Top Project Management Tools of Various Types

In today's dynamic business landscape, effective project management is the cornerstone of organizational success. As projects grow in complexity and teams become increasingly distributed, the demand for robust, versatile project management tools has skyrocketed. 

This comprehensive guide explores top-tier tools designed for various project management methodologies, including Gantt charts, Waterfall, PERT, Kanban, Scrumban, PRINCE2, and Six Sigma.

Gantt chart tools

A Gantt chart, invented by Henry Gantt in the early 1910s, has become an indispensable tool for project managers. Its visual timelines allow teams to plan, coordinate, and track project tasks efficiently.

1. GanttPRO

GanttPRO stands out as a user-friendly, web-based Gantt chart maker that caters to the needs of modern project management teams.

Key features:

• Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for easy task management
• Resource management with workload tracking and balancing
• Task dependencies and milestones to visualize critical paths
• Team collaboration features including comments and file attachments
• Time tracking and cost management for accurate project budgeting
• Multiple project views (Gantt, Board, Grid, List) for flexible project oversight

GanttPRO is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized teams that require a balance between functionality and ease of use. Its clean, visually appealing interface makes project planning accessible even to those new to Gantt charts.

Pricing: GanttPRO offers a range of plans, from individual users to large teams, with a free trial available. Prices typically start from $7.99 per user per month when billed annually.

2. Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is a powerful and widely-used project management tool that excels in Gantt chart creation and overall project planning.

Key features:

• Comprehensive Gantt chart creation with advanced scheduling capabilities
• Resource management and capacity planning
• Customizable templates for quick project setup
• Integration with other Microsoft 365 tools for seamless workflow
• Portfolio management for overseeing multiple projects
• Robust reporting and analytics for data-driven decision making

Microsoft Project is ideal for larger organizations or complex projects that require detailed planning and tracking. It offers both cloud-based and on-premise solutions, catering to various organizational needs.

Pricing: Microsoft Project is available in several tiers, with cloud-based solutions starting from around $10 per user per month. More advanced features are available in higher-tier plans.

Waterfall methodology tools

The Waterfall methodology, characterized by its sequential, linear approach to project management, requires tools that support detailed planning and structured progression through project phases.

1. GanttPRO

(As described above, GanttPRO is excellent for both Gantt charts and Waterfall methodology)

2. Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a versatile project management and collaboration platform that effectively supports the Waterfall methodology while offering the flexibility to adapt to other approaches.

Key features:

• Spreadsheet-like interface familiar to Excel users
• Gantt charts and timeline views for visualizing project progress
• Automated workflows and approval processes
• Real-time collaboration features for team coordination
• Customizable forms and dashboards for data collection and reporting
• Extensive integration capabilities with popular business tools

Smartsheet's strength lies in its ability to combine the structure required for Waterfall projects with the flexibility to accommodate changing project needs. It's suitable for organizations of all sizes and offers a good balance between powerful features and user-friendly design.

Pricing: Smartsheet offers various plans, typically starting from around $14 per user per month, with a free trial available for new users.

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) tools

PERT, developed by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s, is used for analyzing and representing the tasks involved in completing a project. PERT charts help in identifying critical paths and estimating project duration.

1. RationalPlan

RationalPlan is a comprehensive project management suite that includes robust PERT chart capabilities.

Key features:

• PERT chart creation and analysis for project planning
• Critical path identification to focus on crucial tasks
• Resource management and leveling for optimal allocation
• Multi-project management for portfolio oversight
• Gantt charts and WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) views
• Available in both desktop and web-based versions

RationalPlan is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive project management solution that includes PERT capabilities. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to both experienced project managers and newcomers.

Pricing: RationalPlan offers different editions, with prices typically starting from around $20 per user per month for the cloud-based version.

2. ConceptDraw PROJECT

ConceptDraw PROJECT is a powerful tool for creating PERT charts and managing projects, part of the larger ConceptDraw Office suite.

Key features:

• Advanced PERT chart creation with customizable templates
• Resource and cost management for comprehensive project control
• Project portfolios and multi-project management capabilities
• Seamless integration with ConceptDraw DIAGRAM for advanced diagramming
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows and macOS)
• Extensive export capabilities to various formats

ConceptDraw PROJECT is ideal for managers who need advanced PERT charting capabilities along with other project management features. Its integration with other ConceptDraw products makes it a versatile choice for various business diagramming needs.

Pricing: ConceptDraw PROJECT is typically sold as part of the ConceptDraw Office suite, with perpetual license options available. Prices may vary, so it's best to check their website for current offerings.

Kanban tools

Kanban, developed by Taiichi Ohno at Toyota, is a visual method for managing work as it moves through a process. Kanban tools help teams visualize workflow, limit work-in-progress, and maximize efficiency.

1. Trello

Trello is a widely-used, highly visual Kanban-style list-making application that has gained popularity for its simplicity and flexibility.

Key features:

• Intuitive board and card interface for easy task management
• Customizable workflows and lists to fit various processes
• Collaborative features including comments, attachments, and mentions
• Power-Ups for added functionality (like calendar views, time tracking)
• Mobile apps for iOS and Android for on-the-go project management
• Extensive integrations with popular productivity and development tools

Trello's strength lies in its simplicity and visual appeal. It's excellent for teams of all sizes looking for a straightforward, flexible way to manage tasks and workflows. While it excels at Kanban, it can be adapted to various project management styles.

Pricing: Trello offers a free plan with basic features, with paid plans starting from around $5 per user per month for additional features.

2. Kanbanize

Kanbanize is a Kanban-focused project management solution designed specifically for agile teams and organizations committed to Lean management principles.

Key features:

• Advanced Kanban boards with swimlanes, columns, and card dependencies
• Workflow automation and business rules for process consistency
• Time tracking and analytics for productivity insights
• Portfolio management for overseeing multiple projects or products
• Integrations with various development and productivity tools
• Customizable Kanban cards with subtasks, custom fields, and templates

Kanbanize is ideal for organizations fully committed to Kanban methodology and looking for a feature-rich, specialized tool. It's particularly well-suited for software development teams and companies implementing agile at scale.

Pricing: Kanbanize typically offers customized pricing based on team size and needs, with plans starting from around $149 per month for small teams.

Scrumban tools

Scrumban is a hybrid project management approach that combines elements of Scrum and Kanban. It offers the structure of Scrum with the flexibility and visual workflow management of Kanban. Tools supporting Scrumban need to be adaptable to both methodologies.

1. Vivify Scrum

Vivify Scrum is a comprehensive project management tool that effectively supports the Scrumban methodology, offering features that cater to both Scrum and Kanban practices.

Key features:

• Customizable Scrum and Kanban boards for flexible workflow management
• Sprint planning tools with backlog management capabilities
• Time tracking and estimation features for accurate project forecasting
• Team collaboration features including comments, mentions, and file sharing
• Detailed reporting and analytics for sprint and overall project performance
• Integration with popular development tools like GitHub and Bitbucket

Vivify Scrum is particularly suitable for agile teams looking for flexibility in their project management approach. It allows teams to implement Scrum practices while visualizing workflow in a Kanban style, making it ideal for teams transitioning between methodologies or those using a hybrid approach.

Pricing: Vivify Scrum offers a free plan for small teams, with paid plans starting from around $10 per user per month for additional features and larger team sizes.

2. Yodiz

Yodiz is an agile project management tool that accommodates Scrumban practices, offering a blend of features that support both Scrum and Kanban methodologies.

Key features:

• Scrum and Kanban board views for versatile project visualization
• User story mapping to align development with user needs
• Sprint planning and backlog management for structured iterations
• Time tracking and estimation tools for improved project forecasting
• Customizable workflows to fit various team processes
• Comprehensive reporting including burndown charts and velocity metrics

Yodiz is ideal for teams transitioning from Scrum to Kanban or vice versa, offering features that support both methodologies. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive feature set make it suitable for both small teams and larger organizations implementing agile at scale.

Pricing: Yodiz typically offers a free plan for small teams, with paid plans starting from around $5 per user per month, offering additional features and support for larger teams.

PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) tools

PRINCE2 is a process-based method for effective project management, widely used in the UK and internationally, particularly in government and large corporations. Tools supporting PRINCE2 need to align with its structured approach to project management.

1. Aspire Project Manager

Aspire Project Manager is a PRINCE2-compliant project management software designed to support the methodology's principles and processes.

Key features:

• Full implementation of the PRINCE2 process model
• Comprehensive document management system for project documentation
• Risk and issue management aligned with PRINCE2 principles
• Resource allocation and management tools
• Customizable dashboards and reports for project oversight
• Integration with Microsoft Office for seamless document handling

Aspire Project Manager is particularly suitable for organizations strictly adhering to PRINCE2 methodology. Its structured approach makes it ideal for government agencies, large corporations, and any organization requiring a high degree of control and documentation in their project management processes.

Pricing: Aspire Project Manager typically offers customized pricing based on organizational needs. Interested users should contact the company directly for a quote.

2. PRINCE2 Agile Passport

PRINCE2 Agile Passport is a specialized tool designed for implementing PRINCE2 Agile methodology, which combines the structure of PRINCE2 with the flexibility of agile approaches.

Key features:

• Guided PRINCE2 Agile process implementation
• Project health checks and assessments based on PRINCE2 principles
• Customizable templates and documents aligned with PRINCE2 Agile
• Collaborative features for team communication and coordination
• Integration capabilities with agile tools like JIRA for comprehensive project management
• Mobile app for on-the-go project management and oversight

PRINCE2 Agile Passport is ideal for organizations looking to combine the structured approach of PRINCE2 with the flexibility of agile methodologies. It's particularly useful for teams working in dynamic environments that still require the governance structure of PRINCE2.

Pricing: Pricing for PRINCE2 Agile Passport is typically available on request and may depend on the size of the organization and specific requirements.

Six Sigma tools

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology focused on eliminating defects and improving processes. Tools supporting Six Sigma need to offer robust statistical analysis capabilities and support for the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) process.

1. Minitab

Minitab is a comprehensive statistical software package widely used in Six Sigma projects, offering a range of tools for statistical analysis and process improvement.

Key features:

• Extensive statistical analysis tools including hypothesis tests and regression analysis
• Design of Experiments (DOE) capabilities for optimizing processes
• Statistical process control charts for monitoring process stability
• Measurement systems analysis for ensuring data reliability
• Comprehensive ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) tools
• Advanced graphical analysis and visualization options

Minitab is essential for Six Sigma practitioners who need to perform complex statistical analyses and process improvements. Its comprehensive feature set makes it suitable for organizations serious about implementing data-driven quality improvement initiatives.

Pricing: Minitab typically offers perpetual licenses and subscription options. Prices can vary, but annual subscriptions often start from around $1,000 per user. Academic and multi-user discounts may be available.

2. EngineRoom

EngineRoom is a web-based Six Sigma and Lean management tool designed to support the entire DMAIC process and other quality improvement initiatives.

Key features:

• Structured DMAIC project templates and workflow
• Statistical analysis tools and process control charts
• Value stream mapping capabilities for identifying waste and inefficiencies
• Lean tools implementation including 5S, Kaizen, and others
• Collaborative features for team-based improvement projects
• Integration options with other data analysis and project management tools

EngineRoom is suitable for organizations implementing Six Sigma and Lean methodologies, offering a balance between statistical rigor and ease of use. Its web-based nature makes it particularly useful for distributed teams working on quality improvement projects.

Pricing: EngineRoom typically offers customized pricing based on the number of users and specific organizational needs. Interested users should contact the company for a detailed quote.

Conclusion

The diverse landscape of project management tools reflects the varied approaches and methodologies used across different industries and organizations.

Remember that the most sophisticated project management software cannot replace good leadership, clear communication, and a well-trained team. However, by choosing the right tools to support your methodology and workflow, you can significantly streamline your processes, improve visibility, and increase the chances of project success.