Project management is vital to any business. The problem is keeping everyone on track and making sure all members of the team have access to all of the same information. This is an issue that has been a source of stress for many years. Thankfully, the internet has provided a myriad of options that make keeping the entire project team up to date and constantly in the loop. There are apps, programs, downloads, and special software designed specifically for this purpose. Unfortunately, there are some issues still with many of these programs. this includes crashing, unreliability, no access on certain platforms, and many other things. There is one software company that stands above all the rest with functionality and reliability, Function Point Software. Of course, when first introduced to a new software or program, there is inevitably skepticism and doubt. The best way to alleviate these things is by educating yourself on the way it works and its history. That is why you will find here a detailed guide to help you understand what this software is, how it works, what to expect, and how to get started.
To understand what this software can do, it is best to begin by considering all of the necessary aspects of project management. For a project management team to build a great workflow, there are several things that are needed. Schedules, task assignments, to-do lists, templates, and the ability to collaboratively edit documents of all type is just one of the many things that a project management team needs. Also, there needs to be team access to various tools for handling customer service, insights and analytics, and bookkeeping. Each of these tools is incredibly necessary. There are many versions of these tools, but the problem is that each one is separate. Which means there will be passwords and access codes for each team member for each tool. As a general rule, none of these tools have the ability to work together and therefore there is no way to cross reference see everything in one place. One of the best assets of Function Point is that it provides all of these things and more in one single place. One place to log in, not many. Access to all tools, calendars, etc. all in one location with the ability to cross-reference information with having to pull from two or three different places. For more information on the necessary tools for project management, head over to the Function Point website.
Now, let’s talk about the different features of this software. You will have access to customer service tools, project accounting information, traffic management, collaboration tools, project management tools, and insight and analytic information. Within each of these categories is a wide array of tools to aid in every aspect of the project. Here is a detailed list of the tools available in each category.
Traffic Management
- Calendar view
- Timesheets
- Resource allocation
- Workload capacity
- Gantt charts with dependencies
Collaboration
- Notes
- Client portal
- A central location for all hosted files
Project Management
- Workflow automation
- Bulk editing
- Job templates
- To-do lists
- Schedules
- Task scheduling
Project Accounting
- Project budget trackers and editing
- Cost tracking
- Custom invoicing
- QuickBooks integration
- Template estimating
Customer Service
- Support within thirty minutes
- Dedicated customer service managers
- Optional on-sight visits
- Onboarding team
Insights and Analytics
- Risk analysis
- Visuals reporting for KPIs
- Macro and Micro job ROI
This software company was founded by a man named Chris Wilson. Mr. Wilson designed this software in 1997 in Vancouver Canada. His creation has quickly risen in the ranks to become one of the leading project management software. Originally, he designed this software to be a platform that produced automated pricing calculations. Very quickly, however, he built on this original platform and created the all-in-one project management necessity that it is today.
There are a few other software companies that have similar features, but the only one will best suit the needs and wants of each project team. Here are a few tips to help you determine if a given project management software is right for you. Some software versions boast having the most features available, but there is one thing that should always be considered in this situation. This consideration is this; are all of these features actually necessary? There are some tools that are not actually necessary to have an excellent functioning project management. Too many features can overcrowd the system and cause problems. On the other hand, too few features and you will not be able to handle everything that needs to be taken care of. Â Next, you should look at the vendor’s background. If they have a background in project management and software development, they are likely to have an excellent product, whereas if they have a background in a completely different area, they will not be able to produce a product as strong as others.
Why is it important to have all of the necessary project management tools in one place? Technically speaking, it is not actually necessary; however, it is immensely helpful. This eliminates the need for multiple accounts, downloads, and logins. Also, it makes it possible to quickly go from scheduling to budget management to collaboration, all without having to change sites or applications.
It is incredibly easy to get your project team set up with Function Point Software. All you have to do is head over to their website and click a few buttons. They will help you get your account set up and help you learn how to best utilize it. Regardless of whether you are a seasoned project management pro or are starting your first team project, this software will be incredibly useful. If you are a project management team leader, look into setting up this software for your team. If you are currently a part of a team, ask your team leader about trying out this software as soon as possible. Any information that you may need or want regarding price, how the software works, or how to install it can be found on the Function Point website. Gather as much information as you can before presenting the software to your team.
