Project Management Tools: Best 25+Tools and Techniques

The early stage of any project is usually the most difficult. However, some tools and techniques can make project management much easier. Your ultimate success will be determined by your understanding and implementation of these approaches to your projects

Whether you’re an experienced project manager or about handling your very first project, this post is for you! You’ve probably heard about so many approaches and you’re a little confused? it’s okay.

As you read on, you will find the best free Microsoft project management tools and techniques that are agile for project management.

Free Best Microsoft Project Management Tools and Techniques

As a project manager who desires successful and optimum achievement with his team, here are some of the best free Microsoft tools and techniques of project management.

#1. Asana

Asana is a dynamic project management tool with a focused collaboration. It’s simple to use, with several task displays and the option to add custom fields and forms. Some workflows regulate repeating tasks. Furthermore, it allows you to invite an unlimited number of guests and also to create custom rules and approval workflows.

Asana has a lot of features for productivity and collaboration that would interest you. However, many of the core project management features work through integrations, which may not be optimal for many users. Although, it is suitable for all sizes of organizations but not for freelancers. Moreover, some users believe Asana’s design is extremely simplistic, even though it includes powerful task management and collaboration functions. As a project manager, if your project management style mirrors Asana’s, you’ll enjoy it.

#2. Wrike

Next on the list of free best management tools is Wrike. It’s a cloud-based tool that simplifies project planning, assists in tracking your team’s work, monitors deadlines, and allows you to effortlessly collaborate with all stakeholders. Furthermore, it has a plethora of innovative features like task management, Gantt charts, a real-time news feed, and much more.

The sheer number of features can be intimidating for most novice users, and the imprecise UI is no help. Nevertheless, it is appropriate for various organizational teams such as software development, advertising, and business services.

#3. Monday.com

Monday.com is one of the best free project management tools, with an easy-to-use interface and excellent project visualization capabilities. On top of that, there are project models from which to build your boards. Additionally, there are a variety of display options available, including a map view and a calendar view.

Admittedly, the lack of recurring activities is a typical source of consumer frustration. For certain users, navigating the mobile app is difficult, yet it provides excellent security, robust features, and simple customization.

#4. Kissflow

This authentic software is one of the most popular project management tools available.  Kissflow project is an excellent solution for practical project managers, covering all the bases by providing a comprehensive set of project management capabilities. For the most part, its user-friendly and visually appealing Graphical User Interface makes an exceptional alternative for all sorts of enterprises.

Some of its features like rule-based WIP restrictions, custom forms, and personalized boards are tailored to your project’s and organization’s specific requirements. Plus, the “user swimlane view” provides a comprehensive overview of what each project member is working on. Kissflow Project allows you to visualize with kanban, assign tasks, make lists, manage time, collaborate, and generate reports all in a simple, user-friendly interface.

Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or this is your first, Kissflow can help you execute effectively and get the results you are looking for.

#5. Trello

Trello is a popular Microsoft project task management that includes built-in collaboration options for working with your teams. It is lightweight, simple, and easy to use. It equally creates tasks and keeps track of them using boards, lists, and cards. Within the cards, users can collaborate, share files, and post comments.

Trello has some distinguishing characteristics that make it one of the best Microsoft Project management free tools. For example, drag and drop capability, in-line editing, data filtering, card record preservation, data SSL encryption, and others. Trello management tool is perfect, especially for individuals or small teams who manage a small number of tasks at the same time.

#6. Clarizen

Clarizen is one of the top free online project management tools that are best for medium and large businesses. However, its lack of a mobile app may limit the system’s utility for some teams because it is solely for web-based project management. Users, on the other hand, like the comprehensive reporting tools and the capacity to manage resource utilization, despite the lack of a to-do list and time tracking.

Furthermore, the learning curve is somewhat severe due to the unique ways of organizing workflows. Clarizen is particularly fit for enterprise-level project managers in need of robust, versatile, and user-friendly Microsoft project management tools.

#7. Airtable

Airtable combines the best characteristics of spreadsheets and databases. Even though it lacks powerful reporting options, it’s regarded as one of the best free project management Microsoft tools, because it is versatile and appropriate for projects of all sizes. 

More importantly, you can save information in the database for use in task management and project planning at the same time. Many users, for instance, enjoy the flexibility of data arrangement that Airtable’s spreadsheets enable, in addition to several views available, including kanban, list, grid, and calendar.

#8. ProofHub

ProofHub is an all-in-one project management software with a slew of useful features. This Microsoft Project alternative centralizes everything from your team members to clients to projects. Further, it allows you to create tasks, assign them to numerous team members, and track project progress. With its incredible marking features, you can quickly and easily assess and share feedback.

In other words, ProofHub consolidates task lists, procedures, Gantt charts, discussions, calendars, and documentation into a single location. It aids in the planning, organization, and tracking of your team’s work, as well as the facilitation of cooperation among teams involved.

ProofHub offers extremely few integrations and very limited task management due to its concentration on simplicity. It is indeed beneficial to both freelancers and enterprises of all sizes.  Moreover, it is also available as a mobile app for Android and iOS users.

#9. Workzone

This is a sophisticated and straightforward Microsoft project management tool that includes dashboards and portfolio views to provide comprehensive insight across all projects. Workzone offers strong capabilities for the entire team, including individuals with zero project management experience.

In general, the premium capabilities of Microsoft project management tools are intended for experts. Workzone’s feature set, on the other hand, was meant to be easily assimilated by the entire team. Furthermore, it offers a tried-and-true strategy that includes comprehensive onboarding and unlimited assistance.

#10. Scoro

Scoro is a full-service task management solution for professionals and creative services that helps to streamline and avoid repetitive chores. Its key capabilities as a Microsoft alternative are project management, work scheduling, invoicing, and time tracking. In this cloud-based software, you can also add tasks, link them to clients, and assign different levels to users.

Scoro is well-known for its budgeting and invoicing features. These features assist you in staying on top of your projects while also allowing for smooth communication with your peers and colleagues. Its ability to manage and sync multiple calendars in one interface adds structure to your work. Moreover, it is simple to integrate with apps such as MailChimp, Dropbox, Outlook, and many others.

Other Project Management Tools & Techniques Every Project Manager Should Know

#1. Work Breakdown Structure (WSB)

According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), WBS is a “deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the team.” It is a way to break down work into smaller and more manageable pieces. That means, the WBS is a graphical representation of each task in the project.

The WBS is built by the entire team, which defines the primary outputs and then splits them into sub-outputs. This procedure is repeated until the team reaches a point where the task can be completed, at which point the task will be assigned to someone else. This serves as a sort of project task map

#2. PERT

PERT stands for program evaluation and review technique. It is one of the project management techniques that aid in time estimation. Scheduling is essential for completing a project on time, as well as within the budget. The longer you labour, the more you will be paid.

So, here’s exactly how PERT works! It handles probability through the use of a variety of simple statistical approaches. PERT breaks down tasks into detailed activities using the WBS, then adds these to a Gantt chart to detect interconnected activities. As a result, you can generate an explanatory map of the network of activities and their interdependencies.

A node on the explanatory map symbolizes an event, and the activities are represented by arrows drawn from one event to the next in the sequence they occur. Whereas the earliest time (TE) and latest time (TL) for each activity and the slack time for each activity are calculated as a result of this.

#3. Gantt Chart

A Gantt Chart is among the techniques of project management. It’s more of a visual technique but has more uses for project managers. Making a Gantt chart is a technique on its own, but combining it with a Gantt chart tool makes it much easier to implement.

Gantt charts can help with more than just work planning and scheduling across several projects. You may also plan and schedule complete projects, plan in sprints and milestones, schedule teamwork, and compare actual project schedules. If you use the online Gantt chart, you may modify schedules as needed and even link dependent activities with a single click and drag.

Each work may now be assigned to individual team members to keep the project on track, and project managers can schedule notifications about forthcoming deadlines. So, when a team member updates their status, it quickly reflects across, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

#4. Critical Path Method (CPM)

The CPM is one of the project management techniques that aid in scheduling project activities and decision-making. It entails first mapping out the most critical tasks and then using those to estimate how long it will take to complete the project. Because each activity influences the final date, the CPM requires a list of all set activities, duration, and external factors that may affect each activity.

Furthermore, CPM has something called fast-tracking for dealing with contingencies, which are expected in every project. And it is suited for more complex projects. Like WBS and Gantt Charts, you can as well utilize them as tools rather than merely project management techniques.

#5. Waterfall

This is one of the oldest techniques of project management. The waterfall is ideal for projects with sequential steps that require few modifications throughout the project’s life cycle. The waterfall is not for you if you anticipate having to change things and re-discuss the project’s scope or budget.

However, if you decide to adopt this method, then make a list of resources and outputs that you require in each phase. Preparation is essential. So, ensure every activity flows linearly in 5 phases, which are: Requirement>Design>Implementation>Verification>Maintainance.

Agile Project Management Tools

#1. Sprintly

Sprintly is number one on the list of agile project management tools and techniques. It displays what your team is working on as well as what they have completed. It also makes it simple for startups and agencies to cooperate by providing a complete picture of what the team is working on. 

Furthermore, it links with Github, allowing your development team to automatically update their work. It even works with Zapier in the event you need to extend the functionality of their interactions. Other features include boards, syntax filters, reports, and integrations

However, according to user reviews, Sprintly’s main drawback is; there are no due dates nor specific views for a sprint. It also tends to slow down and impede the team’s productivity.

#2. Backlog

Next on the list of agile project management tools is Nulab’s Backlog tool which also includes version control. It aspires to be an all-purpose software development tool. With features like custom fields, task hierarchy, board, and Gantt chart, it is easy for teams to organize their work.

Its straightforward interface allows you to browse, prioritize, and discuss all user stories in one location. And it has a notification system in place to let everyone know when there is a new development.

#3. Kanban

This is one of the agile project management tools, especially for first-time project managers. Kanban is a method of visualizing workflow that is used in lean manufacturing and appears like a series of cards aboard. As a project management technique, it helps to monitor and manage projects by emphasizing continuous delivery without overworking the team. 

Furthermore, this project management technique encourages a continual collaborative environment and allows the team to experiment with and enhance the workflow. Lastly, Kanban is best for agile project management. It helps you organize and manage your work more efficiently, even it can be applied to any project and is popular among those who think visually. 

#4. Orangescrum

Orangescrum is among the agile project and task management tools that are open-source and available in the cloud. In addition to its agile features, it also incorporates time, resources, and invoicing management. This makes it an excellent tool for service companies with a large number of clients.

Additionally, this tool allows your team to centralize all of your projects and tasks while also managing your resources. Its collaborative features, such as file sharing and task management enable teams to work closely together. 

#5. GitHub

Last on our list of agile tools for project management is Github. Your development team is probably already hosting and collaborating on source code on Github. Your team can also monitor, track, and fix issues via Github project management. With features such as labels, workflow setups, and issues linking to pull requests, it achieves the best performance.

Conversely, you may track updates in your project without disrupting your workflow by associating issues with pull requests and code commits. And if you link an issue to a pull request, it will be instantly close as soon as the issue is met.

Is Jira a project management tools?

An agile project management application called Jira Software is capable of supporting any agile technique, including scrum, kanban, and custom variants. One tool may be used to plan, track, and manage all of your agile software development projects. This solution includes agile boards, backlogs, roadmaps, reports, integrations, and add-ons.

Which tool helps a project manager?

Managers may remain on top of the planning process by using handy tools like Gantt Charts and Project Timeline Calendar. In order to build a project planning environment that is easily recognizable, these tools immediately draw data from the task lists.

What is PMO tool?

Project management office (PMO) software is a type of technology that it uses to oversee the administrative and financial facets of the projects it is in charge of. With the use of PMO software solutions, the PMO may achieve its objectives of successfully and efficiently managing the projects within the firm.

What is PMP tool?

Any organization that manages projects often does it through a computer system. Everything we need to handle the project from beginning to end, both in terms of hardware and software, should be included.

Is Excel a project management tool?

Project managers working on small to medium-sized projects frequently utilize Microsoft Excel as a straightforward project management tool to aid in the visualization, planning, and monitoring of progress.

What are the 4 main roles of a project manager?

supervising the production of the necessary deliverables. project planning and supervision. any delegation and the usage of project assurance roles within predetermined reporting structures project, stage, and exception plans as necessary, and maintaining them.

Conclusion

To summarize, the success of every project is dependent on the approach that was employed in the process. However, not all projects necessitate the same strategy, which is the point of this piece. The correct application of the correct tool and technique to a certain project will result in a satisfactory outcome.

Related Articles

1. Project Time Management: Processes, Tools & Software for Effective Management
2. Benefits of Accounting Process Automation for Business
3. Email Marketing Platforms: Overview, Common Features, Comparisons
4. Project Cost Management: How to Create a Cost Management Plan
5. Cash Management Software and Solutions For Businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What Are The PMO Tools?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “

• Governance.
• Project/program management.
• Finance management.
• Risk and issue management.
• Time and task management.
• Resource management.
• Demand management.
• Schedule management

“
}
}
, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What Are The Six Planning Tools and Techniques?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “

Important planning tools and techniques include forecasting, contingency planning, scenarios, benchmarking, participatory planning, and feasible goal setting

“
}
}
, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Does Google Have a Project Management Tool?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “

Google does not have a native project management software or app. It does, however, have an option for creating project plans and Gantt chart timeframes. It’s known as Google Sheets. There is no need for coding experience: simply enter your data, click Share, and add your team.

“
}
}
, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is Microsoft Teams a Project Management Tool? “,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “

Microsoft Teams is a robust project management tool that includes real-time chat, video meetings, document management, and more.

“
}
}
, {
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Is Microsoft Team Free?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “

Yes! The free version of Teams includes the following: Unlimited chat messages and search.

“
}
}
] }