Project Management has come a long way over the past few years. No longer are we constrained by highly structured planning methods, where everything must be decided before a project can begin. Nor are we left to our own devices, adjusting to an ever-changing environment of emerging problems, feedback loops, options, and adaptations.
The challenge now is to make the most of the new planning environment, using the best of different methodologies to direct freelance workers and manage remote employees, stay on top of projects, and make remote working not only feasible, but highly effective.
The new kid on the block is Hybrid PM software, which, in its simplest form, aims to combine the best of rigorous Waterfall methodology with the best of Agile flexibility, creating the kind of task management software that today’s changing work environment demands.
Finding the right Hybrid PM software means searching out something that fits and supports the way you work, rather than requiring you to change your work process. The challenge is knowing what the “right” kind of Hybrid software is – and ensuring that your choice remains effective and relevant into the future. There are many options to choose from – some with a more complete range of capabilities than others. One that is worth checking out is FunctionFox, which has been in the business of project management for 22+ years, but has maintained tremendous flexibility in managing projects in a variety of ways, including Waterfall.
Here are some features to look for when you are considering Hybrid PM software. We mention FunctionFox simply because it offers a significant depth and breadth of features.
It is helpful to understand two of the leading methodologies in project management.
Understanding Waterfall
Waterfall planning is a very structured process that breaks projects into phases, from planning, though design and implementation to verification and ongoing maintenance. The deliverables of one phase of a Waterfall project form the foundation of the next, and all phases are planned before the project begins. This linear, uni-directional process resembles a waterfall (thus its name). To record and manage Waterfall projects, project management software is essential, with Gantt charts being firm favorites for visualization.
- Benefits of Waterfall
- It is easy to bring new team members on board because everything has been discussed and agreed upon, and questions have been asked and answered.
- Because the scope of work is clear, it is simple to communicate project parameters such as budgets, timelines, and key milestones.
- Schedule and plan with the tools you need and trust, including interactive drag-and-drop Gantt charts and calendars.
- It can be difficult for clients to anticipate all their needs and requirements at the beginning of a project.
- Because there is little customer collaboration during development, changes are sometimes needed late in the project. This can be very costly.
Understanding Agile
Software developers and engineers developed Agile methodology to provide greater flexibility than Waterfall could provide. It is much less structured, and so much more flexible and adaptable than Waterfall, embracing change and inviting end user frequent feedback.
Instead of drafting extensive requirements for each phase of a project, an Agile team breaks down a project into features and tackles it under a time pressure sometimes called a sprint. At the end of each sprint, the self-organizing team demos their work to stakeholders, receives feedback, and makes adaptations to ensure that the project continues to meet user expectations.
- Benefits of Agile
- Agile’s team format encourages collaboration between team members and with all stakeholders.
- Code is tested with each iteration so defects can be spotted and rectified early in the project, and can help inform future design decisions.
- Customer satisfaction is often greater because of the collaborative nature of Agile projects.
- It can be hard to ensure that there is comprehensive documentation of an Agile project. This can make it more difficult to inform new developers and bring them on board.
- Because changes occur throughout the project development life span, accurate timelines and cost estimates can be difficult to establish or communicate to stakeholders.
With an understanding of waterfall, agile and hybrid methodologies, the next step is to develop a checklist of features that will allow you to assess the options available. Here are some essentials:
- Real-time time-tracking
Time tracking is foundational to project management. With it, you have up to the minute information about what everyone is working on, enabling you to pull reports and develop charts instantly. Without it, you’re flying blind.
- To-do Lists and Availability
To-do Lists help you understand and manage team workloads while freeing individuals to execute assigned tasks the way they prefer. Availability lets you see at a glance who is over – or under – allocated, and to reallocate resources immediately to maintain productive and efficient.
- Advanced Reporting
Whether you are looking for rigorous Waterfall capabilities or Agile flexibility, the right kind of task management software, team resource management, freelancer management or other design project management software will offer the ability to create instant, customizable reports and visual charting, giving you a tremendous range of information as soon as you need it. - Multiple views of clients, projects and personnel
With hybrid methodology, you really need to keep your eye on the ball. Flexibility is key. Look for software like FunctionFox, which gives project managers the ability to work easily with a wide variety of project management methodologies
- Schedule and plan with tools you trust, including interactive drag-and-drop Gantt charts and calendars. The right hybrid PM software will support you while you work the way you prefer.
- Keep everyone in the loop, including in-office, freelance and remote team members, with project notifications and alerts. FunctionFox also offers a CEO desktop that enables you to check progress on any project as often as you want
Finding the right way
Your quest for the right project management software may take you through uncharted waters, but with the right process and a checklist of features to look for, you will be more than well-equipped for the task. You’ll have the right tools to develop a rigorous, methodologically sound Waterfall project, the flexibility to build a successful Agile project, and a combination of features and capabilities that are ‘just right’ to create an extraordinary Hybrid project.
Knowing that there are tools out there, like FunctionFox, that are designed to support your work- style is the icing on the cake. A little time and effort, and you will have a combination of tools to take your PM projects to the next level – and well into the future.
This article has been provided by FunctionFox Systems Inc. If you would like to submit an article to be featured on the FunctionFox Blog, email marketing@functionfox.com