Project Management Software Terms and Definitions
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Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Project Management Software.
Ratings Ease of UseThe software should be easy for beginners and experienced computer users alike. Feature Set Project management software should have a lot of bells and whistles, including task and resource management tools. Ease of Installation The software should be easy to install and use. Help/Support Project management software should come with both a built-in help system and good online support, including resources like FAQs, email support and automatic updates. Project Management The processes, practices and specific activities needed to perform continuous and consistent evaluation, prioritization, budgeting and selection of investments, which provide the greatest value and contribution to the strategic interest of the organization. Resource Management Managing and controlling the limited resources needed to run a project, such as people, money, time and equipment. Collaboration The way that information and issues can be communicated, including email, conference calls, meetings, intranets, web-based locations and so on. Features Client ModuleThe program runs on the project manager’s own computer. ASP Module The program installs on a server where all parties can have access to the information. Project Management Task ManagementKeeping track of tasks and projects via “to-do” lists, computers and other means. Assign / Reassign Tasks Allows you to assign tasks to groups or individuals as well as reevaluate specific tasks and assign them to someone else. Task Progress Tracking Monitors the overall progress of a specific task. Task Feedback Allows those working on a specific task to give feedback to the project manager. Task Goals / Deadlines Allows you to set easily identifiable goals and deadlines. Task Dependencies Sets the parameters for when a task is complete, such as time, resources or prior completion of another task. Recurring Tasks Allows you to set one task that occurs regularly at the same time (such as Friday maintenance). Scheduling The project manager can schedule a number of different variables. Calendars Shows projects and tasks in a calendar layout. Time Lines Schedule timelines for tasks, subprojects, projects and resources. Events Project milestones as plotted on a calendar. Gantt Charts A graphical representation of a task’s duration against the progression of time. Gantt charts allow you to assess how long a project should take, lay out the order in which tasks need to be carried out and help manage the dependencies between tasks. Reporting The many reports available to the project manager. Statistics Reports on which tasks are finished, overall project progress and such. Work Load Measures individual and group task assignments and evaluates how best to effectively manage projects. Financials The project’s cost, time, resources, materials and so on. Custom The ability to create reports based on custom criteria. Document Management The process of managing documents and other information from creation and review to storage and dissemination. It also involves the indexing, storage and retrieval of documents in an organized method. Budgeting The ability to add a budget to your project and manage it. Critical Path Method Work scheduling where all major jobs are laid out in a diagram to show the proper sequence of work and the necessary time required for each. This provides a visual indication of which operations are most critical. Project Templates Pre-built programs that already include generic information. Scope Define the overall theme of the project, as well as its goals and purpose. Milestones Usually pre-planned events where certain planned deliverables are provided. Milestones are used to organize the planning of long-term projects into smaller time intervals and to monitor the overall progress of the project. Baseline The completed project plan, which allows you to judge your actual progress against a defined point. Resource Management Resource DetailsAllows you add contact information and attach documents and resumes, to resources. Skill Sets Allows you to input the strengths and weaknesses of each team or individual member in order to match skills to tasks better. Timesheets Typically records the start and end time of tasks or just the duration, as well as detailed breakdowns of accomplished tasks. Materials / Supplies Manage your materials through tracking system and alerts. Check In / Check Out Keep track of key materials and objects so that you know where something is at any given time. Import Resources Imports your list of employees or materials directly into the project management software. eMail Addresses Add email addresses to your human resources. Costs Calculate or add costs to your resource, whether it’s a material resource or human resource. Resource Notes Add notes about each resource. Groups Create groups for multiple resources, which allow you to assign permissions to a certain group and not only user by user. Collaboration DashboardAllows you to view all clients and current projects and gives quick access to multiple areas such as reports and risk analysis. Centralized Collaboration Center An online location where team members, managers and clients can come together to offer input or get a quick overview of where the project stands. Team Calendars / Timelines Project timelines and schedules that can be accessed by teams and individuals. Issue Tracking Tools that allow you to receive or track concerns from team members, team leaders, managers and executives and the tools needed to manage those issues. Print Reports / Documents The ability to print reports for presentations and other needs. Forums A discussion board covering a broad range of topics used by team members to voice thoughts, opinions and suggestions about projects or tasks. eMail Integration The software should integrate with Microsoft Outlook and other email programs. Help/Support Phone SupportProject management software should have a phone contact number. The phone support should have convenient business hours and no fee. Manual A printed or electronic document that contains instructions on how to use the program. FAQ Some project management websites offer FAQs (frequently asked questions). Knowledge Base An in-depth series of online articles and documentation that address specific questions and procedures. Tutorials Project management software should offer tutorials, which should be useful and relevant. User Forum Some project management websites offer forums where peers can share questions, answers and experiences. Online Form A form on the company’s website that can be used to direct questions and concerns to the company. eMail address Software companies should provide an easy-to-find email address to use when contacting them. ©2003 – 2008 TopTenREVIEWS, Inc. |
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