Program Management Tools

Project management software tools allow project management teams to track the progress of tasks.

Project management tools allow companies to easily track progress or changes to tasks, collaborate with teams around the world and manage project data. Software programs are perhaps the most powerful tools that a project management team has in its tool belt. Since teams often work in different areas of the country and at different times of day and night, it is extremely helpful to have all the project information and updates within a single program.

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project allows project managers and project management teams to manage a project or portfolio through Project’s demand management module system. Features of this system include schedule controls, a Timeline menu, Office Fluent User Interface and team planner. The Timeline menu allows team members to see major tasks and major milestones on a customizable time line. The Office Fluent User allows teams to access all types of Microsoft programs, including Project, by a variety of methods, including portable hand-held devices like smart phones. The team planner feature provides team leaders with an opportunity to quickly view tasks, review resources, level resources or view the progress that is being made on individual tasks. This program is geared towards larger companies.

Microsoft Corporation

One Microsoft Way

Redmond, WA 98052-6399

800-642-7676

microsoft.com

Lighthouse

Lighthouse allows users to handle a number of project management tasks, including prioritizing and organizing tasks, tracking project status and sharing documents with team members. Lighthouse provides users with the opportunity to integrate their current email accounts into the system. The software tool also has a milestone setting feature that allows teams to see whether or not goals are being met. The program will pull up with the lasted updates that have been made to tasks, allowing project managers to quickly see what progress has been made. Important documents can also be uploaded to the program, allowing any team member to quickly access the information. This program can be used by companies of any size.

ENTP

618 NW Glisan, #406

Portland, Oregon 97209

503-877-3687

entp.com

PTC

PTC’s project management software tool allows users to control the project from multiple angles. Features include the ability to link project decisions with product data, track changes to tasks or to the whole project, and to share information about projects and tasks. Other features include the ability to track changes to engineering and to handle any workflow issues. The project management tool also allows project managers to control access by contractors who work for other companies and who are using other software programs. This program is geared towards small to medium-sized companies.

PTC Corporate Headquarters

140 Kendrick Street

Needham, MA 02494

781-370-5000

ptc.com

References

• Microsoft: Microsoft Project 2010
• Lighthouse
• PTC: Program Management

Resources

• Project Management Institute