The best tools for Project Managers

The role of a project manager involves designing strategies and overseeing their implementation and development. This is why it is important to rely on specific tools and methodologies like those outlined below to achieve objectives. Here are some project management tools that support the work of the project manager.

The daily activity of a company’s project manager involves countless challenges and factors that must be managed. This is where tools and systems come into play, making the work of these highly specialized professionals easier and enhancing organization and productivity to reach defined goals.

Today, there are numerous approaches to this activity. Below, readers will find a selection of what are considered the best tools for project managers, including methodologies and project management software that become valuable allies in this role.

What are project management tools?

Referring to project manager tools means addressing both working methodologies that can be useful for those responsible for projects and specific software designed to manage these activities. These can be divided into two main types:

• Work systems: frameworks used to manage the ideation, implementation, and monitoring of a project. This includes defining team structures, assigning specialized roles, organizing regular meetings, setting their frequency, planning reports, and establishing feedback processes between teams. Each professional typically develops their own approach to managing and directing a specific project.
• Specific software to support the above: there is an increasing number of project management tools available. These become key allies for project managers, as they digitize processes and workflows that would otherwise be difficult to control.

The goal is to achieve the right balance: combining the organizational skills of each professional, each project manager, with digital tools that support their work. To choose the most suitable project manager tools, it is important to understand how these programs benefit daily tasks and which are the most recognized tools in this field.

Why use project management software?

There are several reasons why project managers opt for specialized programs. The following key aspects highlight the benefits inherent to this type of project management software:

• They streamline workflows.
• They increase productivity and performance.
• They make it easier to monitor processes.
• They improve the execution of development plans.
• They help identify areas for improvement and what should be maintained.

The role of a project manager requires a set of skills and preparation, which is why there are specialized training programs for these professionals. At EAE Barcelona, the Master’s in Project Management covers the key factors needed to become an effective project manager, including dedicated modules on project management tools. Below are some of the most widely recognized and effective ones.

The best project management tools

There are various systems that enable project managers to perform their roles effectively. Among the most widely used project management programs and software are the following:

• Trello

One of the most well-known tools with a strong track record. Trello allows users to centralize tasks and facilitates communication among team members. It is easy and intuitive to use, offering a free version with its natural limitations and paid plans that expand its functionality.

Depending on the complexity of the organization or the specific department using it, the free version may be sufficient or a more advanced plan may be required. In any case, it is a project management software widely used across many sectors, from marketing and advertising to fashion, tourism, and automotive industries, among others.

• Wrike

Like many other software solutions based on agile methodologies, Wrike offers both a free version and paid options that unlock additional features. It is a highly effective tool for managing work, with visual boards that enable clear organization, support task continuity, and include integrated communication and chat features.

Both Trello and Wrike are among the most widely known tools globally. They are used by both SMEs and large corporations. Depending on the needs, the free version may suffice, or a paid plan may be required.

• Active Collab

“Full control over your work” is how Active Collab defines itself, one of the systems worth considering for project management. It provides quick, easy, and intuitive access to key aspects such as deadlines, milestones, team tasks, and comments related to ongoing work. It can also be integrated with other applications like Gmail. One of its main strengths is the clarity of its outputs and information display.

• TeamWork Projects

Another option available online, this platform brings together various resources, especially useful for certain types of projects. One of its advantages is that everything can be managed in one place. It facilitates task management among team members and allows for budgeting, reporting, and analytics. Additional functionalities can be added depending on the complexity of the work.

These are just four of the many project management tools available. Since most offer free versions, the best approach is to try them out and see how well they fit the needs of each project manager.