tracking tool at the same time.