Task Management

When It Comes to Project Management Software Choose Wisely

Three Project Management Tools that adapt to you and not the other way around.

The world of software and apps is saturated with myriad organizational tools to help manage tasks and projects; but determining which one is the best fit for you and your business can be a challenging project in itself. Finding the right software is like finding the right personal assistant. You need one that works well with you, one that adapts to your business. If your project management software requires countless hours of setup and compels you to adapt to it, it’s probably not right for you.

In general project management software is becoming increasingly nimble and customizable.

We’ve sifted through some of the deluge of options to identify some tools that might work well for your real estate business.

Wrike:

Ideal for small businesses and teams, Wrike allows up to five users with a free account. In addition to the five users who can create and edit tasks, Wrike allows unlimited “collaborators” who can see and discuss projects without editing them. In the world of project management apps, this free service from Wrike is pretty generous.

Wrike allows users to create customizable projects, track progress in real time with updates, assign tasks with file sharing, and duplicate recurring tasks. It also syncs to most calendars.

Another major benefit of Wrike for the busy real estate agent is that it is quick and easy to set up and use. In fact, PCMag.com says “Wrike has replaced Basecamp $50.00 at Basecamp as the tool we recommend for those who need team collaboration software in a hurry.”

“When you need a project management and collaboration solution yesterday, turn to Wrike,” PCMag.com says.

For those who relish reviewing colorful graphs and charts illustrating their business activities, Wrike may fall short. It presents information in lists rather than colorful charts.

However, PCMag.com says if you have some time to devote or if you have a “project-heavy workload,” turn to Zoho Projects.

Zoho Projects:

Zoho Projects is a favorite at PCMag.com, ranking with a five out of five and being named an Editor’s Choice this year. The software stands out for its intuitive interface, which was redesigned in 2017, its menu of features, and its ability to integrate with several other programs and apps. The dashboard is customizable, so you can keep the tools you use the most handy.

Another feature those managing multiple employees and team members will appreciate is the live chat feature.

Zoho Projects offers a free plan, which allows you to manage only one project, but it may be a good way to try out the service before committing to it. There is also a 15-day free trial. For small teams, Zoho Projects has a service available for $12 per month. For larger offices, the software runs about $25 per month or up for additional features.

Asana

Asana is another stellar software that has earned recognition. Not only was it an Editor’s Choice at PCMag.com, but it is also reportedly used by billion-dollar companies such as Uber, AirBnB, and Pinterest, according to Inc.com.

Asana features a crisp design and loads of features, including a timeline view. However, it does not include time-tracking.

Asana has some similarities in design to Wrike, but it is mainly focused on managing tasks rather than larger projects, which may be ideal for real estate professionals. PCMag compares Asana to a deck of cards as opposed to a more board game format of other project management software, meaning it is more flexible and suitable for sets of individual tasks.

Asana takes a little more time investment to set up than Wrike. However, it may be worth it. According to PCMag, “Productivity enthusiasts love Asana—and for good reason. This online team collaboration tool specializes in workflow management, but it also handles the nitty-gritty of task management with aplomb.”

Asana offers a free account for up to 15 users. It doesn’t include some extra features, such as the timeline view, but it allows unlimited tasks and projects. If you need the extra features, it’s $7.50 per person for month for up to 15 people or $11.99 per person for larger teams.

 

7 Things to Look for in Task Management Software

Whether you choose one of these three task management software or find another that’s right for you, here are a few features you should seek in your search:

• Intuitive interface
• Clear workflows with separate team roles and projects
• Integration with your calendar and other apps
• Mobile accessibility
• Team chat, if necessary
• Time tracking, if necessary
• Customization—Does it adapt to you, or will you have to adapt to it?