If your organization is rapidly growing, you probably understand the fine line between scaling operations and overloading your team all too well. Even when things are going well, without a project management system in place, you might find yourself “stuck in the mud” or treading water to stay afloat. Our essential PPM tools list can help you begin to implement project management practices so that you can ride the waves your business creates, not drown beneath their weight.
Quick Review: What is PPM?
Project portfolio management (PPM) is a formal, systematic approach that helps organizations select, prioritize, and monitor projects that align with their goals. In simple terms, PPM is the process businesses use to ensure their projects bring value.
However, PPM is a broad term that encapsulates a variety of techniques, evidence-based methodologies, and systems. PPM is usually the task of dedicated professionals, like project managers and Project Management Offices (PMOs).
Sciforma’s Essential PPM Tools List
If you’re just getting started with project management, building a solid foundation for your PMO should be high up on your to-do list. That’s why we’ve compiled this essential PPM tools list.
These resources are great for any PMO, but we’ve tailored our picks to new PMOs and project managers looking to streamline or scale their capabilities.
1. PMBOK Guide: Project Management Institute
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a leading authority on project management that provides professional certifications and materials. The most significant of those is the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide.
The PMBOK Guide is your go-to resource for all things PPM, including eight domains and 12 principles of project management. If you’re looking to establish a basic understanding of how to plan and execute PPM, you can’t pass up on this tool.
2. PMO Quick Tip Guide: Project Management Institute
This comprehensive Quick Tip Guide from the PMI uses insights from seasoned industry experts to usher you through the process of creating a new PMO.
It offers an approachable but well-rounded introduction to PPM. Plus, you can easily share it with other stakeholders to legitimize the need for a PMO.
3. Your Guide to the Project Management Office
Cover the basics of the Project Management Office itself with this quick guide from Sciforma. Use this PPM tool to understand the difference between project, portfolio, and program management within your organization.
4. Kanban & Gantt Charts
Visual PPM tools like Gantt charts or the Kanban method allow you to begin implementing PPM and monitoring everyday tasks. Each of these tools can scale with your efforts as you develop a more fleshed-out approach to managing projects.
5. Project Maturity Model
Track your development as a PMO or get an idea of where you’re currently at with a maturity assessment.
Using the Project Management Maturity Model, you can gauge how well your organization can complete projects that align with your goals. Then, you can pinpoint clear areas for improvement.
6. Resource Allocation Matrix
Begin to understand how to manage resources and balance their capacity with demand. A resource allocation matrix lets you visualize tasks against their required resources, helping you tackle project and resource planning simultaneously.
7. Purpose-Built PPM Software
No PPM tool is more important than a platform upon which to build the rest of your practices and strategies. A purpose-built PPM software – that is, software built specifically for the needs of a PMO – is the best choice for organizations looking to invest in long-term growth.
With PPM software, you can use tools like Gantt charts, track and plan tasks, monitor key performance metrics, and more – all in one place.
You can also begin to automate your project management process, freeing you up to focus on making the PMO a value center for your organization.
Discover More PPM Tools & Tech Solutions
No matter where you’re at in your PPM journey, you need the right tools to create a reliable system. Sciforma’s PPM software solutions help you master everything from task management to resource planning, reporting, and more.
Book a demo with our team today to learn more about how Sciforma can empower your project management teams to grow.
