How do you choose your project management software?

There is a wide range of project management software on offer, which can make it difficult to choose your solution. Before you decide, make sure you define all your needs and take into account your company's constraints and possibilities. Read all our articles and advice 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 more of a personal or small-scale project, you won't need software with advanced features. Be content with software that allows you to manage tasks, have a clear view of the timetable and a detailed schedule. 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 that offers document sharing, a forum and wikis. In this way, each collaborator can modify documents, make proposals or give their 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 can communicate quickly using an instant messaging application.
• If you're embarking on a large project with lots of users, choose integrated management software solutions. They are perfectly suited to your business, and can be adapted to suit your specific needs. Whether you need to manage planning, invoicing, stock and supply management, quality or 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 mode: The software is installed directly on the company's servers. Your data is stored within the company. You don't need to be connected to the Internet to work. However, this solution is sometimes more expensive than outsourced software, especially as updates are not always included.
• Saas: "Software as a service". This type of software has a number of advantages. It is easy to access, because the 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 makes updates, so your IT department doesn't have to spend any time on it. 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 depending on the number of users. Make your calculations before committing yourself. If your project is going to last several years, you need to bear 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, particularly for small businesses.