So you are going ahead with the purchase of ScrumMaster/Project Management Software and it’s time for you and your team to evaluate potential software to purchase. I came up with a few criteria that you can add to your arsenal while evaluating software and more importantly the vendors that supply the applications.
Here are a few Open Source Project Manager Software vendors that you can download a free trial:
1.Ease of installation and operation: make sure that you clearly identify and address the technical aspects of software installation, don’t forget to involve your technology department in your decision.
2.Different users/views: make sure your project management software has the right user-friendliness and online views for different levels of interest and sophistication towards different team members and the skill sets that they bring to the organization.
3.Security: data security is key here and makes sure the functionality provides prompts when employees try to enter information.
4.Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): make sure the software can develop and store a WBS and integrate it into other project applications.
5.Resources: make sure the software can identify all resources needed for your project.
6.Task breakout by department: make sure your software can forecast project requirements.
7.Capacity limitations: make sure your software can accommodate multiple projects.
8.Initial project schedule: make sure the software has the capability to produce several different versions of your schedule.
9.Different calendar/time options: make sure the software can express your schedule in years, months, weeks, days, hours, or even minutes. s.
10.Critical path identification: make sure your project management software defines and redefines (based on changes) the critical path.
11.Project schedule updating: test the software's capability to delete, or transfer information to another part of the project.
12.Track actual progress versus plan: test the software because you should be able to indicate percentage complete (task and project) and perform various earned value calculations.
13.Reporting: make sure your software creates basic reports (for instance, money spent and resources available).
14.Integration with other systems: simply put make sure it can talk with all your systems.
15.Data management: make sure your project management software handles large quantities of data for reporting, creating charts, and tracking progress to plan.
16.Ease of use: most important, make sure the software is intuitive.