Many people try on far too many pairs of jeans to mention before they find the ‘perfect' fit. But let's be honest- this ‘perfect' fit we all seek out and sometimes even tell ourselves we've found isn't really all that ‘perfect.' What really happens is this: you find a pair of jeans that you think looks best, and then there's always that extra step that requires some tailoring. This can vary from taking it in an inch somewhere, or hemming it up. With that being said, I acknowledge that no project ever goes perfectly and finding that the perfect project management software for your team or organization can be quite a feat.
So my advice: search for the perfect project management solution the way people search for that ‘perfect' pair of jeans! Instead of focusing on how well the jeans fit your waist (eek!) or if the color and wash fits your daily style, keep an eye out for features that are compliant with your current business processes and usability for everyone who will log into the project management system. Other characteristics that may be important to you and your team may include having visibility over all of your projects from one view for executives, or being able to juggle the many resources who are assigned to several projects from a single view.
Finding project management software that meets every single requirement and fits perfectly into your business processes out of the box is nearly impossible. Acknowledge that most project solutions may fall short at a couple points the same way the jeans can be so close to being perfect except for the length may be far too long (or short). It is also important to find one that is customizable and can be ‘tailored' to reach that point of perfection- just like hemming jeans. You may want to ask yourself what other databases or systems will you need to be integrated with your project management solution? Or is it even possible?
Ok, maybe not EVERYBODY struggles the way I do with finding the perfect fit when in search for jeans, but in case the point wasn't explicit enough here it is: finding project management software that is a PERFECT fit for your organization and all processes involved right out of the box is unlikely- you will have to accept imperfections and look for something that can easily be customized and integrated into what already works for you!
Janelle Abaoag, Project Insight
