Task management software encompasses a range of task management tools that can assist in improving your team’s productivity and efficiency. But before diving head-first into a new task management platform, there’s one important task for you to perform: figuring out which of the dozens of platforms on the market is best for your team!
Here are our top 10 things to consider when comparing task management platforms.
Task management software is a broad term that refers to any software containing task management tools. When comparing platforms, make sure to look out for ones containing the tools you need. Essential task management tools include custom workflows/templates, team task boards, a range of visualization options (e.g. Kanban boards, Gantt charts, calendars, maps, timelines) secure file sharing, third-party integrations, and data-driven insights.
We’re not telling you anything new when we say price is important, but it is worth taking a moment to consider the pricing structure of task management software. The number one factor in how software is priced is the number of users in your organizations. Other important factors include how much storage you need and which tools you need. If you only need basic task management tools, then you shouldn’t end up paying much. But if you want the entire suite of tools, then you may need a premium or enterprise account.
Usability often gets overlooked but it is incredibly important. Task management software exists primarily to improve efficiency and productivity, so the last thing you want is for your team members to waste valuable time learning how to use it. Some task management software providers offer help with onboarding to business and enterprise subscribers. However, there is such a thing as too much onboarding. Task management software should be simple to use and shouldn’t require weeks of training.
If your business aspires to grow, then you need task management software that is capable of growing with you. The best task management platforms offer packages for different types of businesses – from SMBs with only a handful of employees to full-grown enterprises with thousands of people working all around the world. Good task management software gives you what you need right now and the option of adding more features and capabilities as you grow.
The days of every employee working with the same operating system or browser are over. Thanks to remote work, people now carry out tasks on whichever browser or device suits them. And the truth is, it shouldn’t matter to your organization what each person’s preference is – as long as they are a productive member of the team. Good task management software should reflect people’s desire for choice and be compatible with all commonly used browsers, operating systems and devices.
The best task management software providers don’t just rely on their own features; they also offer integrations. Integrations generally come in at least three forms: those that are built by the provider to connect seamlessly with your software, those available through Zapier, a third-party service with 3,000+ pre-built apps, and those you build yourself using an API.
Cloud-based software has many benefits but it also carries certain risks, e.g. having your data stolen. Good task management software includes strong security measures like encryption and daily backups of your work. For enhanced security features like single sign-on or a dedicated server, look for providers with enterprise plans.
The best task management software can be picked up without any training, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never need support. The top providers have comprehensive knowledge bases / FAQ sections on their website where you can find tutorials, guides and tips to using their software. They should also offer ways of communicating with actual customer support agents such as a 24-hour phone line or 24/7 live chat.
Many leading task management software providers let you take their platform for a spin with a free trial or money-back guarantee (usually ranging from 7-30 days). During the free trial, ask yourself: Is the platform intuitive? Is it easy to use? And does it feel right for your organization?
Still can’t figure out which task management software platform is best for you? Why not check out what others are saying about it? Our Project Management site provides third-party reviews of all the top task management providers on the market. We also recommend looking at user reviews to see how the different options stack up.
The task management software market is highly competitive, with dozens of top providers to choose from. This makes it a buyer’s market, so you should never settle for second-best. With proper due diligence, you should be able to sort out the best task management providers from the also-rans – and find the right provider for your organization.