How to Make the Most of a Project Management Software

So, you are convinced that you need a project management software. Congratulations! But, just getting a software is not enough. Things don’t end there. This is where they actually begin.

Given below are some of the most crucial points every manager must remember if he or she intends to get the maximum usage out of these software. Take a look -

• Pick a simple tool - This is the first and the most important threshold. Everything that follows will depend on this. Us humans often tend to mistake complexity for quality. We feel that complex software will be more useful than the simple ones. But, in fact the reality is exactly the opposite. The best tools are the ones that are simplest to use. Navigation, usage - everything should be easy. 
• Don’t let initial resistance intimidate you - One thing a manager can definitely expect from team members when introducing a project management software online is - resistance. Resistance to change, to something they are not used to, to trying something new for the first time that’s obviously going to demand some learning. But, don’t worry. That resistance is only temporary. So, don’t feel baffled if suddenly people are not very happy with your decision. It’s only a matter of time before they get accustomed to it and that rebelliousness will eventually cool down. 
• Conduct training sessions - Don’t assume that once you have created user accounts on the software and distributed passwords, the job is over. You need to make sure that people know the tool inside out. It’s their knowledge of features and how to use them, which will help them make the most of it. If they don’t know how to use the tool, how do you expect it will help them? It is therefore crucial that you impart training sessions to team members on how to use project management software.
• Recognize the most useful features - Not all features will be equally important to everybody in the project. A designer is most likely to use the proofing feature frequently. Those involved in planning will need to look at Gantt charts to monitor things more often than anyone else. The managers will resort to reports every now and then to see how things are going. Those working remotely will use online chatting and time management feature the most. You need to recognize what all features different people will be using most frequently. Accordingly, motivate them to improve the usage of those particular features in their everyday work activities.
• Go slowly, but surely - Stick with the ‘one thing at a time’ approach. The whole idea behind using these tools is to make it less overwhelming for people to organize their work life; not add to the overwhelm. Therefore, don’t suffocate people by bombarding them with all the features at once. Start small by taking one feature at a time and slowly go on integrating others one by one.

If you have just started using a management software, you will definitely benefit from these tips. Just be sure to bring them into practice. If you are looking for asana alternatives then read this article 5 Best Alternatives to Asana for Project Management Software