Efficient project management can either be a success or a failure for outsourced software projects. One efficient skill is strong organization that can increase productivity and ensure faster results. Having strong organization skills is the number one resource all project managers and software developers need to have in their toolbox.
Project management tools can improve a variety of aspects for outsourced software projects. In this digital age, there are software tools that can help improve productivity, increase the effectiveness of results, and provide a solution for every setback. These tools enhance communication, feedback, tracking time and project milestones, and more.
To help a company maximize their team’s effectiveness and ensure all deadlines are met, the following software development management tools and software are critical for success.
Top 8 Project Management Tools for Software Development
Basecamp
The most popular project management tool and in-demand tool with software developers. Basecamp is an all-in-one tool to manage boards and schedules, create to-do lists, store documents and files, and communicate the project’s progress with team members.
Dale Lavine, a NASA developer, shares his experience with Basecamp, “We've had less confusion with task responsibilities and deadlines, which has increased productivity and efficiency.” Basecamp reputation continues to rise as users continue to use this enriching software project management tool.
Slack
Communication is the foundation for any team to be successful on any project. Slack enables users to organize the communication channel, prioritize chats, start audio or video calls among team members, and share files all within the chat platform. Team members can streamline and communicate in real-time to keep all team members updated on project milestones and problem solve even quicker.
In 2019, Slack was used by over 12 million developers daily.
Wufoo
Wufoo allows project managers to create, distribute, and track all documentation with outsourced developers. It encompasses a cloud storage database to ensure the accessibility of all forms and documents at any time of the development process. A unique feature is the ability to design documents and forms with the company’s brand design and logo for a more professional look.
Over 3 million companies use Wufoo for documentation management. A few of the top companies are Amazon, Microsoft, Disney, National Geographic, Sony, and more.
PassPack
Need to protect company sensitive information? With PassPack, this tool allows the company to choose which team members have access and the ability to store encrypted passwords. Moreover, PassPack allows certain users administrative control over projects.
Put security and safety first with outsourced projects.
SprintGround
Organize work and keep track of project milestones from start to release date for software development. This tool ensures the project is reaching every milestone and all team members are staying on task every step of the way.
SprintGround features include bug tracking, task management, development progress tracking, real-time collaboration, and calculated release dates with real-time time estimations. Every project will have an increase in productivity and be delivered on time.
Wrike
Project managers and team members can access charts, dashboards, and task management tools to increase productivity with real-time reporting, a streamlined workflow interface, and a simplified planner. Wrike also incorporates features to increase project productivity including managing bugs, tracking budgets, and much more.
Wrike has more than 20,000 satisfied customers worldwide.
Liquid Planner
A team can manage projects, create a predictive schedule, and a time tracker is easier than ever with Liquid Planner. A collaboration and communication platform increases productivity among team members to ensure delivery of final products on time every time.
A project manager at WowGrade, Emanuel Granada states, “There are lots of aspects of this tool that I love. However, my favorite thing is that it’s so intuitive that any newbie embraces the Liquid Planner instantly. That’s very important for me.” Liquid Planner maintains an excellent workflow interface among project managers and team members, locally and remotely.
Pivotal Tracker
For web and app development projects, Pivotal Tracker features a user-friendly interface and can be integrated with software programs like JIRA and Bugzilla for an increase in productivity and accessibility. The unique features include burndown charts, user stories, guided iteration planning, messaging, and more for efficient and effective project management all in one platform that all team members can access.
Pivotal Tracker offers a 30-day free trial. Pivotal Tracker really changes “how teams build software – one story at a time,” as seen on their website.
There are several project management software tools available, but not all can compare to the ones above with easy-to-use and inclusive interfaces that includes effective communication without the hassle of checking multiple accounts and applications to ensure all team members are on the same page each step of the way. These software development management tools will ensure all team members are communicating effectively, keeping project milestones updated, and track tasks with ease.
Choose a software project management tool that works with the project and with the team members to ensure a final product on time.
Contact the team at VUSE to learn more about managing outsourced software development projects.
