Finding the right project management software for your business is a difficult task in itself, due to the sheer number of options that are available. Add the criteria of trying to find a project management system that integrates into your existing client portal, and you could have a potentially daunting search ahead of you. With a few key things in mind, however, you can find a project management software to fit your needs, with minimal headache.
A key function to look for will be integration with your existing site. This will include being able to use any clients you already have registered to your site, as well as being able to seamlessly integrate the project management functionality into your existing client portal pages. The more integration the system offers, the less work you will have in converting all of your existing resources into the project management software. This is especially easy if you are running a WordPress-based site, though this is not necessary.
Another integral component of a project management software is easily being able to create, assign, and manage projects and tasks. This is the core functionality of a project management system, but it will vary widely from software to software. The basic functions that should be in all systems will be creating projects, creating and assigning tasks, a messaging system, and a basic file sharing system. Task creation should also include the ability to assign each task with a due date, and may include optional features such as tagging, prioritizing, and drag-n-drop sorting. The ability to break a task down into subtasks, or group them together into milestones, are also available in some project management systems, but they are less common features. The file sharing system will also play an important role when your team is working on a project. These systems will range from simple upload/download pages, to more complex systems that allow for assigning files to specific projects and tasks, and attaching files to messages within a project. The messaging system will play a key role as well, as good communication is analogous to success in the world of project management. Being able to communicate separately with your team and the client, allowing you to pick and choose what messages the client sees, is an important feature to look for when shopping around for software.
Regardless of what kind of business you are running, the project management software market is populated with plenty of options to integrate with your client portal. Alternatively, if you do not already have an existing client portal, you can find project management systems that come packaged with a client portal system, making installation and integration a snap. This will decrease downtime as you are getting your system setup, which will in turn allow you to start taking on client projects sooner, leading to more revenue and a higher profit margin.
WordPress Project Management Plugin for your Theme