Top 5 Project Management Tools in 2019

One of the latest and most discussed trends in the software development world is agile. It is a method of project management, which is critically different from traditional approaches. Agile software development principles, patterns and practices seem to be fresh and even a bit unusual:

  • People and communication are valued more than tools and processes

Those, who follow the agile principles of management, believe that people stand behind the development, not instruments. Therefore, communication between individuals ranks first.

  • Working programs are valued more than strict documentation

Various plans, specifications, requirements, and approvals have always been an integral part of development. Settling these documents is a time-consuming procedure that causes delays in the process. Agile is more focused on working and delivering a product needed by the customer instead of getting stuck in documents.

  • Collaboration instead of contract negotiation

Previously, a customer could be a part of the development before it began and after it was over. However, traditional project management scheme never included customer’s participation during the process of work. Agile encourages clients to be engaged and collaborate with the team any time he/she wants.

  • Flexibility instead of a fixed plan

One of the main difference between agile and waterfall methods is that the first one is never tied to a concrete structure. Agile is more likely to prioritize new features and respond to the changing environment instead of following a strict plan. Changes can bring additional value and new possibilities.

So what is agile software development? As you can see, the core of agile approach includes focussing on customer’s needs, full-fledged communication, and readiness to veer off the route in favor of new opportunities. Therefore, agile projects cannot do without management tools.

Best Agile Software Development Management Tools

Gladly, there is plenty of agile software tools and we are going to discuss the most efficient ones below.

GitLab

GitLab is known as one of the best project management tools for software development. It helps developers create and manage their projects and collaborate as a team. This software can be used for local systems as well as in the cloud. This platform provides developers with an opportunity to work on code from the very first steps of concept inception to the latest stages of production. The tool offers a number of useful features for review, communication, task/activity tracking, etc. Codes and files can be uploaded in the cloud and saved.

Therefore, valuable information can be shared with other users, who can access corporate storage even if it is located on the other server. Considering the fact that GitLab is highly focused on code, it provides a special feature for line-by-line review and commenting. What is more, a code can be built and tested right inside of this software.

Jira

jira project management toolJira has a convenient interface that allows users to track each part of their common project. They can create maps to see all segments that are active at the moment. Also, Jira encourages users to benefit from other functions like creating plans, issues, and stories.

Tasks may be viewed, assigned, and reassigned across the team members. Jira has both desktop and a mobile version available for Android and iOS.

Wrike

wrike project managementLike GitLab, Wrike is a cloud-based project management tool. Wrike has a large number of instruments for all kinds of business purposes, so it can be used for various spheres from IT to creative. Users can benefit from all kinds of charts, dashboards, calendars, and project status views.

Almost all these features are customizable and highly-flexible. Projects can be divided into smaller segments like folders and tasks, so users can structure and systematize them the way they want. Wrike makes automatic updates and auto-assigns in real time.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a platform that provides a number of project management tools. These tools are helpful when it comes to planning, managing, and tracking projects in collaboration with all team members in real time. This includes reporting, time tracking, and resource/documentation management.

With their help, projects become easily viewable and the speed of the work process increases. Smartsheet also has a mobile version for iOS and Android, which makes it easier for team members to stay in touch wherever they are.

Workfront

Workfront is a multi-functional project management tool that helps users plan, prioritize, track, manage, and report on their activity. It has a collection of reports that can be changed and customized manually by users to meet their needs. There are special tools for work process visualization, which makes schedules and plans easily comprehensible. The interface of Workfront provides a convenient environment for task assigning and organization. With this software at hand, developers and other team members can collaborate, track the progress, approve the complete parts, and discuss any project details in real time.

Gravum shares the principles of agile development and pays special attention to communication inside the team. Once you order our services, you become a part of our team and we are glad to see you as an active participant. Let’s make amazing projects together!

Summing up

Project management tools for software development are the heart and soul of every project that follows the ideas of agile. 2020 is going to be a year of new business approaches and we bet that agile will surely take the top place in the list. As you can see, the tools described above offer a set of features that improve communication and awareness of all users. Not only the team members can delegate and assign tasks to each other, but also they are able to know about the recent changes, share their ideas, and stay tuned all the time.

Some of the proposed tools use cloud storage, which helps them keep and access valuable information and send notifications no matter where they are. The other instruments like calendars and dashboards allow everyone to manage and customize their schedule, adjusting and prioritizing various parts of work.

With the help of software development project management tools, the best principles of a transparent and open agile model can be achieved by every business. Most of the proposed tools will suit almost any kind of company, whether small or large. Hopefully, you will easily choose the one that seems the best for you after reading this agile methodology overview. Good luck with your projects!