As you’ll no doubt know, managing projects in many industries can feel like juggling a thousand hot charcoal at once. Luckily, we now have more tools and techniques than ever before to help handle these tasks, one of the most important being project management platforms.
There seems to be an ever-growing number of options available, though. This can make working out when to upgrade a surprisingly difficult task. Here, we go through a few important signs that it could be time to upgrade, to help you stay up to date with the latest solutions available.
Adoption issues
If you’re going to use a project management platform, then you need to ensure that as close to 100% as possible of your teams are actively using that system. One of the main points of using a platform like this is that it provides a centralised space where everything is neatly contained and available for analysis, but this only works if everyone is able to use it.
While limited adoption doesn’t necessarily mean you need to upgrade to a new solution, if you’ve tried other techniques, it could be a sign that it’s time to give a new service a try.
Scaling problems
As your business grows, you’ll need to make sure that all of the various systems and solutions you use are able to scale with that growth.
Many legacy platforms fail to offer users flexibility regarding scalability. However, some platforms, like WorkSavi, support scalability inline with business growth ambitions.
Whether that’s something like user access issues or storage problems, once these start to pop up you should definitely look for a solution that’s able to cater to your evolving needs moving forward.
Security risks
While some threats are relatively stable in nature, cybersecurity definitely doesn’t fit into this category. Project management platforms often store heaps of highly sensitive data, and it’s imperative that this data is stored in a safe and secure manner.
If the solution you’re using isn’t able to maintain security functions in the long term, this is absolutely a sign that it’s time to look for a replacement service provider.
Limited functionality
Lastly, while you may have been grateful at first for literally any help you could get with project management, as time goes by, your needs and expectations will likely grow.
As a result, it will likely reach a point where the first tool you chose to go with (unless it just so happened to be absolutely perfect) no longer has the functions and features that you now believe you could benefit from.
Luckily, there’s a strong chance that one of the other options on the market will provide the level of functionality you need – you just need to find it!
These aren’t the only signs that you need to upgrade, but they’re definitely a good selection of areas to start with. It’s crucial that you don’t fall for the trap of sticking with an existing service just because it seems more convenient: in the long run, finding a more optimised solution will always serve your best interests.
FAQ: Project Management Platforms for Businesses
1. What is a project management platform?
A project management platform is a digital tool designed to help businesses organize tasks, manage teams, track progress, and collaborate more efficiently. It centralizes all project-related information in one place.
2. Why should my business use one?
It boosts productivity by streamlining communication, improving task tracking, and ensuring deadlines are met. It helps teams stay on the same page and reduces the chaos of email and manual task management.
3. What features should I look for?
Look for task management, team collaboration tools (chat, file sharing), time tracking, integrations with other tools (like Google Workspace or Slack), reporting, and customization options.
4. Are project management platforms only for large businesses?
No! They work for businesses of all sizes. Small teams benefit from the structure and efficiency, just like big corporations.
5. How much do project management platforms cost?
Prices vary—some offer free tiers with limited features, while premium versions range from $10 to $30 per user per month.
6. Can remote teams use project management platforms effectively?
Absolutely. Most platforms are cloud-based, enabling remote collaboration, file sharing, and task tracking from anywhere in the world.
7. How do project management platforms integrate with other tools we already use?
Many platforms integrate seamlessly with tools like Slack, Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and others to keep everything connected and ensure smooth workflows.
8. Are these platforms difficult to implement?
Most are user-friendly and offer onboarding resources. Many have drag-and-drop interfaces, and support is available to help with initial setup.
9. Can I track team performance with these platforms?
Yes, most platforms offer performance tracking tools, like time tracking, productivity metrics, and detailed reporting, to help you monitor team efficiency and project progress.
10. What are the top project management platforms?
Some popular options include Asana, Trello, Monday.com, ClickUp, and Wrike. Each offers a range of features suitable for different business needs.
Final words
These answers should help you understand why project management platforms can be a game-changer for your business! By choosing a solution that aligns with your business needs and integrating it with your existing tools, you can create a more efficient, well-connected work environment. Now that you know this and are familiar with the signs it’s time to upgrade your tool, you can take action.