As the office manager at my mid-sized company, it's very important for me to make sure that my employees are staying on task and under budget for the various projects that we tackle. Since I can't very well look over their shoulders all day long or ask them what they're doing every five minutes, I rely on project tracking software to give me the information I need. The program I'm currently using is a bit out of date, so I'm shopping around for a more sophisticated package -- which should be a lot easier now that I know exactly what to look for.
The first thing I look for in project tracking software is ease of use. I want a program with an intuitive interface that will take me minutes to get the hang of, not days. All of the functions and menus should be clearly labeled and easily accessible so I don't have to go hunting around for whatever I need. I know this seems like an obvious feature to ask for, but you'd be surprised at how complex some of today's project tracking software really is!
The second selling point is the number and types of features available in the program. I want powerful project tracking software that will allow me to assign tasks, track progress status and manpower used, break larger projects up into stages, estimate completion dates, integrate data, and export files. This is actually pretty basic stuff, but again, I've looked at a few programs that leave out some features that I'd like to have.
And finally, I want my new project tracking software to be affordable. I run my office on a very tight budget, so I can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on extra licenses and fees. I want the retail price to include multiple installations so I can share the program with all of my employees, and I'd like an option to upgrade to newer versions at a discount. This is a sure way to keep me returning as a customer!
I've learned the hard way that project tracking software can't truly be evaluated just from a few screenshots and testimonials from other customers. The best way to see if the program fits my needs is to try it out myself, which is why I insist on testing a demo version before I buy anything. Fortunately, most project tracking software manufacturers are very accommodating in this respect, so I'm sure I'll be able to get a sneak peek before spending any money.
Project tracking software is an important component to a well-run office, which is why I take this kind of purchase seriously. If you're looking to make a similar investment for your business, I recommend following these guidelines to ensure that you get the best product possible.
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