Modern teams have many opportunities to thrive and outperform their competitors.
It’s quite easy to initiate a startup even without renting an office or hiring a huge staff. Innovations and technologies open many doors, allowing small groups of enthusiasts to compete even with large players.
For young companies, it’s important to avoid the chaos in tasks, deadlines, and communications. This is where modern project management techniques and online tools come to the rescue. They help businesses stay on top of things without overpaying for complex corporate systems.
How to choose the right techniques and software that will deliver results and minimize bureaucracy?
The answer is in this article.
First, let’s determine which PM methods are most in demand.
Reliable PM techniques for small teams
Before choosing a reliable project management program, local businesses should determine their approach to organizing work and select appropriate techniques.
Project management techniques are specific, practical tools and approaches that teams can use to plan, execute, control, and complete their projects.
These techniques help solve everyday problems. But don’t confuse them with methodologies. A project management methodology is a system of processes, principles, and practices for managing work from start to finish.
So, here are the core categories of available PM techniques:
- Planning techniques. These are tools that help teams visualize work. They include a Gantt chart, a network diagram, the critical path method (CPM), a PERT (program evaluation and review technique) chart, a WBS (work breakdown structure), and more.
- Estimation techniques. These tools help evaluate the progress or work results. For example, Planning Poker, analogous estimating, three-point estimating, parametric estimating, and others.
- Monitoring and control techniques. Teams use them to control their tasks and monitor progress. For example, milestone tracking, EVM (earned value management), or burndown charts.
- Communication techniques. They help strengthen team collaboration. Good examples include stand-up meetings, status reports, or kick-off meetings.
- Risk management techniques. They help teams predict and mitigate threats. Examples of such techniques include SWOT analysis, Risk register, the probability and impact matrix, what-if analysis, and so on.
- Change management techniques. They include well-known techniques such as the impact analysis or change request forms.
- Prioritization techniques. These useful tools help teams determine what’s urgent and not, important and unimportant. For example, the MoSCoW (must have, should have, could have, and won’t have) technique, the Eisenhower matrix, weighted scoring, or the Kano model.
- Team management techniques. These are primarily informal collaboration tools: retrospectives, brainstorming sessions, or team-building activities to strengthen colleagues.
Now that you’ve explored the variety of PM techniques, it’s time to review the best online tools for managers and teams.
5 powerful project management tools for small teams
All project management software focuses on different goals and objectives. They are designed to suit various needs and budgets.
Let’s dive into the best solutions that combine convenience, functionality, and reasonable pricing. They are definitely suitable for any small team.
1. GanttPRO
GanttPRO is a powerful player in the world of project management.
The key feature of this popular software is its online Gantt chart, which helps users transform chaotic initiatives into well-thought-out plans. You get a user-friendly timeline that displays all your tasks, milestones, and dependencies in one place.
GanttPRO is ideal for small businesses. Teams use it for a variety of initiatives, including planning a new product launch, preparing for an office renovation, creating a Gantt chart for a marketing plan, developing a corporate event scenario, and much more.
It allows you to visualize deadlines, break tasks down into smaller parts, assign responsibilities, and link tasks. The program automatically recalculates data if any of the steps are delayed.
Additionally, GanttPRO allows you to professionally manage resources and track employee workloads.
You also get advanced collaboration features as well as export capability to share plans with clients and partners, even those who don’t use the program.
2. Nutcache
This product was created specifically for small businesses and freelancers. Therefore, larger corporations may find it unsuitable or lacking in functionality.
Nutcache focuses on simple project management with time and expense tracking. It is known for its intuitive interface and useful features. You can create tasks, assign performers, and start a timer to track activity time. If your project goes beyond the planned hours, Nutcache alerts you and allows you to optimize work.
The program allows you to visualize work processes on Kanban boards or Gantt charts. You also get a convenient financial module for tracking project expenses. These expenses are linked to specific tasks and then automatically included in reports.
This online solution also provides advanced communication features.
3. Paymo
Paymo’s functionality integrates project planning, task execution, and billing.
With this PM solution, you can quickly divide projects into smaller activities, set deadlines, and attach necessary files to tasks. Handy calendars and Kanban boards make workflow management easier and clearer.
The system is used in many cases. You can find it in IT, marketing, educational, healthcare, and other projects. Users often value its focus on achieving results without extra steps.
Time tracking is also a strong side of Paymo. You can start a timer manually or use automatic activity tracking.
The platform also tracks payment status and reminds you of overdue invoices. Its integrations with payment systems simplify the process of receiving payments.
4. Plaky
If you’re looking for a visually appealing and accessible tool that doesn’t require weeks to learn, consider Plaky.
Despite its relatively new position in the project management software market, Plaky has already captured the attention of many small and large teams thanks to its simplicity, flexibility, and free plan with no significant limitations.
The main feature of this visual tool is customizable Kanban boards. They allow startups and small teams to organize virtually any type of work without the need for an upfront investment.
It will take you a couple of minutes to create a board with columns and add the tasks you need as colorful cards.
The program offers comments, mentions, and notifications for ongoing team collaboration. You can see changes in real time, which is especially valuable for remote teams.
5. Hive
Another PM solution that deserves a place in this selection is Hive. This tool focuses on flexibility and adaptability to different work styles.
Hive provides startups and small teams with scalability without having to change platforms as they expand. It covers the full project cycle, from planning and task assignment to detailed analytics. It allows each team member to choose their preferred project view: a table, a Kanban board, a calendar, a Gantt chart, or a simple list.
You get built-in chat and video calls to discuss details without leaving the platform.
Hive’s user-friendly analytics and reports show how the team is managing workload, where delays are occurring, and which projects require attention.
Choose the right project management techniques and tools that will save you time and money
Small teams require reliable techniques and high-quality project management tools to actively grow their business and survive in a competitive environment.
You’ve just explored proven solutions, approaches, and tools that help solve various business problems.
Don’t put off making your choice. Start testing project management techniques and tools one by one. Collect feedback from your team, adjust your approaches, and scale the results to other areas.
