Project Management Software

Learning how to make a project schedule in Excel helps project managers plan tasks, set deadlines and track progress with accessible tools they already use. A project schedule in Excel organizes activities in a timeline format, showing task durations, dependencies and milestones. While limited for large projects, creating an Excel project schedule or downloading a project schedule for Excel is a quick way to get started managing smaller projects efficiently without investing in complex software. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Project-Schedule-Template-for-Excel.png Get your free Project Schedule Template Use this free Project Schedule Template for Excel to manage y…

Stakeholder reporting is a crucial process that keeps everyone informed about project performance, progress and potential risks. A stakeholder report gives stakeholders transparency into goals, metrics and milestones, helping build trust and align expectations. When done effectively, stakeholder reporting supports decision-making, encourages accountability and ensures that all involved parties remain engaged throughout the project lifecycle. It also demonstrates a team’s commitment to open communication and continuous improvement across departments and project stages. What Is Stakeholder Reporting? Stakeholder reporting is the process of collecting, analyzing and sharin…

Decision-making tools and decision-making techniques are essential for managers, team leaders and project managers who need to make informed choices quickly and effectively. These methods help organize information, evaluate alternatives and predict outcomes. From simple pros and cons lists to complex decision matrices, using decision-making tools ensures clarity and consistency, while decision-making techniques provide structured approaches for analyzing problems, reducing bias and prioritizing options. Free templates make it easier to implement these strategies immediately, saving time and improving overall decision quality across teams and organizations. What Are Deci…

Creating a project plan is one of the most important responsibilities of a project manager. This document should include everything the team needs to execute a project, such as its budget, schedule, scope, resource requirements, roles & responsibilities, among other things. However, creating project plans can be challenging for both beginner and experienced project managers alike. That’s why we’ve created this sample project plan to help project managers include what matters most. Once you’re ready, you can try ProjectManager. We’re online project management software with tools such as Gantt charts to filter for the critical path and baselines so you can track your p…

Process costing is a key accounting method used in manufacturing to determine the total cost of producing large quantities of similar items. By accumulating and averaging production costs over time, businesses gain accurate insights into their cost per unit. This method is essential for industries that rely on continuous production such as chemicals, textiles, or food manufacturing. Process costing helps ensure financial transparency, supports pricing decisions and improves overall cost control across departments and production cycles. What Is Process Costing? Process costing is a cost accounting technique used when identical or similar products are produced in a continu…

A gemba walk is a key practice for leaders and managers who want to see processes firsthand and engage with teams on the shop floor. It emphasizes observing operations directly rather than relying solely on reports or data. By being present where work happens, managers can identify inefficiencies, uncover opportunities for improvement and build stronger communication with employees. The gemba walk also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Teams feel heard when leaders take the time to observe, ask questions and offer guidance. Regular walks create actionable insights and help align operations with strategic goals, ensuring processes run smoothl…

Project scheduling tools help teams plan, track and execute projects efficiently by organizing tasks, deadlines and resources in one platform. With the right project scheduling tools, businesses can visualize dependencies, manage workloads and meet deadlines without confusion or missed steps. In 2025, these tools have evolved to include AI-driven automation and real-time collaboration features that improve visibility and productivity across industries. What Are Project Scheduling Tools? Project scheduling tools are software applications that help teams plan, assign and track project activities. They streamline workflows by providing timelines, milestones and dependencies…

Project dashboards provide a clear, real-time overview of a project’s progress, performance and key metrics in one centralized location. It helps project managers and stakeholders quickly assess whether the project is on track by visualizing data such as timelines, budgets, resource allocation and task completion rates. By simplifying complex information into easily digestible visuals like charts and graphs, dashboards enable faster decision-making, improve communication across teams and enhance transparency throughout the project lifecycle. Many teams use Microsoft products to manage their projects, but does Microsoft Planner have a dashboard? The Microsoft Planner dash…

If you’re working in project management, then you know about Monday.com. You’re probably getting a ton of online ads. The company has invested a ton of money in its marketing to people working on projects. But is there a Monday Gantt chart? Let’s take a look at this popular project management software and see if it delivers on one of the most essential project management tools. We’ll avoid the question as to why Monday.com named itself after the most hated day of the week and leave that for another time. What Is Monday.com? Monday.com bills itself as a work management tool. It says its purpose is to help teams and their organizations work more efficiently. It does this …

Smartsheet is software that has built its entire platform on the familiar landscape of spreadsheets. While it does more than a traditional Excel spreadsheet, does it have the features that project managers and their teams need to track work and stay on schedule and budget? Of course, we’re referring to a Smartsheet dashboard. To find out if there is a Smartsheet dashboard and, if so, how powerful it is, we’re going to test drive the software. We’ll determine the value of its tracking features and review the pros and cons to make sure that potential users looking for dynamic project management software are steered in the right direction. What Is Smartsheet? Smartsheet is…

The best way to track projects is with cloud-based project management software that connects every task, timeline and team member in one platform. It allows managers to see progress in real time, track performance metrics and make fast adjustments without relying on outdated spreadsheets or manual updates. Teams can plan workflows, assign responsibilities and visualize progress across multiple projects using interactive dashboards and automated reporting tools. This software gives organizations complete control and transparency, helping them deliver work on time and within budget while reducing the risk of miscommunication. What Is the Best Way to Track a Project? The b…

Retainage in construction is a key practice that helps keep projects on track and ensures work meets quality standards. By holding back a portion of payment until project milestones are completed, owners and contractors stay focused on timely delivery and problem-free execution. Using retainage in construction promotes accountability, encourages careful workmanship and supports smoother project management, helping teams avoid delays, minimize disputes and maintain consistent progress from start to finish on every construction project. What Is Retainage in Construction? Retainage in construction is the practice of withholding a portion of a contractor’s payment until a pr…

Construction inventory management played a critical role in keeping projects on schedule and within budget. It ensured that tools, materials, and equipment were tracked effectively from procurement through delivery and on-site use. Without proper construction inventory management, teams risked delays, overspending and loss of valuable resources. By maintaining accurate records and visibility, project managers optimized operations, improved coordination and reduced waste, making construction inventory management a key factor in the success of any construction project. In today’s fast-paced industry, integrating construction inventory management systems with construction e…

Microsoft Project Online Essentials was a simplified, cloud-based project management tool designed for team members who needed to collaborate on projects without requiring full access to Microsoft Project Professional. It was retired when Microsoft shut down its Project Online tool for new users on October 1, 2025. It will be completely retired on September 30, 2026. Project Online Essentials enabled users to view schedules, update tasks, track progress and communicate project status efficiently. Teams could manage tasks across multiple projects and ensure alignment with overall objectives. With Project Online Essentials, organizations gained a flexible, accessible way t…

Construction projects are complex, involving numerous risks that can impact budgets, timelines and overall success. Construction risk management software helps teams identify, evaluate and mitigate these risks proactively. From small contractors to large firms, having the right tools ensures projects run smoothly and safely. These software solutions centralize risk data, track potential issues and integrate with other project management tools. They allow managers to make informed decisions quickly, improving efficiency, accountability and overall project outcomes. Choosing the right construction risk management software can prevent costly delays and keep stakeholders ali…

When managing projects, users often face the decision of choosing the right Microsoft Project version. The debate of MS Project Standard vs. Professional comes up frequently because each offers different tools for project planning, scheduling and resource management. Understanding the differences between Project Standard vs. Professional is essential for selecting the right software for your team and business needs. In this comparison of Microsoft Project Standard vs. Professional, we’ll examine core features, usability, pricing and collaboration options. We’ll highlight distinctions between MS Project Professional vs. Standard, helping managers see why one may suit cert…

Microsoft Project Online Professional was a cloud-based project management solution that allowed teams to plan, track and deliver projects through online collaboration. As part of the Microsoft Project suite, it offered tools for scheduling, resource management and portfolio tracking across multiple initiatives. As of October 1, 2025, new users will not be able to sign up, with the software being retired on September 30, 2026. Project Online Professional integrated with Microsoft 365 applications and SharePoint, enabling users to manage projects from anywhere. Though widely used for enterprise project management, Microsoft has retired this product in favor of newer solut…

An invoice template in Google Docs makes billing fast and professional for freelancers, contractors and small businesses. This invoice template in Google Docs includes editable fields for client details, invoice numbers, itemized line items, taxes, discounts and total due, plus space for payment terms and notes. Use the template to customize branding, add a logo and adjust currency, then share or download as a PDF for clients. Invoice templates in Google Docs are free and easy to copy, making them ideal when you need a simple billing solution that integrates with your workflow. The Google Docs invoice template is compatible with any browser and supports collaboration, al…

Construction resource scheduling is essential for coordinating materials, labor and equipment efficiently across multiple job sites. The process ensures that the right resources are available when needed, preventing delays and budget overruns. Successful construction resource scheduling helps maintain timelines, optimize productivity and reduce waste, which is vital in an industry where every hour and cost counts. Modern tools simplify this process, allowing managers to plan, allocate and track resources effectively throughout each phase of the project. What Is Construction Resource Scheduling? Construction resource scheduling is the process of allocating and managing pr…

A line manager plays a central role in translating strategic goals into day-to-day action. They bridge senior leadership and frontline teams by directing work, removing obstacles and ensuring tasks are completed to standard. Strong communication and practical decision-making help the line manager keep teams focused, motivated and productive while meeting operational targets. Successful line managers balance people management with process oversight. They coach staff, monitor performance, allocate resources and support continuous improvement. This role requires both practical knowledge of the work and an ability to manage relationships across functions so teams deliver rel…

Microsoft Project Standard is designed for teams and individuals managing complex workflows, helping users organize schedules, allocate resources and oversee progress in one platform. It’s ideal for professionals who need structure without needing cloud collaboration. With Microsoft Project Standard, users can easily create project timelines, balance workloads and ensure deadlines are met efficiently, making it a reliable solution for businesses that want streamlined project management and enhanced visibility across their operations. What Is Microsoft Project Standard? Microsoft Project Standard is a desktop-based project management tool designed for creating schedules, …

A project progress tracker is an essential tool for monitoring project performance, keeping tasks on schedule and ensuring deliverables are met. Using a project progress tracker helps teams visualize progress, identify bottlenecks and manage deadlines effectively. Whether through software or spreadsheets, tracking progress allows managers to maintain accountability, allocate resources wisely and adjust workflows proactively. By implementing a project progress tracker early, organizations can reduce risk, improve communication and ensure successful project outcomes. Using Excel as a Project Progress Tracker Excel spreadsheets have long been a popular method for maintainin…

Project specifications are essential documents that define the requirements, standards and expectations for a construction project. They provide detailed information on materials, workmanship, dimensions and quality, ensuring every team member understands the project goals. Clear project specifications help prevent misunderstandings, reduce errors and maintain consistency across all phases of construction. They also serve as a reference for regulatory compliance and contract management. By establishing measurable criteria, project specifications enable accurate cost estimation, scheduling and quality control, making them a critical tool for project managers, contractors …

Planning is the foundation of successful project management. By organizing and executing the right tasks, you guide your team toward achieving objectives and delivering final results. One of the most effective ways to visualize this process is with a clear roadmap that outlines priorities, milestones and deadlines. Many teams rely on Microsoft products to manage work efficiently. But does Microsoft Planner provide a roadmap view? While work can be completed without a formal roadmap, having a Microsoft Planner roadmap is a valuable tool for any large or complex project. It helps teams see the big picture, track progress and ensure tasks align with strategic goals. What I…

Modern construction techniques are transforming the way buildings are designed, planned and delivered. From modular prefabrication to 3D printing and automation, these innovations are improving efficiency, reducing waste and enhancing structural performance. Builders and developers are adopting technology-driven approaches that save time while supporting sustainability and safety. Here’s an in-depth look at ten modern construction techniques reshaping the industry with real-life examples of how they’re being applied worldwide. 1. Modular & Prefabricated Construction Modular and prefabricated construction involves manufacturing building components in a factory setting…