How to choose your project management software?

There is a wide range of project management software on offer, which can make it difficult to choose the right solution for you. Before you make up your mind, make sure you define all your needs and take into account your company's constraints and possibilities. Read all our articles and tips on project management tools.

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What type and size of project?

You're embarking on a project that's close to your heart, or that will enable your business to grow. The scope of the work will vary according to the ambition of your project.

• If it's a personal or small-scale project, you won't need a software package with advanced functionalities. You'll be happy with software that lets you manage tasks, keep a clear view of the schedule and provide a detailed timetable. This type of software is often free or very inexpensive. It is aimed at a small number of users.
• If it's a collaborative project, you'll need more advanced features. Look for software offering document sharing, forums and wikis. In this way, each collaborator can modify documents, make proposals or give his or her opinion on the progress of the project. Shared documents are automatically modified on all user accounts. No need to worry about working on the wrong version of a document. You'll be able to communicate quickly using an instant messaging application.
• If you're embarking on a large project with many users, choose integrated management software solutions. They're perfectly suited to your business, and can be adapted to suit your specific needs. From planning and invoicing to inventory and supply management, quality control and customer relations, you'll be able to take advantage of a host of advanced functions to help you successfully manage your project.

Local or SaaS?

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Choose between local or SaaS project management software. What are the differences between the two?

• Local: The software is installed directly on the company's servers. Your data is stored within the company. You don't need an Internet connection to work. However, this solution is sometimes more expensive than outsourced software, especially as updates are not systematically included.
• Saas: "Software as a service". This type of software has many advantages. It's easy to access, because data is managed on an external server. So you can connect from a computer, smartphone or tablet anywhere, as long as you have a connection.
  It's a multi-user solution. Several sessions can be connected at the same time, and it's very easy to administer. What's more, the Saas software automatically performs updates, with no need for your IT department to spend time on this action. The site's technical department takes charge of managing malfunctions, leaving your IT staff free for other tasks.
  You have a clear idea of the budget allocated to this software, as it comes in the form of subscriptions. Most of the time, prices are on a sliding scale according to the number of users. If your project is to last several years, you need to keep in mind that even if the subscription cost seems attractive at the time, it may become less profitable after a while.

In conclusion, SaaS has many advantages over local software, even though it does require an Internet connection. Local software is a real investment for a company, whereas SaaS software has a simple running cost and can be stopped at any time. It is therefore less of a burden on the budget, especially for small businesses.