Project management software is a tough and competitive field. With so many excellent choices out there, it's hard to know what tools will work best for your organization's needs. Do you want web-based or desktop application? Which features will you really use? How long is the learning curve — and will everyone in your organization be willing and able to take on the challenge?
For those who don't need the full muscle power of market-leaders like Basecamp and Wrike, the lighter-weight and user-friendly 5pm may be worth a look. Like Basecamp and Wrike, 5pm is web-based so there's nothing to download or install, and you
can manage your projects online from anywhere with an Internet
connection. It's billed as
I very much like 5pm's simple clean interface. It's as easy to navigate as your computer's own folder system, with all the projects right up front where nothing is likely to be overlooked or forgotten. Drop-down menus and sorting filters, tree navigation and the customizable dual-panel display makes for efficient use of space, working equally well with both smaller monitors and wide screen LCDs.
"Everything is within a click or two," as the corporate website says.
Most of all, I liked the fact that within just a few minutes I felt very comfortable using 5pm, as if I'd been using it all along — which has not always been my experience with other project management tools I've tried!
And yet, this is surprisingly full-featured project management software, complete with two-way email integration, RSS support, and iCalendar integration.
Add and assign tasks, share uploaded files, create and share progress reports, and track projects on a timeline. Organize your projects in groups that you define, sort information by user, and see at a glance how many days are left to each task's deadline. You can choose to hide certain projects, or to set access privileges, or
to create client logins to bring others in to the collaboration process. Meanwhile, the "My stuff" tab gives quick access to your own tasks and items across all of the managed projects.
Check out the full features list at www.5pmweb.com, watch a 2-minute video introduction, or login to the live demo to get a real feel for how the web application works.
Packages start at $14.95 per month for the 5-users level, with the "pay as you go" flexibility of a monthly subscription. A free 14-day trial is offered to get you started, and
5pm offers a 50% discount for nonprofits and educational institutions.
There's a lot of competition out there, in the area of project management tools, and 5pm has likely got its work cut out to differentiate itself from the others in terms of features. I must say, however, that the developers (QG Software) seem to be building a history of responding quickly to user feedback with a steady stream of updates and enhancements. For me, however, the big selling point is that friendly flexible interface — because what good is a project management tool if half of your project team is unwilling to try to use it?
It's just unfortunate that there's not a single-user version
of 5pm: I'd likely jump at it, for the help in keeping my solo
projects
on target.
Does your organization use a project management tool — or do you use one personally? Please, share your experience in the comments section, below. Which features have been the most useful, and what's still on your wish list? Is there a particular project management tool you'd recommend to other nonprofits?