Mas ao perguntar “o que é o Smartsheet?”, os usuários obtêm as respostas que desejam se estiverem procurando um software de gerenciamento de projetos? Essa é a pergunta que estamos colocando e exploraremos em profundidade para encontrar a resposta.

O que é o Smartsheet?

O Smartsheet é um software de trabalho e gerenciamento de projetos baseado em nuvem, projetado para equipes pequenas e grandes. Ele usa a familiaridade de sua interface semelhante a planilhas para organizar o trabalho. Mas, ao contrário das planilhas do Excel ou do Google Sheets, o Smartsheet tem mais ferramentas que funcionam juntas para que as equipes possam acompanhar os projetos.

O que é o Smartsheet? É uma ferramenta que ajuda os projetos a planejar com mais eficiência, tornando as equipes mais produtivas, o que entrega projetos mais rapidamente. Pode levar um projeto da concepção à conclusão, atribuindo tarefas, organizando calendários, colaborando com membros da equipe em documentos e monitorando o progresso. Isso se os usuários conseguirem superar a íngreme curva de aprendizado.

Para quem procura uma ferramenta de software de gerenciamento de projetos que tenha os recursos do Smartsheet e mais, além de não demorar uma eternidade para aprender a usar, existe o ProjectManager. Nosso software premiado tem ferramentas mais abrangentes de gerenciamento de projetos e portfólios, a um preço melhor, com recursos integrados de gerenciamento de recursos e riscos. É muito mais valor pelo dinheiro. Comece com o ProjectManager hoje mesmo gratuitamente.

Planos e preços do Smartsheet

Quando se trata do resultado final, a maioria se concentrará no preço. Quais são os preços do Smartsheet? Ele vem em vários planos diferentes, com recursos diferentes. Os recursos mais essenciais para o gerenciamento de projetos acabarão direcionando os usuários para as assinaturas mais caras. Aqui está uma visão geral rápida dos planos e preços do Smartsheet.

• Plano Pro: US$ 9 por usuário/mês, cobrado anualmente
• Plano Business: US$ 19 por usuário/mês, cobrado anualmente
• Enterprise: Contatar vendas

Embora esses preços possam parecer competitivos, lembre-se de que o Smartsheet não foi criado para gerenciamento de projetos. Faltam recursos de um sistema robusto de gerenciamento de portfólio de projetos e para gerenciamento de recursos e planejamento de capacidade, os usuários terão que comprar complementos por centenas de dólares além do preço do plano básico. O que é o Smartsheet? Não é o software de gerenciamento de projetos ideal pelo preço, mas existem alternativas ao Smartsheet que entregam o que os gerentes de projetos e suas equipes desejam.

O ProjectManager é um software premiado de gerenciamento de projetos e portfólios com todos os recursos que o Smartsheet tem, porém melhor. Por exemplo, o Smartsheet tem painéis de controle, mas os usuários têm que construí-los, o que é trabalhoso e consome muito tempo. Nossos painéis de controle em tempo real de projetos e portfólios coletam automaticamente dados ao vivo e os exibem em gráficos e diagramas fáceis de ler que capturam indicadores-chave de desempenho (KPIs) como tempo, custo, carga de trabalho e muito mais.

Há painéis de controle para monitorar um único projeto ou, ao contrário do Smartsheet, um programa ou portfólio de projetos, que fornecem um relatório de status instantâneo. Além disso, relatórios personalizáveis podem ser filtrados e compartilhados para focar no que é importante com mais detalhes. Comece com o ProjectManager hoje mesmo gratuitamente.

Visualizações do Smartsheet

Antes mostramos como o ProjectManager supera o Smartsheet em seu próprio jogo; é justo dar a ele a chance de se defender. O que é o Smartsheet em termos de visualizações de projeto? Assim como o ProjectManager, o Smartsheet tem múltiplas visualizações de projeto, mas elas não são tão dinâmicas. Aqui está um resumo simples dessas visualizações de projeto.

• Visualização em tabela: Exibe informações em uma grade familiar de estilo planilha que permite aos usuários inserir, organizar e gerenciar dados do projeto. É a base do Smartsheet onde a maioria dos detalhes do projeto, dependências e atualizações são mantidos para colaboração e relatórios.
• Visualização de linha do tempo: Fornece uma visualização cronológica de tarefas e marcos ao longo do tempo. Ajuda as equipes a entender o sequenciamento, os prazos e o fluxo geral do projeto, oferecendo uma visão geral de alto nível semelhante a um roteiro para acompanhar o progresso e as dependências.
• Visualização em grade: Mostra linhas e colunas de dados estruturados onde os usuários podem inserir detalhes de tarefas, atribuir responsáveis, definir datas e acompanhar o status. É ideal para gerenciar projetos que dependem fortemente de dados tabulares e listas de tarefas.
• Visualização de Gantt: Combina uma grade à esquerda com uma linha do tempo à direita, permitindo aos usuários visualizar durações de tarefas, dependências e marcos. Esta visualização é perfeita para o agendamento de projetos, acompanhamento de progresso e visualização do caminho crítico.
• Visualização em cartões: Organiza as tarefas em cartões visuais exibidos em colunas verticais, tornando-a ideal para fluxos de trabalho ágeis ou no estilo kanban. As equipes podem arrastar e soltar cartões entre colunas para refletir mudanças de status e otimizar o gerenciamento de processos.
• Visualização de calendário: Exibe tarefas e marcos em um calendário organizado por semana ou mês. É projetada para equipes que preferem agendamento visual e planejamento baseado em datas, facilitando o monitoramento de prazos próximos e entregas urgentes.

Recursos de projeto do Smartsheet

O que é o Smartsheet em termos de recursos? Vamos analisar as ferramentas que ele tem para ajudar os gerentes de projetos e suas equipes a trabalhar com mais eficiência. A seguir estão os principais recursos que o Smartsheet oferece.

• Gerenciamento de tarefas e progresso: Acompanhe o status do projeto com barras de progresso, rótulos e datas de vencimento. Gerencie tarefas recorrentes, defina marcos, crie dependências e visualize o caminho crítico para garantir que os cronogramas permaneçam dentro do prazo.
• Colaboração e comunicação: Adicione comentários, compartilhe arquivos, mencione colegas de equipe e mantenha discussões diretamente nas tarefas. Colaboradores externos podem participar através do acesso de convidado, enquanto as notificações de e-mail integradas mantêm todos informados.
• Visualizações, agrupamento e filtragem: Filtre tarefas por prioridade, responsável ou data de vencimento e agrupe-as para maior visibilidade. Acesse “Minhas tarefas” para ver as atribuições pessoais e alterne entre as visualizações de grade, Gantt, cartões e calendário para uma visualização flexível.
• Integração e automação: Conecte-se facilmente com aplicativos do Microsoft 365, incluindo Teams, Outlook, SharePoint e OneDrive. Sincronize prazos com calendários, automatize fluxos de trabalho e integre com ferramentas externas para um fluxo de dados tranquilo.
• Personalização e organização: Adicione campos personalizados, anexos, rótulos com código de cores e modelos para adaptar o Smartsheet a diferentes tipos de projetos. Exporte e copie planos facilmente para reutilização entre equipes e departamentos.
• Relatórios e gerenciamento de portfólio: Gere painéis de controle e relatórios detalhados para analisar o desempenho em vários projetos. Use recursos de portfólio para visibilidade entre projetos e gerenciamento de recursos empresariais para equilibrar cargas de trabalho de forma eficaz.
• Agilidade e acompanhamento de metas: Gerencie fluxos de trabalho ágeis usando backlogs e quadros de sprint, e alinhe as entregas com as metas organizacionais. Revise o histórico de tarefas para garantir responsabilidade e transparência ao longo do ciclo de vida do projeto.

Para que é usado o Smartsheet?

O Smartsheet é uma plataforma de gerenciamento de trabalho e colaboração baseada em nuvem, projetada para ajudar equipes a planejar, executar e acompanhar projetos de qualquer tamanho. Ele combina a familiaridade de uma planilha com a flexibilidade de ferramentas modernas de gerenciamento de projetos, permitindo que os usuários gerenciem tarefas, cronogramas e recursos em um espaço de trabalho centralizado.

As organizações usam o Smartsheet para otimizar fluxos de trabalho, automatizar processos repetitivos e manter visibilidade em tempo real em vários projetos. Suas planilhas, modelos e painéis de controle personalizáveis suportam desde o simples acompanhamento de tarefas até a complexa gestão de portfólio.

Amplamente adotado por empresas em setores como construção, marketing, TI e operações, o Smartsheet melhora a produtividade, a responsabilidade e a colaboração interdepartamental, mantendo os projetos alinhados com as metas organizacionais.

Prós e contras de usar o Smartsheet

Vamos ser justos com o Smartsheet. Ele não é perfeito, mas há vantagens e desvantagens em usar o software. Aqui estão alguns prós e contras de usar o Smartsheet para o gerenciamento de projetos.

Vantagens do Smartsheet

• A interface semelhante a planilhas é familiar para a maioria dos clientes
• Recursos colaborativos de gerenciamento de trabalho para compartilhar informações com colegas
• Altamente personalizável para que os usuários criem suas próprias soluções ou usem modelos
• Múltiplas visualizações de projeto, incluindo kanban, gráfico de Gantt e calendário
• Suporta automação, escalável para vários tamanhos de equipe
• Ferramentas eficientes de gerenciamento de tarefas para definir prazos e acompanhar o progresso
• Automação para recursos como fluxos de trabalho e fórmulas para otimizar processos

Desvantagens do Smartsheet

• Difícil de aprender com uma interface complicada para quem não está familiarizado com planilhas; também foca demais em planilhas
• Sem arquivos de backup e o controle de versão não funciona se várias pessoas estiverem editando o mesmo arquivo ao mesmo tempo
• Recursos limitados, especialmente os avançados de que os gerentes de projetos e suas equipes precisam, dependendo fortemente de fórmulas complexas
• Não tem acompanhamento de tempo em tempo real
• As visualizações de projeto, como o gráfico de Gantt, planilhas e quadros kanban, carecem de recursos personalizáveis
• Integração limitada com apenas um pequeno número de aplicativos de terceiros
• Os complementos de gerenciamento de recursos e planejamento de capacidade são muito caros
• As ferramentas de relatório são limitadas, o que dificulta a análise perspicaz
• O painel de controle é difícil de construir e não suporta visualizações filtradas por grupo
• Muito simples para quem busca uma solução empresarial
• As visualizações de planilha com muitas linhas e colaboradores são muito grandes e frustrantes de usar

O ProjectManager é a melhor alternativa ao Smartsheet

O que é o Smartsheet? Talvez não o software de gerenciamento de projetos que afirma ser. Ele pode gerenciar trabalho e colaboração, mas muitos outros produtos de software também podem. O que o diferencia dos demais? As planilhas. O software de gerenciamento de projetos não foi criado como uma ferramenta que pode planejar, gerenciar e acompanhar projetos com mais eficiência do que as planilhas do Excel? Para quem gerencia projetos, grandes e pequenos, independentemente de serem tradicionais em cascata ou realizados em um ambiente ágil, o ProjectManager é a escolha dos gerentes de projetos e suas equipes em setores tão diversos como construção, manufatura, TI, serviços profissionais e muitos outros. Nosso aplicativo móvel para Android e iOS facilita o registro de horas onde quer que a equipe esteja trabalhando. E há mais.

Planeje e gerencie projetos com múltiplas visualizações

O Smartsheet tem múltiplas visualizações de projeto, mas os usuários as acharão insuficientes. Nosso software tem ferramentas poderosas, como gráficos de Gantt que podem vincular os quatro tipos de dependências de tarefas, filtrar pelo caminho crítico e depois definir uma linha de base para acompanhar o esforço planejado em relação ao esforço real em tempo real. Isso evita atrasos custosos, identifica tarefas essenciais e mantém os projetos dentro do cronograma e do orçamento. Esses planos podem então ser compartilhados com as equipes, que podem usar listas de tarefas robustas ou quadros kanban para gerenciar seu trabalho. As partes interessadas podem visualizar o calendário para obter uma visão geral do progresso que as mantenha informadas e gerencie suas expectativas.

Gerencie recursos, acompanhe o tempo e os custos de mão de obra

Não pague uma fortuna pelos complementos de gerenciamento de recursos do Smartsheet; esse recurso vem incluído no plano. Primeiro, os gerentes podem definir a disponibilidade da equipe durante o processo de integração. Isso facilita verificar quem tem dias de folga, férias ou se é um feriado global ao fazer atribuições. Em seguida, visualize a página da equipe ou o gráfico de carga de trabalho com código de cores para visualizar a alocação de recursos. A partir dessas páginas, equilibre a carga de trabalho da equipe e mantenha todos trabalhando na capacidade máxima, o que os torna mais produtivos sem risco de esgotamento. Ao contrário do Smartsheet, temos acompanhamento de tempo com planilhas de horas seguras que mostram até onde cada membro da equipe foi na conclusão de suas tarefas. Também oferece visibilidade sobre os custos de mão de obra para manter o orçamento.

Perguntas frequentes sobre o Smartsheet

Para esta seção final, vamos examinar algumas perguntas frequentes sobre o Smartsheet.

O Smartsheet é gratuito?

Sim e não. Existem dois tipos de usuários do Smartsheet: um usuário licenciado e um gratuito. O usuário licenciado paga uma taxa de assinatura e pode criar planilhas, relatórios e painéis de controle para compartilhar com equipes. O usuário gratuito pode visualizar e editar os itens que foram compartilhados, mas não pode criar os seus próprios sem uma licença.

O Smartsheet tem avaliação gratuita?

Sim, há uma avaliação gratuita de 30 dias onde os usuários podem ver se o software é uma boa opção. A avaliação gratuita de 30 dias oferece aos usuários acesso ao conjunto de recursos do plano Business.

O Smartsheet funciona no Mac?

Sim, o Smartsheet funciona em Macs e PCs. O Smartsheet é um software como serviço (SaaS) e é um aplicativo online que funciona em qualquer navegador para Mac ou PC.

O Smartsheet tem aplicativo móvel?

Sim, o Smartsheet tem um aplicativo móvel para Android e iOS, embora tenha menos funcionalidades do que a versão online.

Conteúdo relacionado

Para quem ainda está em dúvida, publicamos outros artigos sobre o Smartsheet. Nós o comparamos ao ProjectManager, analisamos alternativas ao Smartsheet e até analisamos o Microsoft Project para ver como ele se compara. Para ler sobre isso e mais, siga os links abaixo.

• Smartsheet vs. ProjectManager: Qual é o melhor software de gerenciamento de projetos?
• Melhores alternativas ao Smartsheet: opções gratuitas e pagas
• O que é o Microsoft Project? Usos, recursos e preços

O ProjectManager é um software de gerenciamento de projetos e portfólios online que conecta equipes no escritório, no campo ou no canteiro de obras. Eles podem compartilhar arquivos, comentar no nível da tarefa e se manter atualizados com notificações por e-mail e no aplicativo. Comece com o ProjectManager hoje mesmo gratuitamente.

The post O que é o Smartsheet? Usos, Recursos e Preços appeared first on ProjectManager.

Mais en se demandant « qu’est-ce que Smartsheet ? », les utilisateurs obtiennent-ils les réponses souhaitées s’ils cherchent un logiciel de gestion de projet ? C’est la question que nous posons et que nous allons explorer en profondeur pour trouver la réponse.

Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet ?

Smartsheet est un logiciel de travail et de gestion de projet basé sur le cloud, conçu pour les petites et grandes équipes. Il utilise la familiarité de son interface de type feuille de calcul pour organiser le travail. Mais, contrairement aux feuilles de calcul Excel ou Google Sheets, Smartsheet dispose de plus d’outils qui fonctionnent ensemble pour que les équipes puissent suivre les projets.

Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet ? C’est un outil qui aide les équipes à planifier plus efficacement, rendant les équipes plus productives et livrant ainsi les projets plus rapidement. Il peut accompagner un projet de son lancement à sa conclusion, en assignant des tâches, en organisant des calendriers, en collaborant avec les membres de l’équipe sur des documents et en surveillant les progrès. À condition que les utilisateurs parviennent à surmonter la courbe d’apprentissage prononcée.

Pour ceux qui recherchent un logiciel de gestion de projet doté des fonctionnalités de Smartsheet et plus encore, sans prendre des années à maîtriser, il y a ProjectManager. Notre logiciel primé dispose d’outils plus complets de gestion de projets et de portefeuilles, à un meilleur prix, avec des fonctionnalités intégrées de gestion des ressources et des risques. C’est beaucoup plus de valeur pour l’argent. Commencez avec ProjectManager dès aujourd’hui gratuitement.

Plans et tarifs de Smartsheet

Quand il s’agit du bilan, la plupart se concentreront sur le prix. Quels sont les tarifs de Smartsheet ? Il existe plusieurs plans différents, avec des fonctionnalités différentes. Les fonctionnalités les plus essentielles pour la gestion de projet finiront par orienter les utilisateurs vers les abonnements les plus coûteux. Voici un aperçu rapide des plans et tarifs de Smartsheet.

• Plan Pro : 9 $ par utilisateur/mois, facturé annuellement
• Plan Business : 19 $ par utilisateur/mois, facturé annuellement
• Enterprise : Contacter les ventes

Bien que ces prix puissent sembler compétitifs, gardez à l’esprit que Smartsheet n’est pas conçu pour la gestion de projet. Il manque des fonctionnalités d’un système robuste de gestion de portefeuilles de projets et pour la gestion des ressources et la planification des capacités, les utilisateurs devront acheter des modules complémentaires pour des centaines de dollars supplémentaires par rapport au prix du plan de base. Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet ? Ce n’est pas le logiciel de gestion de projet idéal pour le prix, mais il existe des alternatives à Smartsheet qui offrent ce que les chefs de projet et leurs équipes souhaitent.

ProjectManager est un logiciel primé de gestion de projets et de portefeuilles avec toutes les fonctionnalités de Smartsheet, en mieux. Par exemple, Smartsheet dispose de tableaux de bord, mais les utilisateurs doivent les construire eux-mêmes, ce qui est fastidieux et chronophage. Nos tableaux de bord de projets et de portefeuilles en temps réel collectent automatiquement des données en direct et les affichent dans des graphiques et des diagrammes faciles à lire, capturant les indicateurs clés de performance (KPI) tels que le temps, le coût, la charge de travail et plus encore.

Des tableaux de bord permettent de surveiller un seul projet ou, contrairement à Smartsheet, un programme ou un portefeuille de projets, fournissant un rapport de statut instantané. De plus, des rapports personnalisables peuvent être filtrés et partagés pour se concentrer sur ce qui est important avec plus de détails. Commencez avec ProjectManager dès aujourd’hui gratuitement.

Vues de Smartsheet

Nous venons de montrer comment ProjectManager surpasse Smartsheet dans son propre domaine ; il est juste de lui donner la chance de se défendre. Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet en termes de vues de projet ? Tout comme ProjectManager, Smartsheet dispose de plusieurs vues de projet, mais elles ne sont pas aussi dynamiques. Voici un aperçu simple de ces vues de projet.

• Vue tableau : Affiche les informations dans une grille familière de type feuille de calcul qui permet aux utilisateurs de saisir, organiser et gérer les données du projet. C’est la base de Smartsheet où la plupart des détails du projet, des dépendances et des mises à jour sont maintenus pour la collaboration et les rapports.
• Vue chronologique : Fournit une visualisation chronologique des tâches et des jalons dans le temps. Elle aide les équipes à comprendre le séquençage, les délais et le flux général du projet, offrant une vue d’ensemble de haut niveau similaire à une feuille de route pour suivre les progrès et les dépendances.
• Vue grille : Affiche des lignes et des colonnes de données structurées où les utilisateurs peuvent saisir des détails de tâches, assigner des responsables, définir des dates et suivre le statut. Elle est idéale pour gérer des projets qui reposent fortement sur des données tabulaires et des listes de tâches.
• Vue Gantt : Combine une grille à gauche avec une chronologie à droite, permettant aux utilisateurs de visualiser les durées des tâches, les dépendances et les jalons. Cette vue est parfaite pour la planification de projet, le suivi des progrès et la visualisation du chemin critique.
• Vue cartes : Organise les tâches en cartes visuelles affichées dans des colonnes verticales, ce qui la rend idéale pour les flux de travail agiles ou de style kanban. Les équipes peuvent faire glisser et déposer les cartes entre les colonnes pour refléter les changements de statut et rationaliser la gestion des processus.
• Vue calendrier : Affiche les tâches et les jalons sur un calendrier organisé par semaine ou par mois. Elle est conçue pour les équipes qui préfèrent la planification visuelle et la planification basée sur les dates, facilitant la surveillance des délais à venir et des livrables urgents.

Fonctionnalités de projet de Smartsheet

Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet en termes de fonctionnalités ? Examinons les outils qu’il propose pour aider les chefs de projet et leurs équipes à travailler plus efficacement. Voici les fonctionnalités clés qu’offre Smartsheet.

• Gestion des tâches et du progrès : Suivez le statut du projet avec des barres de progression, des étiquettes et des dates d’échéance. Gérez les tâches récurrentes, définissez des jalons, créez des dépendances et visualisez le chemin critique pour garantir que les plannings restent sur la bonne voie.
• Collaboration et communication : Ajoutez des commentaires, partagez des fichiers, mentionnez des coéquipiers et tenez des discussions directement sur les tâches. Les contributeurs externes peuvent participer via l’accès invité, tandis que les notifications par e-mail intégrées tiennent tout le monde informé.
• Vues, regroupement et filtrage : Filtrez les tâches par priorité, responsable ou date d’échéance et regroupez-les pour une meilleure visibilité. Accédez à « Mes tâches » pour voir les assignations personnelles et alternez entre les vues grille, Gantt, cartes et calendrier pour une visualisation flexible.
• Intégration et automatisation : Connectez-vous facilement avec les applications Microsoft 365, notamment Teams, Outlook, SharePoint et OneDrive. Synchronisez les délais avec les calendriers, automatisez les flux de travail et intégrez des outils externes pour un flux de données fluide.
• Personnalisation et organisation : Ajoutez des champs personnalisés, des pièces jointes, des étiquettes avec code couleur et des modèles pour adapter Smartsheet à différents types de projets. Exportez et copiez facilement les plans pour les réutiliser dans les équipes et les départements.
• Rapports et gestion de portefeuille : Générez des tableaux de bord et des rapports détaillés pour analyser les performances sur plusieurs projets. Utilisez les fonctionnalités de portefeuille pour une visibilité inter-projets et la gestion des ressources d’entreprise pour équilibrer efficacement les charges de travail.
• Agilité et suivi des objectifs : Gérez les flux de travail agiles à l’aide de backlogs et de tableaux de sprint, et alignez les livrables sur les objectifs organisationnels. Examinez l’historique des tâches pour garantir la responsabilité et la transparence tout au long du cycle de vie du projet.

À quoi sert Smartsheet ?

Smartsheet est une plateforme de gestion du travail et de collaboration basée sur le cloud, conçue pour aider les équipes à planifier, exécuter et suivre des projets de toute taille. Il combine la familiarité d’une feuille de calcul avec la flexibilité des outils modernes de gestion de projet, permettant aux utilisateurs de gérer des tâches, des calendriers et des ressources dans un espace de travail centralisé.

Les organisations utilisent Smartsheet pour rationaliser les flux de travail, automatiser les processus répétitifs et maintenir une visibilité en temps réel sur plusieurs projets. Ses feuilles, modèles et tableaux de bord personnalisables supportent tout, de la simple gestion des tâches à la complexe gestion de portefeuille.

Largement adopté par les entreprises dans des secteurs tels que la construction, le marketing, l’informatique et les opérations, Smartsheet améliore la productivité, la responsabilité et la collaboration interdépartementale tout en maintenant les projets alignés sur les objectifs organisationnels.

Avantages et inconvénients de l’utilisation de Smartsheet

Soyons justes avec Smartsheet. Il n’est pas parfait, mais il y a des avantages et des inconvénients à utiliser ce logiciel. Voici quelques pros et cons de l’utilisation de Smartsheet pour la gestion de projet.

Avantages de Smartsheet

• L’interface de type feuille de calcul est familière pour la plupart des clients
• Fonctionnalités collaboratives de gestion du travail pour partager des informations avec les collègues
• Hautement personnalisable pour que les utilisateurs créent leurs propres solutions ou utilisent des modèles
• Plusieurs vues de projet, notamment kanban, diagramme de Gantt et calendrier
• Prend en charge l’automatisation, évolutif pour différentes tailles d’équipe
• Outils efficaces de gestion des tâches pour définir des délais et suivre les progrès
• Automatisation pour des fonctionnalités telles que les flux de travail et les formules pour rationaliser les processus

Inconvénients de Smartsheet

• Difficile à apprendre avec une interface compliquée pour ceux qui ne sont pas familiarisés avec les feuilles de calcul ; se concentre également trop sur les feuilles de calcul
• Pas de fichiers de sauvegarde et le contrôle de version ne fonctionne pas si plusieurs personnes modifient le même fichier simultanément
• Fonctionnalités limitées, surtout les fonctionnalités avancées dont les chefs de projet et leurs équipes ont besoin, avec une forte dépendance aux formules complexes
• Absence de suivi du temps en temps réel
• Les vues de projet, telles que le diagramme de Gantt, les feuilles de calcul et les tableaux kanban, manquent de fonctionnalités personnalisables
• Intégration limitée avec seulement un petit nombre d’applications tierces
• Les modules complémentaires de gestion des ressources et de planification des capacités sont très coûteux
• Les outils de reporting sont limités, ce qui rend l’analyse perspicace difficile
• Le tableau de bord est difficile à construire et ne prend pas en charge les vues filtrées par groupe
• Trop simple pour ceux qui recherchent une solution d’entreprise
• Les vues de feuille avec trop de lignes et de collaborateurs sont trop volumineuses et frustrantes à utiliser

ProjectManager est la meilleure alternative à Smartsheet

Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet ? Peut-être pas le logiciel de gestion de projet qu’il prétend être. Il peut gérer le travail et la collaboration, mais de nombreux autres produits logiciels peuvent faire de même. Qu’est-ce qui le différencie des autres ? Les feuilles de calcul. Le logiciel de gestion de projet n’a-t-il pas été créé comme un outil capable de planifier, gérer et suivre les projets plus efficacement que les feuilles de calcul Excel ? Pour ceux qui gèrent des projets, grands et petits, qu’ils soient traditionnels en cascade ou réalisés dans un environnement agile, ProjectManager est le choix des chefs de projet et de leurs équipes dans des industries aussi diverses que la construction, la fabrication, l’informatique, les services professionnels et bien d’autres. Notre application mobile pour Android et iOS facilite l’enregistrement des heures où que l’équipe travaille. Et il y a plus encore.

Planifiez et gérez des projets avec plusieurs vues

Smartsheet dispose de plusieurs vues de projet, mais les utilisateurs les trouveront insuffisantes. Notre logiciel dispose d’outils puissants, tels que des diagrammes de Gantt qui peuvent lier les quatre types de dépendances de tâches, filtrer pour le chemin critique, puis définir une référence pour suivre l’effort planifié par rapport à l’effort réel en temps réel. Cela évite des retards coûteux, identifie les tâches essentielles et maintient les projets dans les délais et le budget. Ces plans peuvent ensuite être partagés avec les équipes, qui peuvent utiliser des listes de tâches robustes ou des tableaux kanban pour gérer leur travail. Les parties prenantes peuvent consulter le calendrier pour obtenir un aperçu des progrès afin de les tenir informées et gérer leurs attentes.

Gérez les ressources, suivez le temps et les coûts de main-d’œuvre

Ne payez pas une fortune pour les modules complémentaires de gestion des ressources de Smartsheet ; cette fonctionnalité est incluse dans le plan. Premièrement, les gestionnaires peuvent définir la disponibilité de l’équipe lors de son intégration. Cela facilite la vérification des congés, des vacances ou des jours fériés mondiaux lors des attributions. Ensuite, consultez la page de l’équipe ou le graphique de charge de travail codé par couleur pour visualiser l’allocation des ressources. Depuis ces pages, équilibrez la charge de travail de l’équipe et maintenez tout le monde à pleine capacité, ce qui les rend plus productifs sans risque d’épuisement. Contrairement à Smartsheet, nous disposons d’un suivi du temps avec des feuilles de temps sécurisées qui montrent où en est chaque membre de l’équipe dans l’accomplissement de ses tâches. Cela offre également une visibilité sur les coûts de main-d’œuvre pour rester dans le budget.

FAQ Smartsheet

Pour cette dernière section, examinons quelques questions fréquemment posées sur Smartsheet.

Smartsheet est-il gratuit ?

Oui et non. Il existe deux types d’utilisateurs Smartsheet : un utilisateur sous licence et un utilisateur gratuit. L’utilisateur sous licence paie des frais d’abonnement et peut créer des feuilles, des rapports et des tableaux de bord à partager avec les équipes. L’utilisateur gratuit peut consulter et modifier les éléments qui ont été partagés, mais ne peut pas créer les siens sans licence.

Smartsheet dispose-t-il d’un essai gratuit ?

Oui, il existe un essai gratuit de 30 jours permettant aux utilisateurs de voir si le logiciel est adapté. L’essai gratuit de 30 jours donne aux utilisateurs accès à l’ensemble des fonctionnalités du plan Business.

Smartsheet fonctionne-t-il sur Mac ?

Oui, Smartsheet fonctionne sur Mac et PC. Smartsheet est un logiciel en tant que service (SaaS) et est une application en ligne qui fonctionne sur n’importe quel navigateur pour Mac ou PC.

Smartsheet dispose-t-il d’une application mobile ?

Oui, Smartsheet dispose d’une application mobile pour Android et iOS, bien qu’elle ait moins de fonctionnalités que la version en ligne.

Contenu connexe

Pour ceux qui hésitent encore, nous avons publié d’autres articles sur Smartsheet. Nous l’avons comparé à ProjectManager, examiné les alternatives à Smartsheet et même analysé Microsoft Project pour voir comment il se mesure. Pour lire à ce sujet et plus encore, suivez les liens ci-dessous.

• Smartsheet vs. ProjectManager : Quel est le meilleur logiciel de gestion de projet ?
• Meilleures alternatives à Smartsheet : options gratuites et payantes
• Qu’est-ce que Microsoft Project ? Utilisations, fonctionnalités et prix

ProjectManager est un logiciel de gestion de projets et de portefeuilles en ligne qui connecte les équipes au bureau, sur le terrain ou sur le chantier. Ils peuvent partager des fichiers, commenter au niveau des tâches et rester informés grâce aux notifications par e-mail et dans l’application. Commencez avec ProjectManager dès aujourd’hui gratuitement.

The post Qu’est-ce que Smartsheet ? Utilisations, fonctionnalités et prix appeared first on ProjectManager.

Pero al preguntarse “¿qué es Smartsheet?”, ¿los usuarios obtienen las respuestas que buscan si quieren un software de gestión de proyectos? Esa es la pregunta que planteamos y exploraremos en profundidad para encontrar la respuesta.

¿Qué es Smartsheet?

Smartsheet es un software de trabajo y gestión de proyectos basado en la nube, diseñado para equipos pequeños y grandes. Usa la familiaridad de su interfaz similar a una hoja de cálculo para organizar el trabajo. Pero, a diferencia de las hojas de cálculo de Excel o Google Sheets, Smartsheet tiene más herramientas que funcionan juntas para que los equipos puedan hacer seguimiento de los proyectos.

¿Qué es Smartsheet? Es una herramienta que ayuda a los proyectos a planificar de manera más efectiva, haciendo a los equipos más productivos, lo que entrega proyectos más rápido. Puede llevar un proyecto desde su inicio hasta su finalización, asignando tareas, organizando calendarios, colaborando con miembros del equipo en documentos y monitoreando el progreso. Eso sí, si los usuarios pueden superar la pronunciada curva de aprendizaje.

Para quienes buscan una herramienta de software de gestión de proyectos que tenga las funciones de Smartsheet y más, además de que no tome eternamente aprender a usar, existe ProjectManager. Nuestro software galardonado tiene herramientas más completas de gestión de proyectos y portafolios, a un mejor precio con funciones integradas de gestión de recursos y riesgos. Ofrece mucho más valor por el dinero. Comienza con ProjectManager hoy mismo de forma gratuita.

Planes y precios de Smartsheet

Cuando se trata del resultado final, la mayoría se centrará en el precio. ¿Cuál es el precio de Smartsheet? Tiene varios planes diferentes, con diferentes funciones. Las funciones más esenciales para la gestión de proyectos terminarán enviando a los usuarios a las suscripciones más costosas. Aquí hay una descripción general rápida de los planes y precios de Smartsheet.

• Plan Pro: $9 por usuario/mes, facturado anualmente
• Plan Business: $19 por usuario/mes, facturado anualmente
• Enterprise: Contactar con ventas

Si bien esos precios pueden parecer competitivos, recuerda que Smartsheet no está diseñado para la gestión de proyectos. Carece de las funciones de un robusto sistema de gestión de portafolios de proyectos y para la gestión de recursos y la planificación de la capacidad, los usuarios tendrán que comprar complementos por cientos de dólares adicionales al precio del plan básico. ¿Qué es Smartsheet? No es el software de gestión de proyectos ideal por el precio, pero existen alternativas a Smartsheet que entregan lo que los gerentes de proyectos y sus equipos desean.

ProjectManager es un software galardonado de gestión de proyectos y portafolios con todas las funciones que Smartsheet tiene, pero mejor. Por ejemplo, Smartsheet tiene paneles de control, pero los usuarios tienen que construirlos, lo que es laborioso y consume mucho tiempo. Nuestros paneles de control en tiempo real de proyectos y portafolios recopilan automáticamente datos en vivo y los muestran en gráficas y diagramas fáciles de leer que capturan indicadores clave de rendimiento (KPI) como tiempo, costo, carga de trabajo y más.

Hay paneles de control para monitorear un solo proyecto o, a diferencia de Smartsheet, un programa o portafolio de proyectos, que proporcionan un informe de estado instantáneo. Además, los informes personalizables se pueden filtrar y compartir para centrarse en lo que es importante con mayor detalle. Comienza con ProjectManager hoy mismo de forma gratuita.

Vistas de Smartsheet

Antes mostramos cómo ProjectManager supera a Smartsheet en su propio juego; solo es justo darle la oportunidad de defenderse. ¿Qué es Smartsheet en términos de vistas de proyecto? Al igual que ProjectManager, Smartsheet tiene múltiples vistas de proyecto, pero no son tan dinámicas. Aquí hay un resumen simple de esas vistas de proyecto.

• Vista de tabla: Muestra información en una cuadrícula familiar de estilo hoja de cálculo que permite a los usuarios ingresar, organizar y gestionar datos del proyecto. Es la base de Smartsheet donde se mantienen la mayoría de los detalles del proyecto, dependencias y actualizaciones para colaboración e informes.
• Vista de cronograma: Proporciona una visualización cronológica de tareas e hitos a lo largo del tiempo. Ayuda a los equipos a entender la secuenciación, los plazos y el flujo general del proyecto, dando una visión general de alto nivel similar a una hoja de ruta para hacer seguimiento del progreso y las dependencias.
• Vista de cuadrícula: Muestra filas y columnas de datos estructurados donde los usuarios pueden ingresar detalles de tareas, asignar responsables, establecer fechas y hacer seguimiento del estado. Es ideal para gestionar proyectos que dependen en gran medida de datos tabulares y listas de tareas.
• Vista de Gantt: Combina una cuadrícula a la izquierda con una línea de tiempo a la derecha, permitiendo a los usuarios ver la duración de las tareas, dependencias e hitos. Esta vista es perfecta para la programación de proyectos, el seguimiento del progreso y la visualización de la ruta crítica.
• Vista de tarjetas: Organiza las tareas en tarjetas visuales mostradas en columnas verticales, lo que la hace ideal para flujos de trabajo ágiles o de estilo kanban. Los equipos pueden arrastrar y soltar tarjetas entre columnas para reflejar cambios de estado y optimizar la gestión de procesos.
• Vista de calendario: Muestra tareas e hitos en un calendario organizado por semana o mes. Está diseñada para equipos que prefieren la programación visual y la planificación basada en fechas, facilitando el monitoreo de próximos plazos y entregables urgentes.

Funciones de proyecto de Smartsheet

¿Qué es Smartsheet en términos de funciones? Veamos las herramientas que tiene para ayudar a los gerentes de proyectos y sus equipos a trabajar de manera más eficiente. Las siguientes son las funciones clave que ofrece Smartsheet.

• Gestión de tareas y progreso: Realiza seguimiento del estado del proyecto con barras de progreso, etiquetas y fechas de vencimiento. Gestiona tareas recurrentes, establece hitos, crea dependencias y visualiza la ruta crítica para garantizar que los cronogramas se mantengan en marcha.
• Colaboración y comunicación: Añade comentarios, comparte archivos, menciona a compañeros de equipo y mantén discusiones directamente en las tareas. Los colaboradores externos pueden participar mediante acceso de invitado, mientras que las notificaciones de correo electrónico integradas mantienen a todos informados.
• Vistas, agrupación y filtrado: Filtra tareas por prioridad, responsable o fecha de vencimiento y agrúpalas para mayor visibilidad. Accede a “Mis tareas” para ver las asignaciones personales y alterna entre vistas de cuadrícula, Gantt, tarjetas y calendario para una visualización flexible.
• Integración y automatización: Conéctate sin problemas con aplicaciones de Microsoft 365, incluyendo Teams, Outlook, SharePoint y OneDrive. Sincroniza plazos con calendarios, automatiza flujos de trabajo e intégrala con herramientas externas para un flujo de datos fluido.
• Personalización y organización: Añade campos personalizados, archivos adjuntos, etiquetas con código de colores y plantillas para adaptar Smartsheet a diferentes tipos de proyectos. Exporta y copia planes fácilmente para reutilizarlos en equipos y departamentos.
• Informes y gestión de portafolios: Genera paneles de control e informes detallados para analizar el rendimiento en múltiples proyectos. Usa funciones de portafolio para visibilidad entre proyectos y gestión de recursos empresariales para equilibrar las cargas de trabajo de manera efectiva.
• Agilidad y seguimiento de objetivos: Gestiona flujos de trabajo ágiles usando backlogs y tableros de sprint, y alinea los entregables con los objetivos organizacionales. Revisa el historial de tareas para garantizar la rendición de cuentas y la transparencia a lo largo del ciclo de vida del proyecto.

¿Para qué se usa Smartsheet?

Smartsheet es una plataforma de gestión del trabajo y colaboración basada en la nube, diseñada para ayudar a los equipos a planificar, ejecutar y hacer seguimiento de proyectos de cualquier tamaño. Combina la familiaridad de una hoja de cálculo con la flexibilidad de las herramientas modernas de gestión de proyectos, permitiendo a los usuarios gestionar tareas, cronogramas y recursos en un espacio de trabajo centralizado.

Las organizaciones usan Smartsheet para optimizar flujos de trabajo, automatizar procesos repetitivos y mantener visibilidad en tiempo real en múltiples proyectos. Sus hojas, plantillas y paneles de control personalizables soportan desde el seguimiento simple de tareas hasta la compleja gestión de portafolios.

Adoptado ampliamente por empresas en sectores como construcción, marketing, TI y operaciones, Smartsheet mejora la productividad, la responsabilidad y la colaboración interdepartamental, manteniendo los proyectos alineados con los objetivos organizacionales.

Ventajas y desventajas de usar Smartsheet

Seamos justos con Smartsheet. No es perfecto, pero hay ventajas y desventajas en usar el software. Aquí hay algunos pros y contras de usar Smartsheet para la gestión de proyectos.

Ventajas de Smartsheet

• La interfaz similar a una hoja de cálculo es familiar para la mayoría de los clientes
• Funciones colaborativas de gestión del trabajo para compartir información con compañeros
• Altamente personalizable para que los usuarios creen sus propias soluciones o usen plantillas
• Múltiples vistas de proyecto, incluyendo kanban, diagrama de Gantt y calendario
• Admite automatización, escalable para varios tamaños de equipo
• Eficientes herramientas de gestión de tareas para establecer plazos y hacer seguimiento del progreso
• Automatización para funciones como flujos de trabajo y fórmulas para optimizar procesos

Desventajas de Smartsheet

• Difícil de aprender con una interfaz complicada para quienes no están familiarizados con las hojas de cálculo; también se centra demasiado en ellas
• Sin archivos de copia de seguridad y el control de versiones no funciona si varias personas editan el mismo archivo a la vez
• Funciones limitadas, especialmente las avanzadas que los gerentes de proyectos y sus equipos necesitan, dependiendo en gran medida de fórmulas complejas
• Carece de seguimiento del tiempo en tiempo real
• Las vistas de proyecto, como el diagrama de Gantt, las hojas de cálculo y los tableros kanban, carecen de funciones personalizables
• Integración limitada con solo un pequeño número de aplicaciones de terceros
• Los complementos de gestión de recursos y planificación de capacidad son muy costosos
• Las herramientas de informes son limitadas, lo que dificulta el análisis perspicaz
• El panel de control es difícil de construir y no admite vistas filtradas por grupo
• Demasiado simple para quienes buscan una solución empresarial
• Las vistas de hoja con demasiadas filas y colaboradores son demasiado grandes y frustrantes de usar

ProjectManager es la mejor alternativa a Smartsheet

¿Qué es Smartsheet? Quizás no el software de gestión de proyectos que dice ser. Puede gestionar trabajo y colaboración, pero eso también lo puede hacer una gran cantidad de otros productos de software. ¿Qué lo diferencia del resto? Las hojas de cálculo. ¿No fue creado el software de gestión de proyectos como una herramienta que puede planificar, gestionar y hacer seguimiento de proyectos de manera más eficiente que las hojas de cálculo de Excel? Para quienes gestionan proyectos, grandes y pequeños, independientemente de si son tradicionales en cascada o se realizan en un entorno ágil, ProjectManager es la elección de los gerentes de proyectos y sus equipos en industrias tan diversas como la construcción, la manufactura, TI, los servicios profesionales y muchas otras. Nuestra aplicación móvil para Android e iOS facilita el registro de horas dondequiera que el equipo esté trabajando. Y hay más.

Planifica y gestiona proyectos con múltiples vistas

Smartsheet tiene múltiples vistas de proyecto, pero los usuarios las encontrarán insuficientes. Nuestro software tiene herramientas poderosas, como diagramas de Gantt que pueden vincular los cuatro tipos de dependencias de tareas, filtrar por la ruta crítica y luego establecer una línea base para hacer seguimiento del esfuerzo planificado frente al esfuerzo real en tiempo real. Esto evita costosos retrasos, identifica tareas esenciales y mantiene los proyectos en cronograma y presupuesto. Luego esos planes se pueden compartir con los equipos, quienes pueden usar robustas listas de tareas o tableros kanban para gestionar su trabajo. Los interesados pueden ver el calendario para obtener una descripción general del progreso que los mantenga informados y gestione sus expectativas.

Gestiona recursos, haz seguimiento del tiempo y los costos laborales

No pagues un ojo de la cara por los complementos de gestión de recursos de Smartsheet; esta función viene incluida en el plan. Primero, los gerentes pueden establecer la disponibilidad del equipo cuando se incorporan. Eso facilita ver quién tiene días libres, vacaciones o si hay un día festivo global al hacer asignaciones. Luego, visualiza la página del equipo o el gráfico de carga de trabajo con código de colores para ver la asignación de recursos. Desde esas páginas, equilibra la carga de trabajo del equipo y mantén a todos trabajando a plena capacidad, lo que los hace más productivos sin riesgo de agotamiento. A diferencia de Smartsheet, tenemos seguimiento del tiempo con hojas de tiempo seguras que muestran qué tan lejos ha llegado cada miembro del equipo en completar sus tareas. También ofrece visibilidad sobre los costos laborales para mantenerse dentro del presupuesto.

Preguntas frecuentes sobre Smartsheet

En esta sección final, veamos algunas preguntas frecuentes sobre Smartsheet.

¿Smartsheet es gratuito?

Sí y no. Hay dos tipos de usuarios de Smartsheet: un usuario con licencia y uno gratuito. El usuario con licencia paga una tarifa de suscripción y puede crear hojas, informes y paneles de control para compartir con equipos. El usuario gratuito puede ver y editar los elementos que se han compartido, pero no puede crear los suyos propios sin una licencia.

¿Smartsheet tiene prueba gratuita?

Sí, hay una prueba gratuita de 30 días donde los usuarios pueden ver si el software es una buena opción. La prueba gratuita de 30 días da a los usuarios acceso al conjunto de funciones del plan Business.

¿Smartsheet funciona en Mac?

Sí, Smartsheet funciona en Macs y PCs. Smartsheet es un software como servicio (SaaS) y es una aplicación en línea que funciona en cualquier navegador para Mac o PC.

¿Smartsheet tiene aplicación móvil?

Sí, Smartsheet tiene una aplicación móvil para Android e iOS, aunque tiene menos funcionalidad que la versión en línea.

Contenido relacionado

Para quienes todavía están indecisos, hemos publicado otros artículos sobre Smartsheet. Lo hemos comparado con ProjectManager, hemos examinado las alternativas a Smartsheet e incluso hemos analizado Microsoft Project para ver cómo se compara. Para leer sobre eso y más, sigue los enlaces a continuación.

• Smartsheet vs. ProjectManager: ¿Cuál es el mejor software de gestión de proyectos?
• Las mejores alternativas a Smartsheet: opciones gratuitas y de pago
• ¿Qué es Microsoft Project? Usos, funciones y precios

ProjectManager es un software de gestión de proyectos y portafolios en línea que conecta a los equipos en la oficina, en el campo o en el sitio de trabajo. Pueden compartir archivos, comentar a nivel de tarea y mantenerse actualizados con notificaciones por correo electrónico y dentro de la aplicación. Comienza con ProjectManager hoy mismo de forma gratuita.

The post ¿Qué es Smartsheet? Usos, funciones y precios appeared first on ProjectManager.

Dashboard templates are designed to track a variety of different metrics that provide vital data for project managers and their teams. We have free dashboard templates that will help track budget, workload, progress and more. Monitoring this allows project managers to determine if the project is on schedule and not overspending. If it is, adjustments can be made to get back on track before it impacts the success of the project.

Download these Excel dashboard templates for free or sign up for a free 30-day trial of our software and see what real-time dashboards can do when managing a project, program or portfolio. We’ll talk more about that later, but first, let’s get to the Excel dashboard templates for free download.

1. Project Dashboard Template for Excel

Excel dashboard templates are important for a high-level overview of the project. This free project dashboard template for Excel is an excellent choice. It allows project managers and their teams to monitor project progress on several different bar charts and pie charts. Four dashboards together paint a clear picture of the project and where it stands concerning where it should be in terms of the project plan.

There’s a pie chart that captures the project tasks. It makes it easy to see at a glance what percentage of the team’s tasks have been completed, are in progress, aren’t yet started or are overdue, as well as the total. A workload bar chart shows the resource allocation for the project team. It’s color-coded to show work in progress, not started and overdue. A task length chart shows duration and a cost chart helps track the actual cost against the budget for that period.

All of this information is crucial to managing a project, but so is working efficiently. Excel dashboard templates are just not going to provide the efficiency that is built into project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with real-time dashboards for either a project and multiple projects. Because our dashboard is online, it collects live data automatically, there’s no need to manually update a template. Our live dashboards provide a current overview of the project’s performance and progress, which allows project managers to quickly make adjustments if necessary to get the work back on track. Templates can’t do that. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

2. KPI Dashboard Template for Excel

But, again, not everyone is ready to upgrade to project management software with real-time data visualization. For those looking for Excel dashboard templates to help as a task tracker, download this free KPI dashboard template for Excel. This is a great tool for providing critical information as it monitors, analyzes and displays KPIs to better manage organizations and projects.

This Excel dashboard has even more charts and graphs to help track the project timeline, budget and more. There’s even a yearly profit and loss overview with two charts, one showing revenue over time and the other expenses. This will help keep organizations aware of whether they’re in the red or the black. That data is even broken further down to monthly revenue, quarterly revenue, monthly expenses and quarterly expenses. There’s also a chart capturing workload analysis and one for resource planning, among others.

3. Budget Dashboard Template for Excel

One of the most important KPIs to track is cost. This free budget dashboard template for Excel is a robust breakdown of project costs essential for keeping track of the budget and delivering projects without suffering cost overruns. There’s also space to add the job number, customer name, job description and start and completion dates. This is certainly one of the Excel dashboard templates needed to keep track of budgets.

Beneath that are colorful pie charts that make this Excel spreadsheet easy to read and understand. For example, there’s one to show the planned costs against the actual costs, which helps project managers see if their current spending aligns with where the budget said they should be at this time. There are also pie charts for direct material costs, direct labor costs, direct equipment costs and overhead costs. A bar chart collects the total costs for an overview of the budget, which is another reason this Excel dashboard comes in handy when managing the budget.

4. Workload Dashboard Template for Excel

We’ve mentioned workload a few times already, but for those who aren’t familiar with the term, workload refers to the total amount of work assigned to a team member or group within a project. It’s usually measured in hours or tasks. Keeping track of workload ensures that team members are working at capacity, but not overallocated to the point of suffering from burnout, which erodes morale. Therefore, this is one of the Excel dashboard templates that everyone needs.

The free workload dashboard template for Excel is made up of four bar charts. On the left side are color-coded monthly resource allocation charts that show each team member’s resource availability (hours per month) in black and current workload allocation (again in hours per month) in yellow. This provides a monthly overview of the team’s resource allocation and can help project managers to balance their workload. Workload can also help with tracking labor costs. The right side of the Excel dashboard shows labor costs by employee in a chart for each month they’re working on the project.

5. Task Tracker Dashboard Template for Excel

Project managers use a task tracker to organize, prioritize and monitor the progress of individual tasks within a project. This free task tracker dashboard template for Excel is a centralized location to manage all project details and improve collaboration between team members while helping project managers know what needs to be done, who is responsible and when each task is due.

As Excel dashboard templates go, this one is another must-have. It is made up of a couple of charts and pie charts that are color-coded to make it easy to digest them easily and fast. There’s one for task priority levels, which has the status on the left column, which goes from very low to critical. There are also columns for count and percentage. There’s another, set up the same, only this tracks task status, from on hold to not started. This information is then translated to pie charts that visually show the percentage and color codes for those who prefer to get their information that way.

6. Asset Management Dashboard Template

Keeping track of equipment, tools and other business assets becomes much easier with this asset management dashboard template. Designed to consolidate inventory information into a single reporting view, it helps users monitor asset quantities, values and distribution across locations. This dashboard supports better resource planning, maintenance decisions and long-term asset management by presenting critical information in an organized format.

Several tables and charts work together to provide a comprehensive overview of asset data. A donut chart visualizes how assets are distributed across categories, while bar charts compare asset values and quantities. Supporting tables break down inventory by location, allowing users to quickly understand where assets are assigned.

7. Sales Dashboard Template

For teams that need a quick snapshot of sales performance, this dashboard template brings key metrics together in one place. It tracks revenue, orders, customer growth and sales activity while measuring results against predefined targets. By summarizing performance across products and regions, the template helps users identify opportunities, evaluate outcomes and make informed business decisions.

A combination of KPI tables, comparison charts and performance reports provides multiple perspectives on sales data. Revenue, units sold and closed deals are displayed through bar charts and visual summaries, while detailed tables organize results by product and region. Progress toward targets is also highlighted throughout the dashboard.

8. CRM Dashboard Template

Customer information, sales opportunities and account activity are centralized within this CRM dashboard template. It gives businesses a practical way to monitor customer relationships, schedule follow-ups and track potential revenue from active opportunities. With customer records and engagement data stored in a structured format, the dashboard supports stronger relationship management and improved sales visibility.

At the heart of the dashboard is a customer table containing contact information, account status, follow-up schedules and revenue details. Additional visual reports summarize customer types and highlight top-performing accounts. Together, the charts and tables provide a clear overview of customer engagement and revenue contribution.

Benefits of Using Excel Dashboard Templates

We’ve been talking about the importance of Excel dashboard templates and why they’re beneficial to project managers and their teams. To reiterate and provide more detail, we’ve listed the benefits of using an Excel dashboard in project management below.

• Dashboards bring together various project data in a centralized location, which makes it easier to track and monitor progress across different aspects.
• Excel dashboards can be updated regularly to reflect close-to-real-time data, giving project managers an updated view of how the project is progressing.
• With data presented in an easily digestible format, project managers can quickly identify problems or areas that need attention and make informed decisions faster.
• Graphs and charts help simplify complex data, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and access the project status without needing to dive into raw data.

Disadvantages of Using Excel Dashboard Templates

While Excel dashboard templates can be useful, they’re not a perfect project management tool. We’ve already noted some ways they are inferior to project management software. Here are some general disadvantages.

• Many pre-designed templates have fixed structures, which might not suit every project’s unique needs. Customizing templates is time-consuming and challenging.
• As the project grows or becomes more complex, the template might not scale effectively, creating issues with handling large amounts of data, slow performance or clutterness.
• Excel dashboards rely heavily on manual data entry or data imports. If the data isn’t consistently updated or entered correctly, it can lead to inaccurate results, which could impact decision-making.
• Unless specifically designed with automation or integration features, Excel templates don’t typically pull real-time data from other sources, which could result in outdated information unless manually refreshed.

ProjectManager Is a Better Project Tracking Tool Than Excel Dashboard Templates

While Excel dashboard templates have a place in project management, it’s mostly a stepping stone to more sophisticated tools. Sure, try out these free dashboard templates and get a handle on how useful they are in monitoring project metrics to meet deadlines and stay on budget. But chances are frustration will settle in soon enough. After all, these are only static documents that must be manually updated and are poor collaboration tools. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with real-time project and portfolio management dashboards. But that’s only one feature of many to deliver successful projects.

Multiple Project Planning and Scheduling Views

Before one can track data, projects must be planned and tasks, resources and costs scheduled. Our software has multiple project views to do that and execute the work. Project managers prefer the robust Gantt charts that schedule tasks, resources and costs, but also link all four types of task dependencies to avoid delays and cost overruns. They can filter for the critical path rather than go through timely and complicated calculations. Then, once a baseline is set, progress and performance are tracked in real time. Plans are shared across the visual workflow of kanban boards and powerful task lists for teams to execute their work, while stakeholders can stay updated with the calendar view.

Robust Resource Management Features

Many of the dashboards include workload, as does ours, but real project management software will have resource management tools, as well. As noted above, both human and nonhuman resources can be scheduled on the Gantt. When onboarding teams, project managers can set their availability according to PTO, vacation and global holidays, as well as skill sets, which makes assigning tasks easier. There’s a color-coded workload page to view resource allocation and balance team workload to keep everyone working at capacity. Our team page summarizes team activities, which can be filtered by priority, progress and more. Even our secure timesheets, which streamline payroll, also measure how far each team member has gotten in completing tasks.

Of course, there’s more. Automated workflows with task approvals for quality control, version control, global search and unlimited file storage, email and in-app notifications and risk management tools. But first, try the free Excel dashboard templates, then take a free trial and join the successful teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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Related: 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives for 2026 (Free & Paid)

Some programs focus on the fundamentals, while others dive into advanced scheduling, resource management and reporting techniques. This guide explores the best courses, training programs and certifications available today to help beginners, project managers and experienced schedulers strengthen their Microsoft Project skills.

If you’re looking for software that can do what Microsoft Project does, in a more modern, user-friendly and cost effective platform, try ProjectManager instead. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software that delivers the same powerful scheduling, resource planning and tracking capabilities as Microsoft Project, but at a significantly lower cost and in a more dynamic platform. Its intuitive, user-friendly interface makes it easier for teams across industries to adopt and manage projects efficiently, with real-time data, collaboration tools and flexible workflows designed for modern project execution. Get started for free today

Does Microsoft Offer an Official Microsoft Project Training?

Microsoft has offered official MS Project training for decades through a combination of product documentation, instructor-led courses, certification exams and online learning resources. During the Microsoft Project 2010 and 2013 era, users could earn Microsoft’s official Exam 74-343, “Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013,” which validated proficiency in scheduling, resource management, reporting and project tracking.

Passing the exam could also contribute toward broader Microsoft Project management credentials. Microsoft later shifted its certification strategy toward cloud, role-based and Microsoft 365 certifications, retiring Exam 74-343 on July 31, 2019 without announcing a replacement.

Today, Microsoft still provides official training materials through Microsoft Support and Microsoft Learn, but it no longer offers a dedicated Microsoft Project certification exam or certification pathway. Existing certifications remain on earned transcripts as retired credentials.

Having said this, we’ve looked for the best Microsoft Project training programs, courses and certifications available online.

1. Microsoft Project Training – Microsoft Support

Microsoft Project Training from Microsoft Support is a free collection of tutorials, guides and learning resources created by Microsoft. Rather than offering a structured course, it provides task-based training that teaches users how to build project schedules, assign resources, manage tasks, create reports and collaborate using Project.

The content is integrated into Microsoft’s broader Project help center and reflects the latest transition from Project for the web into Microsoft Planner. While it’s a good place to start, many users complain that the learning materials available in this Microsoft Support portal aren’t nearly as thorough as they should be for a software this complex.

2. Microsoft Project Courses – LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning offers one of the largest libraries of Microsoft Project courses available online. Learners can choose from beginner, intermediate and advanced training covering Microsoft Project 2021, Project Online Desktop, Project for the Web and specialized topics such as agile project management, scheduling and resource planning. Most courses include exercise files, quizzes and practical demonstrations, and learners receive a certificate of completion after finishing each course.

3. Microsoft Project Management: Build Job-Ready Skills Professional Certificate – Coursera

Unlike many Microsoft Project courses that focus exclusively on software functionality, this professional certificate teaches project management principles alongside Microsoft’s project planning tools. The program combines videos, assessments and hands-on activities that help learners build scheduling, planning, communication and project execution skills. It is designed for beginners seeking project management knowledge and can also help prepare learners for the PMP certification exam.

4. Microsoft Project Training – Master of Project Academy

Master of Project Academy provides self-paced MS Project training that focuses on building practical scheduling and project control skills. Students learn how to create project plans, define task relationships, manage resources, monitor schedules and generate reports.

The course includes quizzes, practice questions and completion credentials. While Microsoft discontinued its official Project certification exam in 2019, this program helps professionals demonstrate software proficiency through structured training and assessment exercises.

5. Microsoft Project Training Courses – ONLC Training

ONLC delivers instructor-led Microsoft Project courses through both live online classes and in-person training centers. Its curriculum is organized into separate levels, allowing learners to progress from schedule creation and task management to advanced topics such as resource leveling, earned value analysis, custom reporting and project tracking.

A notable feature is the hands-on classroom structure, which combines guided instruction with practical exercises completed directly within Microsoft Project.

6. Microsoft Project Training – Learning Tree

Learning Tree structures its Microsoft Project training around the practical tasks project managers perform every day. The course covers schedule development, task dependencies, resource allocation, baseline creation, progress tracking and project reporting.

Training is delivered through live instructor-led sessions and emphasizes hands-on exercises rather than software demonstrations alone. One aspect that stands out is its focus on applying Microsoft Project to real project scenarios instead of isolated feature tutorials.

7. Microsoft Project Training Courses – New Horizons

New Horizons offers a multi-level training pathway that allows learners to build Microsoft Project skills progressively. Rather than combining all topics into a single course, the provider separates instruction into beginner and advanced classes covering project planning, schedule development, resource management, cost tracking and reporting.

The training is available through live online and classroom formats, making it suitable for both individual learners and organizations seeking structured software training programs.

8. Microsoft Project Training – PRINCE2.com

PRINCE2.com offers a dedicated Microsoft Project training course focused on helping users build practical scheduling and project planning skills. The course covers project creation, task management, calendars, resource assignments, critical path analysis, baseline tracking, reporting and schedule control.

Unlike many broader project management programs, this training concentrates specifically on using Microsoft Project to manage project timelines and resources. Students can complete the course online at their own pace and receive a certificate upon successful completion.

9. Complete Microsoft Project Training & Certification – Udemy

Udemy’s Complete Microsoft Project Training & Certification course teaches Microsoft Project Professional through one section, 15 lectures and about 5 hours of video. The course covers calendars, task relationships, WBS creation, constraints, resources, resource leveling, tracking, earned value analysis, multiple projects, filters, groups and reports. It is built for students or professionals who want practical Microsoft Project scheduling skills.

10. MS Project Training & Certification Course – Techcanvass

Techcanvass offers MS Project training in foundation, advanced and live online formats. The course includes lectures, chapter-wise quizzes, hands-on training, practical examples, expert access and a proficiency certificate. Its syllabus moves from basic project setup into calendars, Gantt charts, task dependencies, WBS creation, baselines, resource allocation, cost tracking, reports, templates and project tracking.

11. Microsoft Project Level I Course – Graduate School USA

Graduate School USA’s Microsoft Project Level I course is a 6-hour beginner class available live online or self-paced. It teaches users how to set up tasks, allocate resources, track progress and generate reports in Microsoft Project Professional. The course includes Microsoft Office access for one month, recordings, a free retake and a verified digital certificate of completion.

12. Microsoft Project Fundamentals – GoSkills

GoSkills offers a self-paced Microsoft Project Fundamentals course built around Microsoft 365. The training includes 44 lessons and approximately 3.5 hours of video instruction covering task scheduling, resource allocation, project reporting, progress tracking, budgeting and project management workflows.

One notable feature is that learners can earn 19 PDUs or contact hours that can be applied toward PMI certification requirements. Students receive a certificate upon course completion.

13. Microsoft Project Training Course – Simplilearn

Simplilearn’s Microsoft Project training introduces learners to project planning, scheduling, resource management and project tracking using Microsoft Project.

The program combines video-based instruction with practical demonstrations that teach users how to build project schedules, manage dependencies, allocate resources and monitor project performance. The course is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their Microsoft Project skills while building broader project management knowledge.

14. Microsoft Project Training – The Project Group

The Project Group (TPG) offers specialized Microsoft Project training aimed at organizations that use Microsoft’s project and portfolio management tools in enterprise environments.

Unlike many general software training providers, TPG focuses heavily on practical scheduling, resource management, project portfolio management and Microsoft Project Server or Project Online implementations. Training is available through instructor-led formats and can be tailored to organizational requirements.

ProjectManager Is the Best Microsoft Project Alternative

ProjectManager is ideal for teams that want a robust project management solution without the drawbacks and expensive price tag of Microsoft Project. It provides a complete set of planning, scheduling and tracking tools, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and project and portfolio roadmaps. Teams can build detailed schedules, assign resources and monitor progress, costs, workload and timelines through real-time dashboards, timesheets, workload charts and performance reports.

Built as a cloud-based platform, ProjectManager allows teams to update schedules, manage tasks and generate reports in real time from any location. It also delivers AI-powered project insights to support better decision-making and connects with over 100 tools like Jira, Power BI and Azure DevOps. With its open API and wide range of integrations, organizations can seamlessly link ProjectManager to their existing systems. Watch the video below to learn more!

Free Microsoft Project Tutorials

• Microsoft Project 2021 Training Tutorials for Beginners by Simon Sez IT
• How To Use Microsoft Project: Hands-On Training by Pragmatic Works
• Learn Microsoft Project – Full Course Beginner to Master in 20 Minutes by David McLachlan
• MS Project Tutorial for Beginners by Stuart Taylor
• Project Full Course Tutorial by Learn Skills Daily

Microsoft Project Training FAQs

Why Do People Look for Microsoft Project Training?

Many professionals seek Microsoft Project training because the software has a steep learning curve. Its interface can feel “old” and overwhelming for new users, especially when working with task dependencies, resource allocation, critical paths and project baselines. Training helps users understand the software faster and avoid costly scheduling and planning mistakes.

What Is the Best Microsoft Project Training Course?

The best MS Project training course depends on your experience level and learning goals. Beginners often benefit from structured courses that teach scheduling fundamentals, while experienced users may prefer advanced training focused on resource management, reporting, earned value analysis and portfolio management.

Is Microsoft Project Training Worth It?

Microsoft Project training can be worthwhile for professionals who regularly manage project schedules, resources or budgets. Formal training often helps users avoid common mistakes, improve planning accuracy and learn advanced features more quickly than relying solely on documentation or trial-and-error learning. However, it’s important to be cautious when choosing online courses as many of them can be expensive, and in many cases, they simply explain things that could otherwise be learnt through free tutorials.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Microsoft Project?

Most users can learn the basic features of Microsoft Project within a few days of focused training. However, mastering advanced topics such as resource leveling, earned value management, reporting and portfolio management can take weeks or months of practice depending on experience and project complexity.

Does Microsoft Offer an Official Microsoft Project Certification?

Microsoft previously offered Exam 74-343, Managing Projects with Microsoft Project 2013, but retired the certification in 2019. Today, Microsoft provides training resources through Microsoft Learn and Microsoft Support, but it no longer offers a dedicated Microsoft Project certification exam or certification pathway.

Related Microsoft Project Content

• 20 Best Microsoft Project Alternatives for 2026 (Free & Paid)
• 7 Microsoft Project Templates (Free MPP Files)
• Microsoft Project Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives
• 10 Top Microsoft Project Management Software, Apps & Tools

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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What Is Raken?

Raken is a construction field management platform used to capture field data, manage safety and quality tasks and coordinate project documents. It is commonly used by general contractors, specialty contractors and subcontractors to complete digital daily reports, time cards and production logs while staying connected with the office.

The software helps crews record work logs, photos, videos and notes, track labor and equipment hours, and assign tasks—all from a smartphone or tablet. Because Raken emphasizes real‑time field visibility, project managers and executives can monitor progress, identify trends and address issues quickly.

If you’re looking for software to plan, schedule and track construction projects from start to finish, try ProjectManager instead. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that gives construction companies tools to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed construction schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to quickly identify delays or cost overruns. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

Raken Plans & Pricing

Raken offers two paid subscription tiers. Each plan requires a minimum of three users and includes unlimited projects, so companies can scale without additional project fees. Advanced capabilities such as time tracking and safety management are only available on the higher tier.

Raken Views

Raken structures its interface around different “views” that present project information for specific workflows. Each view pulls from the same underlying data, so updates in one perspective instantly reflect across the platform.

• Dashboard view. Provides a high‑level snapshot of jobsite performance, summarizing daily reports, labor hours and production data so project leaders can quickly identify trends and potential issues.
• Daily log view. Field supervisors capture work logs, notes, photos, videos, weather and manpower details; the interface organizes entries chronologically for easy reference and compliance.
• Production view. Shows labor and equipment hours alongside quantities installed, helping crews compare planned versus actual productivity and make adjustments to stay on schedule.
• Safety & quality view. Centralizes toolbox talks, managed checklists, observations, incident reports and audits to ensure compliance and reduce risk on the jobsite.
• Tasks view. Lists open and completed tasks with due dates, assignees and attachments; supervisors can assign new work, track status and communicate updates.
• Forms view. Enables creation and reuse of digital forms such as RFIs, submittals and change orders; forms can be customized and shared with stakeholders.
• Documents view. Organizes project files and drawings in cloud storage; users upload PDFs, photos and specifications, annotate documents and share them with multiple recipients.
• RFIs view. Facilitates creating, assigning and tracking RFIs; notifications ensure timely responses and the workflow records ball‑in‑court responsibility.

Raken Key Features

Raken combines progress reporting, production tracking, safety and project management into one field‑focused solution. The following feature categories reflect how the platform supports crews in the field and office.

• Daily progress reporting: Crews complete branded reports with time‑stamped photos, videos and attachments; automated summaries and weather data are assembled into PDFs that can be shared instantly.
• Collaborator & segmented reports: Subcontractors and trades submit their own daily reports; teams can segment reports by supervisor, shift or location to simplify analysis.
• Mobile data capture: Field teams log work, notes, photos, videos, time, safety issues, cost codes, materials and equipment directly from mobile devices.
• Real‑time dashboards & AI summaries: A real‑time dashboard connects the field and office via the cloud, and AI automatically highlights key insights from daily reports.
• Time & production tracking: Labor hours, equipment usage and production quantities are captured through time cards, time clocks and kiosks; geofencing and AI photo ID support accurate time entry.
• Resource scheduling: Crews can plan labor and equipment assignments ahead of time to ensure resources are available and avoid site delays.
• Material & equipment tracking: Field crews log material deliveries, usage and inventory levels along with equipment locations, helping managers plan procurement and reduce downtime.
• Budget management & production insights: Raken provides dashboards to compare actual production against project budgets and identify trends; the Performance plan adds insights dashboards and compliance reporting.
• Safety & quality management: Toolbox talks, managed checklists, observations, incident reports and dashboards help crews prevent safety incidents and maintain quality standards.

Pros and Cons of Raken

Raken stands out for its field‑first design and intuitive interface, but some advanced capabilities are available only at higher price points and the platform focuses on project execution rather than long‑term planning.

Pros

Raken excels at simplifying field reporting and making project data accessible. Its all‑in‑one app helps crews stay compliant, while real‑time dashboards and AI summaries provide executives with immediate insights into jobsite health.

• All‑in‑one mobile app consolidates daily reports, time cards, production tracking, safety and RFIs.
• Unlimited projects with real‑time activity feeds and notifications keep teams informed.
• Field‑first design and intuitive interface drive high adoption and compliance among crews.
• Integrates with existing accounting, payroll and project management systems to reduce duplication.
• Dedicated onboarding and live support help companies ramp up quickly and maximize value.

Cons

Because Raken is purpose‑built for field execution, some companies may need supplementary tools for detailed planning, cost forecasting and enterprise‑grade resource management. Pricing is per user and advanced modules are only available in the Performance plan.

• Time tracking, production tracking, safety & quality management, RFIs and document storage are only available in the higher‑priced Performance plan.
• No free tier; entry‑level Basic plan still requires at least three paid users and lacks advanced project management features.
• Primarily focused on field reporting and compliance; companies with complex construction scheduling needs may require additional software.
• Raken does not offer built‑in Gantt charts or detailed project planning tools, so teams must rely on other platforms for long‑term scheduling.
• Resource scheduling focuses on assigning crews and equipment day‑to‑day; it lacks advanced resource leveling or forecasting features found in dedicated project planning software.
• The platform tracks production quantities and costs but does not provide full budget forecasting or cost management capabilities; users may need accounting integrations for detailed financial control.
• While Raken captures daily jobsite data and generates insights, it does not automate procurement or materials budgeting, so materials planning must be managed separately.

ProjectManager Is the Best Raken Alternative for Construction Project Management

Raken is particularly strong for managing field operations, including daily reports, inspections, RFIs, submittals and drawing management. However, its project planning and scheduling tools are less robust than those found in dedicated project management software such as ProjectManager.

ProjectManager offers a more comprehensive construction project management solution with advanced Gantt charts, critical path tracking, workload management, resource scheduling, portfolio roadmaps, real-time dashboards, kanban boards, timesheets and automated reports in a single platform.

In addition to traditional construction scheduling capabilities, ProjectManager includes AI-powered project insights, workflow automation and live performance tracking that help teams identify delays, manage risks and improve decision-making. The platform also supports an open API and more than 1,000 integrations with tools like Acumatica, QuickBooks, Microsoft Project, Slack and Google Workspace, allowing construction companies to connect operational and project data across their existing systems.

Watch the video below to learn more!

More Raken Alternatives

While Raken focuses on field reporting and compliance, some projects require broader functionality. The following construction software alternatives provide different capabilities across planning, collaboration and project control.

Procore

Procore is a cloud‑based construction management platform that manages projects from preconstruction through closeout. General contractors, owners and specialty contractors use Procore to keep projects on budget and improve returns by connecting field and office teams. The platform supports project execution, cost management and resource management and unifies budgets, contracts and field progress into a single source of truth.

Related: Procore for Project Management: Features, Pros and Cons

ProjectSight

ProjectSight (now part of Trimble Unity Construct) is a unified digital project and site management solution designed to centralize project truth for faster, more accurate builds. Contractors and owners use it to scale from basic site management to customizable project control, with traceable document management, 2D/3D visualization and unlimited free collaborators. Modules support daily reports, checklists, RFIs, submittals, BIM models, schedules, cost management and capital planning.

Fieldwire

Fieldwire is a mobile construction management platform used to coordinate tasks, track progress and manage construction documents in the field. Contractors, owners and trades use it to assign work on digital plans, share updates and maintain a single source of truth for drawings, tasks and inspections. Fieldwire’s views (Kanban boards, Gantt charts, calendar and list) and modules like RFIs, submittals, budget management and BIM viewer help crews collaborate and keep projects on schedule.

ProjectManager is online construction project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. We connect architects and engineers in the office with your work crew on the job site so they can share files and comments to foster better collaboration. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post What Is Raken? Uses, Features and Pricing appeared first on ProjectManager.

What Is e-Builder?

e-Builder is a cloud-based construction program management software platform used to plan, manage and deliver capital improvement projects. It is commonly used by facility owners, government agencies, educational institutions and program management firms to control project costs, schedules, documents and business processes. The platform supports project delivery from planning and design through procurement, construction and asset handover using digital workflows, reporting tools and centralized project data.

Founded in 1995, e-Builder operated as an independent construction program management software company until Trimble acquired the business in February 2018. In recent years, Trimble has been consolidating its construction technology portfolio, and e-Builder is now being rebranded as Trimble Unity Construct. According to Trimble, the transition preserves the platform’s existing functionality while introducing deeper integrations and a more unified product experience across the Trimble ecosystem.

If you’re looking for software to plan, schedule and track construction projects from start to finish, try ProjectManager instead. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that gives construction companies tools to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to create detailed construction schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare estimated versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to quickly identify delays or cost overruns. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

e-Builder Plans & Pricing

Unlike many construction management platforms, e-Builder does not publish standard pricing tiers on its website. Organizations must contact Trimble directly to receive a customized quote based on factors such as the number of users, project volume, deployment requirements and selected modules.

Note: Trimble does not publicly disclose e-Builder subscription pricing, implementation costs or licensing packages. Buyers must request a sales consultation to obtain current pricing information.

e-Builder Views

Unlike many construction management platforms that focus on task boards or simple project lists, e-Builder primarily organizes information through specialized project, financial and reporting interfaces. These views allow different stakeholders to analyze schedules, costs, documents and portfolio performance from the perspective most relevant to their role.

• Schedule View: Displays project activities, dependencies, milestones and critical path schedules in a timeline format, allowing project managers to monitor progress, forecast completion dates and identify scheduling risks before they affect project delivery.
• Dashboard View: Presents key project and program performance indicators through configurable dashboards that help owners and executives monitor budgets, schedules, workflows and overall capital program health from a centralized location.
• Reporting View: Provides access to embedded reporting and business intelligence tools that transform project, financial and operational data into actionable reports for project oversight, executive reviews and compliance monitoring.
• Cost Summary View: Organizes approved budgets, commitments, invoices and financial data into configurable layouts that help teams analyze project costs, evaluate budget status and anticipate future expenditures.
• Portfolio View: Aggregates information across multiple capital projects, giving program managers visibility into funding allocations, project performance and portfolio-level metrics from a single environment.
• Document View: Centralizes project files, drawings, contracts and supporting documentation within a searchable repository, helping stakeholders access current project information without relying on disconnected storage systems.

e-Builder Features

e-Builder focuses on capital program management rather than general-purpose project management. Its feature set is designed to help owners control funding, automate workflows, manage procurement activities and maintain visibility throughout the entire construction project lifecycle.

• Capital Planning: Helps organizations evaluate project proposals, prioritize investments and align capital improvement initiatives with available resources before projects enter execution.
• Cost & Funding Management: Enables teams to manage budgets, funding sources, commitments and expenditures while maintaining visibility into project financial performance throughout delivery.
• Process Management: Automates project workflows and approval processes, helping organizations standardize procedures, reduce manual effort and improve governance across capital programs.
• Bid Management: Supports procurement activities by helping owners distribute bid packages, collect contractor responses and manage competitive bidding processes digitally.
• Submittals Management: Tracks submittals and review workflows throughout the project lifecycle, helping stakeholders maintain accountability and documentation for construction approvals.
• Document Management: Maintains a centralized repository for project records, contracts, drawings and correspondence, making information easier to locate and control across project teams.
• Reporting & Dashboards: Delivers built-in reporting and business intelligence tools that help stakeholders analyze project performance, monitor trends and support data-driven decisions.
• Time Tracking: Allows organizations to capture and monitor project-related labor time as part of broader project controls and program management activities.
• Building Information Modeling (BIM): Supports BIM-related project workflows, helping stakeholders coordinate design and construction information within the broader project management environment.

Pros and Cons of e-Builder

e-Builder is designed for owners managing capital programs, facilities portfolios and large construction initiatives. Its strengths are centered on financial controls, workflow automation and program oversight, while its limitations are most noticeable for teams seeking lightweight project management or highly collaborative planning tools.

Pros

When managing large capital improvement programs, e-Builder performs best as a centralized system for controlling budgets, approvals, documents and project processes. The platform’s greatest advantage is providing owners with consistent governance, visibility and reporting across multiple projects and stakeholders.

• Strong Financial Controls: Helps organizations manage budgets, funding allocations, commitments and expenditures from a centralized environment.
• Workflow Automation: Standardizes approval processes and project procedures, reducing manual administration and improving governance compliance.
• Portfolio Visibility: Gives executives and program managers visibility across multiple projects through reporting and dashboard capabilities.
• Centralized Documentation: Stores project records, drawings and contracts in a single repository accessible by stakeholders.
• Construction-Focused Functionality: Includes dedicated modules for bidding, submittals, scheduling and capital program management.

Cons

Compared with modern project management platforms, e-Builder is less focused on team collaboration, agile planning and everyday task management. The software prioritizes governance and program controls, which can create a steeper learning curve and heavier administrative experience for some users.

• Designed Primarily for Owners: The platform focuses on capital program management rather than broad cross-industry project management use cases.
• Limited Scheduling Flexibility: e-Builder’s scheduling functionality centers on CPM scheduling and milestones, but lacks the variety of planning views and advanced scheduling tools commonly found in dedicated project management platforms.
• Resource Management Requires Additional Functionality: Resource allocation is not included in the base scheduling capabilities and requires optional resource management features to assign and manage project resources.
• Less Emphasis on Team-Level Task Management: The platform is designed around project controls, approvals and program oversight rather than collaborative task assignment, work management and day-to-day team execution.
• Cost Tracking Prioritizes Governance Over Simplicity: Financial management capabilities are comprehensive, but the focus on approvals, funding controls and formal processes can create additional administrative overhead for smaller projects.
• Project Planning Is Geared Toward Capital Programs: Organizations managing construction portfolios benefit from the platform’s structure, but teams seeking lightweight project planning may find the system more complex than necessary for routine project management needs.

ProjectManager Is the Best e-Builder Alternative for Construction Project Management

Although e-Builder performs well for construction-specific processes like RFIs, submittals, inspections and drawing management, its construction planning and scheduling functionality is more limited than what dedicated project management software such as ProjectManager.

ProjectManager offers a more comprehensive construction project management solution with advanced Gantt charts, critical path tracking, workload management, resource scheduling, portfolio roadmaps, real-time dashboards, kanban boards, timesheets and automated reports in a single platform.

In addition to traditional construction scheduling capabilities, ProjectManager includes AI-powered project insights, workflow automation and live performance tracking that help teams identify delays, manage risks and improve decision-making. The platform also supports an open API and more than 1,000 integrations with tools like Acumatica, QuickBooks, Microsoft Project, Slack and Google Workspace, allowing construction companies to connect operational and project data across their existing systems.

Watch the video below to learn more!

e-Builder FAQ

Below are answers to some of the most common questions construction owners, program managers and project teams ask when researching e-Builder, its relationship with Trimble and the ongoing transition to Trimble Unity Construct.

Is e-Builder Discontinued?

e-Builder is not discontinued, but Trimble is actively transitioning the product into a broader platform called Trimble Unity Construct. Existing e-Builder functionality continues to be supported, while Trimble is rebranding and integrating the software with other solutions in its construction and asset lifecycle management portfolio. According to Trimble, the goal is to provide a more connected experience without disrupting the capabilities organizations currently use.

What Is the Difference Between e-Builder and Trimble?

e-Builder is a software product, while Trimble is the technology company that owns and develops it. e-Builder operated as an independent construction program management software company until Trimble acquired the business in 2018. Today, Trimble offers a broad portfolio of construction, geospatial, transportation and asset management solutions, with e-Builder serving as one of the software platforms within that ecosystem.

What Is Trimble Unity Construct?

Trimble Unity Construct is the new name and strategic direction for the e-Builder platform. It combines e-Builder’s construction program management capabilities with additional Trimble technologies designed to support capital planning, project delivery, asset handover and lifecycle management. The platform is intended to create a unified environment where owners can manage projects, facilities and infrastructure assets using connected data and workflows.

ProjectManager is online construction project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. We connect architects and engineers in the office with your work crew on the job site so they can share files and comments to foster better collaboration. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post What Is e-Builder? Uses, Features and Pricing appeared first on ProjectManager.

A kaizen board is a visual management tool used to identify, prioritize, track and implement continuous improvement ideas. It is commonly used in manufacturing, warehousing, healthcare and construction to improve processes, reduce waste and solve operational problems.

A kaizen board organizes improvement opportunities into stages such as review, approval, implementation and completion. Teams use it to make improvement efforts visible, assign ownership and monitor progress from idea generation through execution.

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Kaizen Board Template

Use this free Kaizen Board Template for Excel to manage your projects better.

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What Is the Purpose of a Kaizen Board?

Continuous improvement efforts often fail because ideas are discussed but never acted upon. A kaizen board creates a structured process for capturing opportunities, assigning responsibility and tracking progress.

The goal is to turn employee observations into measurable improvements that reduce waste, improve quality, increase safety or streamline workflows. By making improvement activities visible, teams can focus on solving problems systematically rather than relying on informal conversations or isolated initiatives.

A kaizen board helps guide continuous improvement efforts, but that’s just the beginning. If you’re ready to implement continuous improvement across your organization, try ProjectManager.. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that gives businesses across industries the tools they need to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to make detailed project schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare planned versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to identify delays or cost overruns quickly. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

Who Typically Uses a Kaizen Board

Kaizen boards were first adopted in manufacturing environments as part of lean manufacturing practices pioneered by Toyota. Production teams used them to identify inefficiencies, eliminate waste and improve operational performance through small, incremental changes.

Rather than relying solely on management-driven initiatives, workers closest to the production process were encouraged to submit improvement ideas. This approach became a core element of the Toyota Production System and helped establish continuous improvement as a daily operational practice.

Related: 16 Lean Manufacturing Tools & Techniques

Over time, the use of kaizen boards expanded beyond factory floors. Today, organizations in healthcare, construction, warehousing, logistics, maintenance and other operations-focused industries use them to manage process improvements. While the industries differ, the objective remains the same: create visibility into improvement opportunities, assign accountability and track actions that lead to better performance.

Benefits of Using Kaizen Boards

Improvement initiatives are more likely to succeed when teams have a clear process for capturing ideas and following through on them. A kaizen board provides visibility into improvement efforts, keeps projects organized and helps ensure that valuable suggestions move from discussion to implementation instead of being forgotten.

• Creates a centralized location for tracking improvement opportunities, making it easier to monitor progress and accountability.
• Encourages employee participation by giving team members a structured way to contribute ideas and solutions.
• Improves transparency by allowing managers and staff to see the status of improvement initiatives at a glance.
• Helps prioritize high-impact opportunities so teams can focus resources on changes that deliver measurable results.
• Supports a culture of continuous improvement by turning problem-solving into an ongoing operational practice rather than an occasional effort.

Kaizen Board Template

Use this free Excel kaizen board template to document, prioritize and track continuous improvement initiatives. The template includes fields for improvement opportunities, problem descriptions, proposed solutions, ownership, department, submission dates, priority levels, expected benefits and status updates. It provides a centralized view of improvement efforts and helps teams monitor progress from idea submission through implementation.

Kaizen Board Example

To better understand how a kaizen board works, let’s look at a practical example. Imagine a manufacturing company that produces industrial equipment and wants to improve efficiency, reduce safety risks and minimize production delays. While operations are running smoothly overall, managers recognize that small process issues continue to create unnecessary costs and lost productivity. To encourage continuous improvement, the company implements a kaizen board to capture, evaluate and track employee suggestions.

The board organizes improvement opportunities into individual records, each with a problem description, proposed solution, owner, department, submission date, priority level, expected benefit and status. This structure allows supervisors and team members to quickly see what improvements have been identified, who is responsible for them and how far along they are in the implementation process.

Several departments are represented in this example. Manufacturing personnel have identified time lost searching for tools and proposed installing shadow boards to improve workstation organization. Warehouse staff are working on a barcode system to address inventory inaccuracies, while the safety department has recommended creating marked walkways to reduce the risk of forklift-related accidents. Quality teams are reviewing an additional inspection checkpoint to identify defects earlier in the production process.

Not every improvement is at the same stage. Some initiatives have already been completed, such as the tool organization project and the standardized shift handoff form. Others are still being reviewed, approved or actively implemented. By displaying all improvement efforts in one location, the kaizen board provides transparency and helps ensure that valuable ideas are not forgotten after they are submitted.

Notice that each item also includes an expected benefit. This encourages teams to focus on improvements that produce measurable results, such as reducing downtime, improving inventory accuracy, increasing productivity or lowering rework costs. As projects are completed, managers can compare actual outcomes against these anticipated benefits to evaluate the effectiveness of their continuous improvement efforts.

ProjectManager Is a Robust Project Management Software

ProjectManager is an online project management platform that provides a robust feature set of project planning, scheduling and tracking tools, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and real-time dashboards and reports. With these tools, teams across industries can manage continuous improvement, build detailed schedules, assign resources and monitor progress, costs and timelines.

ProjectManager also delivers AI-powered project insights to support better decision-making and connects with over 100 tools like Microsoft Project, Acumatica and Jira. With its open API and wide range of integrations, organizations can seamlessly link ProjectManager to their existing systems.

Watch the video below to learn more!

If you need a tool to help you manage projects, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software helps teams across industries plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today!

The post Kaizen Board: Quick Guide with Example & Free Template appeared first on ProjectManager.

1. Project Management Institute (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI) is a professional education and certification organization dedicated to advancing the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops project management standards, credentials and learning programs used by professionals worldwide. Its certifications are recognized across industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to healthcare, government and information technology.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Project Management Professional (PMP): PMI’s flagship credential validates a professional’s ability to lead projects, manage teams, oversee budgets and deliver business outcomes across a wide range of industries and project environments.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Designed for students, recent graduates and aspiring project managers, this certification provides foundational knowledge of project management processes, terminology and best practices used in professional settings.
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): This credential focuses on agile project delivery approaches and validates experience with frameworks such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean and hybrid project management methodologies.
• Program Management Professional (PgMP): Intended for senior practitioners, this advanced certification demonstrates the ability to coordinate multiple related projects and align programs with strategic organizational objectives.
• Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP): PMI’s portfolio management credential is designed for executives and senior leaders responsible for selecting, prioritizing and governing project investments across an organization.

Among all the institutions featured on this list of the best project management schools, PMI occupies a category of its own. Rather than offering traditional degrees, it establishes many of the standards universities teach. For working professionals, PMP certification remains one of the most respected credentials in the field and is often viewed as the global benchmark for project management competence.

Once you’ve completed your project management training, you’ll need a tool that allows you to plan, schedule and track projects. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that gives businesses across industries the tools they need to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and within scope. It allows project managers to make detailed project schedules, estimate costs, allocate resources, set budgets, track progress and compare planned versus actual project outcomes using real-time dashboards and reports to identify delays or cost overruns quickly. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

2. George Washington University

George Washington University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education across a wide range of disciplines. Established in 1821 and located in Washington, D.C., the university is recognized for its strong business, engineering and public policy programs. It is also home to one of the most established project management programs in the United States.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Project Management: This flagship graduate degree combines project planning, scheduling, risk management and leadership courses with practical applications designed for complex business and technical projects.
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management: Created for working professionals, this certificate program develops project management skills through focused coursework that can later be applied toward a master’s degree.
• Project Management Graduate Courses: Students can take specialized courses covering project controls, scheduling, portfolio management and leadership topics commonly required in senior project management roles.
• Business and Technology Project Management Curriculum: Coursework integrates project management practices with organizational strategy, business operations and technology-driven project environments.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Students gain exposure to experienced faculty, practitioners and project management leaders through industry-focused learning experiences.

Few universities have influenced project management education as much as George Washington University. Its program has been around long enough to earn genuine industry recognition rather than relying on marketing alone. For professionals seeking a respected academic credential with strong ties to modern project management practices, this school consistently ranks among the strongest choices available.

3. University of Southern California

University of Southern California is a private research university that provides undergraduate, graduate and professional education across business, engineering, healthcare and technology disciplines. Established in 1880 in Los Angeles, California, USC is one of the oldest private research universities in the western United States. The university is known for combining academic rigor with strong industry connections and applied learning opportunities.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Project Management: This graduate degree develops advanced skills in project planning, scheduling, risk analysis, cost management and leadership for complex projects across multiple industries.
• Construction Management Programs: USC incorporates project planning, scheduling, project controls and contract administration concepts into construction-focused educational pathways.
• Engineering Management Coursework: Students learn how project management practices support product development, systems engineering and technology initiatives in highly technical environments.
• Leadership and Organizational Management Studies: Supporting coursework helps students develop the communication, leadership and decision-making skills needed to manage project teams.
• Executive Education Opportunities: Professional learning programs provide experienced managers with additional training in leadership, strategy and organizational performance.

USC stands out because it combines a respected academic reputation with direct access to industries that run large, high-value projects. Its proximity to major technology, construction, aerospace and entertainment organizations creates practical learning opportunities that many universities cannot match. For ambitious professionals, USC carries considerable prestige and strong networking value.

4. New York University

New York University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education in business, engineering, healthcare, arts and technology. Established in 1831 in New York City, NYU has grown into one of the largest private universities in the United States. Its project management programs emphasize practical business applications, leadership and technology-driven project delivery.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Project Management: This graduate program teaches project planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management and organizational leadership through coursework aligned with modern business and technical environments.
• Project Management Curriculum Aligned With Industry Standards: Students study project management frameworks, governance models and leadership practices commonly used in complex organizational projects.
• Construction and Infrastructure Project Management Studies: Specialized coursework explores project delivery methods, cost estimating, scheduling and management challenges in construction projects.
• Technology and Management Electives: Supporting courses allow students to develop skills in data analytics, organizational management and technology strategy that complement project management responsibilities.
• Professional Learning Opportunities: Students benefit from exposure to New York City’s diverse industries, including finance, technology, healthcare and consulting.

What makes NYU attractive is its location at the center of one of the world’s largest business hubs. Students benefit from exposure to finance, technology, consulting, healthcare and construction organizations that constantly manage large projects. From a project management perspective, the combination of brand recognition, networking opportunities and practical business focus is difficult to ignore.

5. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education across business, engineering, technology and healthcare disciplines. Established in 1898 in Boston, Massachusetts, the university is known for integrating academic study with real-world professional experience. Its project management programs emphasize applied learning, industry engagement and career-focused skill development.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Project Management: This graduate degree combines project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and leadership coursework with practical applications designed for complex organizational projects.
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management: Working professionals can build specialized project management skills through focused coursework that may also serve as a pathway toward a master’s degree.
• Project Management Concentrations: Students can tailor their studies toward areas such as construction, leadership, agile project management and organizational strategy depending on career goals.
• Online Project Management Programs: Flexible online learning options allow professionals to develop project management expertise while balancing full-time employment and personal responsibilities.
• Experiential Learning Opportunities: Northeastern incorporates applied projects and industry engagement activities that expose students to real project environments and decision-making challenges.

Northeastern earns high marks because it focuses heavily on applying project management concepts rather than teaching them in isolation. Employers often value graduates who can demonstrate practical experience alongside academic credentials. For professionals seeking a career-oriented education with strong industry relevance, Northeastern is one of the more compelling options available.

6. Boston University

Boston University is a private research university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education across business, engineering, healthcare, law and technology disciplines. Established in 1839 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the university is recognized for its strong academic programs and global reach. Its project management offerings are designed primarily for working professionals seeking practical leadership and project delivery skills.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Project Management: This graduate degree develops expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and organizational leadership through a curriculum aligned with modern project management practices.
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management: Professionals can build foundational and intermediate project management skills through focused coursework covering project execution, stakeholder management and project controls.
• Project Management Concentration Options: Students may tailor their studies toward specific industries and organizational environments where project management plays a critical operational role.
• Online Project Management Programs: Flexible online learning formats allow working professionals to advance their education without interrupting full-time employment responsibilities.
• Project Management Courses Aligned With Industry Standards: Coursework incorporates widely accepted project management frameworks, methodologies and leadership practices used across multiple sectors.

Boston University appeals to professionals who want a respected university name without sacrificing flexibility. Its project management programs are well-established, widely recognized and designed with working adults in mind. While it may not carry the same project management reputation as PMI, it remains a strong academic option that balances credibility, accessibility and practical career value.

7. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is the online learning division of Pennsylvania State University, a public research university founded in 1855. Established in 1998, World Campus delivers Penn State degree and certificate programs to students around the world through a fully online format. Its project management programs are designed to provide working professionals with flexible access to a respected university education.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Project Management: This graduate degree develops advanced skills in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and leadership while emphasizing practical application in organizational settings.
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management: Professionals can strengthen their project management knowledge through focused coursework covering project execution, stakeholder engagement and project governance practices.
• Enterprise Architecture and Project Management Integration: Students learn how project management supports organizational strategy, business transformation initiatives and technology-driven projects.
• Online Project Management Curriculum: Coursework is delivered entirely online, allowing students to balance professional responsibilities while developing project management expertise.
• Project Leadership and Strategic Management Studies: The program explores leadership, communication and decision-making skills required to manage projects in complex organizational environments.

Penn State World Campus excels at serving working professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing academic credibility. The Penn State name carries strong recognition across industries, and the online format is mature rather than an afterthought. For students seeking a respected project management education that fits around a career, this is one of the strongest online options available.

8. Georgetown University

Georgetown University is a private research university that provides undergraduate, graduate and professional education in business, public policy, international affairs, healthcare and technology. Established in 1789 in Washington, D.C., it is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States. Georgetown is recognized for combining academic excellence with leadership development and professional education.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Professional Studies in Project Management: This graduate degree develops expertise in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and stakeholder engagement for complex organizational projects.
• Project Management Graduate Curriculum: Students study project management methodologies, governance frameworks, leadership principles and performance measurement techniques used across industries.
• Agile and Traditional Project Management Coursework: The program explores predictive, agile and hybrid project delivery approaches commonly used in modern business environments.
• Strategic Leadership and Communication Studies: Coursework emphasizes executive communication, team leadership and organizational decision-making skills that support successful project outcomes.
• Flexible Learning Options for Working Professionals: Program formats are designed to help professionals advance their education while maintaining career and personal commitments.

Georgetown’s biggest advantage is its ability to blend project management education with leadership, strategy and organizational influence. The university’s reputation carries weight, particularly among professionals working in government, consulting, healthcare and large enterprises. If you’re looking for a project management degree that emphasizes leadership as much as execution, Georgetown is a very strong contender.

9. University of Houston

University of Houston is a public research university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education across business, engineering, healthcare, technology and science disciplines. Established in 1927 in Houston, Texas, the university has grown into one of the largest public universities in the state. Its project management programs are particularly known for their connection to technology, engineering and energy-related industries.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Technology Project Management: This graduate degree prepares students to plan, execute and oversee technology-driven projects while developing expertise in scheduling, budgeting, risk management and leadership.
• Technology Project Management Curriculum: Students learn project planning methodologies, project controls, stakeholder management and decision-making techniques used in complex technical environments.
• Information Systems and Project Leadership Coursework: The program combines project management concepts with technology management principles that support digital transformation and organizational change initiatives.
• Industry-Focused Project Management Studies: Coursework reflects the challenges of managing projects in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, engineering and information technology.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Students gain exposure to real-world project management practices through applied learning experiences and interaction with industry professionals.

The University of Houston shines as a project management school when viewed through a practical industry lens. Houston is a global hub for energy, engineering and large capital projects, which naturally influences the program’s focus. If your goal is managing technology, infrastructure or industrial projects rather than pursuing a purely academic path, this school deserves serious consideration.

10. University of Texas at Dallas

University of Texas at Dallas is a public research university that offers undergraduate, graduate and professional education in business, engineering, science, technology and management disciplines. Established in 1969 in Richardson, Texas, the university has developed a strong reputation for technology-focused education and research. Its project management programs emphasize practical business applications, leadership and project execution in technical environments.

Key Project Management Education Programs

• Master of Science in Management Science with Project Management Concentration: This graduate program combines project planning, scheduling, budgeting and decision-making techniques with quantitative business and management principles.
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management: Professionals can develop project management expertise through focused coursework covering project execution, stakeholder management, risk analysis and organizational leadership.
• Project Management Concentration Coursework: Students study project management methodologies, project controls and resource planning techniques used in complex business and technology projects.
• Technology and Operations Management Studies: Supporting coursework helps students understand how project management supports product development, process improvement and organizational performance.
• Professional and Executive Education Opportunities: Continuing education programs provide working professionals with additional project management training and career development resources.

UT Dallas stands out in this list of project management schools because of its strong connection to technology, engineering and corporate business environments. The Dallas-Fort Worth region is home to major employers that regularly hire project managers, creating valuable networking and career opportunities. From a practical perspective, this is a solid choice for professionals pursuing project management careers in technical industries.

ProjectManager Is a Robust Project Management Software

ProjectManager is an online project management software that provides a robust feature set of project planning, scheduling and tracking tools, including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and real-time dashboards and reports. With these tools, teams across industries can build detailed schedules, assign resources and monitor progress, costs and timelines.

ProjectManager also delivers AI-powered project insights to support better decision-making and connects with over 100 tools like Microsoft Project, Acumatica and Jira. With its open API and wide range of integrations, organizations can seamlessly link ProjectManager to their existing systems.

Watch the video below to learn more!

If you need a tool to help you manage projects, then sign up for our software now at ProjectManager. Our online software helps teams across industries plan, track and oversee projects as they unfold. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today!

The post Best 10 Project Management Schools in the United States appeared first on ProjectManager.

Using Excel as a Project Progress Tracker

Excel spreadsheets have long been a popular method for maintaining a project progress tracker. They allow users to list tasks, assign responsibilities, set deadlines and update progress manually. Conditional formatting, formulas and charts provide visual cues for project status. Excel is flexible and accessible, but requires manual updating, which can increase the risk of errors. While simple for small projects, it becomes cumbersome for larger initiatives, making dedicated project progress tracker tools more efficient.

Best Free Project Progress Tracker Templates & Spreadsheets

There are many free project progress tracker templates and spreadsheets available for managers seeking a quick start. Templates often include built-in formulas, Gantt chart visuals and pre-formatted tables for task tracking. They allow users to monitor task completion, resource allocation and deadlines at a glance. These free spreadsheets are ideal for small teams or individual projects but may lack automation, real-time updates and collaboration features that larger organizations require for effective project tracking.

1. Project Progress Tracker Template

This project progress tracker template provides a clear layout for tracking tasks, deadlines and completion status. Each task can be assigned to team members with start and end dates, priority levels and percentage completed.

Conditional formatting highlights overdue tasks or milestones that require attention, while summary charts give managers a visual overview of overall progress. This template is ideal for single projects, helping teams stay organized and accountable while ensuring every deliverable is completed on time.

However, templates have their limitations. To avoid those pitfalls, use ProjectManager, award-winning project and portfolio management software with real-time dashboards that collect live data and display it on easy-to-read graphs and charts. Even better, with AI-powered analytics and recommendations, users can get instant summaries and expert advice. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

2. To-Do List Progress Tracker Template

The to-do list progress tracker template simplifies task management by focusing on individual assignments. Team members can check off completed items, update progress percentages and note any blockers.

This template is particularly useful for small teams or personal projects, providing a quick and easy way to monitor daily or weekly tasks. Managers can see which tasks are behind schedule at a glance, ensuring work is prioritized effectively and the project stays on track.

3. Multiple Project Progress Tracker Template

The multiple project progress tracker template is designed for organizations managing several projects simultaneously. It allows managers to view tasks, milestones and deadlines across multiple initiatives in one consolidated spreadsheet.

Each project can have its own tab, while summary dashboards provide overall progress insights. This template supports resource allocation, identifies potential bottlenecks and enables better decision-making, making it ideal for teams handling complex workloads and needing a comprehensive view of progress across all projects.

4. Action Plan Progress Tracker Template

The action plan progress tracker template helps teams break down strategic objectives into actionable steps. Each action item is assigned to a team member with start and end dates, priority and completion status.

Conditional formatting highlights overdue or delayed tasks, while summary charts provide a visual overview of overall progress. This template ensures accountability, keeps teams focused on key objectives and allows managers to monitor execution against the plan efficiently, making it ideal for structured project management and strategic initiatives.

5. Task Progress Tracker Template

The task progress tracker template is designed to monitor individual tasks within a project. It includes columns for task name, owner, start and end dates, priority, status and percentage complete.

Visual cues such as color coding or progress bars quickly highlight completed or delayed tasks. This template is suitable for both small and medium projects, providing an easy way to track workload, identify potential bottlenecks and ensure tasks are completed on schedule, keeping the project aligned with its objectives.

Related: Best Task Management Software: Free & Paid Options (2025)

6. Timeline Progress Tracker Template

The timeline progress tracker template provides a visual Gantt-style layout of project tasks along a timeline. Each task is represented with start and end dates, dependencies and progress percentage.

This allows managers to see overlaps, critical paths and project milestones at a glance. Ideal for projects with multiple phases, the timeline template ensures that deadlines are visible, resources are managed effectively and teams remain on track. It simplifies complex schedules and helps prevent delays by highlighting potential conflicts early.

7. Project Dashboard Tracker Template

The project dashboard tracker template consolidates project data into one visual report for quick analysis. It displays task progress, resource allocation, budget status and timeline metrics using charts and graphs.

Managers can instantly identify delays or risks and make informed decisions. This project progress tracker is ideal for teams managing multiple deliverables since it provides a high-level overview without digging through spreadsheets. It helps improve communication, supports executive reporting and keeps every stakeholder aligned on performance and project health.

8. Budget Tracker Template

The budget tracker template helps monitor project expenses, compare actual costs against forecasts and manage financial performance throughout the project lifecycle. Each line item lists planned and actual costs, remaining budget and variance.

Charts or conditional formatting highlight overspending and help maintain cost control. As part of a project progress tracker system, it ensures teams stay financially accountable and enables project managers to make data-driven adjustments before cost overruns occur, promoting better transparency and long-term financial planning.

Related: 13 Budget Templates for Business & Project Budgeting

9. KPI Tracker Dashboard Template

The KPI tracker dashboard template allows project managers to measure performance against key success indicators such as cost variance, schedule adherence, resource utilization and milestone completion.

Data is displayed in charts, gauges and summary cards to provide a real-time view of progress. This project progress tracker simplifies complex reporting by centralizing metrics in one place, ensuring stakeholders can quickly assess performance. It supports continuous improvement by revealing trends, identifying inefficiencies and driving actionable insights for better decision-making.

10. Project Status Tracker Template

The project status tracker template provides a structured way to summarize overall project performance across schedule, budget and deliverables. It highlights progress through color-coded indicators such as “on track,” “at risk” or “delayed.”

This project progress tracker helps project managers report status updates clearly to stakeholders while maintaining visibility across multiple phases. By using this template, teams can align on project priorities, ensure accountability and quickly address areas needing attention before they escalate into larger issues that affect timelines or budgets.

11. Project Risk Tracker Spreadsheet

The project risk tracker spreadsheet helps identify, assess and monitor potential risks that could impact project success. It includes fields for risk descriptions, probability, impact level, mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

Using this as part of a broader project progress tracker allows teams to manage uncertainty proactively and maintain control over project outcomes. Project managers can track evolving risks, assign ownership and regularly update statuses to ensure preventive actions are taken before risks turn into costly delays or disruptions.

12. Project Change Tracker Spreadsheet

The project change tracker spreadsheet records and evaluates all approved or pending changes to project scope, schedule or budget. It lists change requests, justifications, impacts and approval statuses in one organized view.

Incorporating this into a project progress tracker ensures transparency and helps manage scope creep effectively. Teams can document decision history, evaluate trade-offs and maintain alignment with stakeholders when adjustments are needed. This structured approach improves governance and prevents miscommunication across departments and project teams.

13. Milestone Chart Template

Executives and stakeholders often care more about major achievements than individual tasks. That’s where this milestone chart template for Excel comes in. Instead of displaying every activity in a project schedule, it highlights the most important dates and deliverables on a visual timeline.

Project managers use it to communicate progress quickly and identify whether key targets are being met. The template combines milestone names, target dates, priorities and completion status into a format that simplifies schedule reporting and decision-making.

14. Issue Tracking Template

Every project encounters unexpected problems, but unresolved issues can quickly affect budgets, schedules and deliverables. This issue tracking template provides a structured process for documenting, prioritizing and resolving those challenges before they escalate.

It is commonly used by project teams, IT departments and operations managers who need visibility into open issues. Key sections capture ownership, priority levels, status updates, impacts and resolution details, creating a centralized record that supports accountability and faster problem resolution.

15. Project Update Template

Rather than pulling information from multiple reports, managers can use this project update template for Excel to create a comprehensive status report in one place. The template is designed for recurring stakeholder communications and helps summarize what happened during the reporting period, what is planned next and where attention is needed.

Information is organized into sections covering accomplishments, completed work, upcoming activities, milestones, deliverables, project health, risks and change requests, making project performance easier to evaluate.

16. Workload Analysis Template

Before assigning additional work to a team member, managers need a clear picture of available capacity. This workload analysis template makes that process easier by comparing resource availability with scheduled work hours throughout the month. Resource managers, project managers and department leaders use it to balance workloads and control labor costs.

Built-in utilization calculations help reveal overallocated and underutilized employees, while fields for hourly rates, availability and assignments provide the information needed to make informed staffing decisions.

ProjectManager Is a Better Project Progress Tracker Than Excel Templates

While Excel templates offer a static way to record project data, ProjectManager transforms tracking into a dynamic, real-time experience. This online project progress tracker connects tasks, resources and budgets across multiple projects, so updates automatically sync across dashboards and reports. Managers can import Excel data instantly, visualize dependencies and monitor performance through interactive dashboards that update in real time. Use Gantt, kanban, list, calendar and sheet views that update instantly as tasks move forward.

This flexibility lets project managers plan at a high level or zoom in on details, depending on the stage of work. Gantt charts show dependencies and critical paths, while kanban boards enable agile workflows. Calendar and list views make daily prioritization easier, ensuring no milestone is missed.

Robust Resource Planning and Cost Tracking Tools

Plan and balance workloads with ProjectManager’s built-in resource management tools. The team page provides a centralized view of every team member’s assignments and availability, while workload charts display utilization across projects to prevent burnout or bottlenecks. Managers can allocate hours, adjust schedules and rebalance workloads with a few clicks.

Cost tracking features connect directly to tasks, letting you monitor labor rates, expenses and budgets in real time. This live resource data eliminates the guesswork common in Excel-based project progress trackers and ensures financial accuracy from start to finish.

Real-time Project Management Dashboards and Reports

Track performance instantly with live dashboards that pull data directly from active projects. ProjectManager’s dashboards display metrics such as task completion rates, time logged, budget variance and workload distribution. Teams can create AI-powered reports that analyze project health, flag risks and recommend adjustments automatically.

Secure online timesheets integrate with these dashboards, providing up-to-date insight into labor costs and productivity without manual input. Compared to Excel templates, which require constant data entry and static reporting, ProjectManager delivers continuous visibility and actionable intelligence that drive better project outcomes.

Related Project Progress Tracking Content

Looking for more information on project progress tracking? You’ve come to the right place. Below are a number of links to articles on time tracking, cost tracking and other related subjects.

• Project Time Tracking: Tools, Features and Software Reviews
• Project Cost Tracking: Process, Tools and Best Practices
• Tracking Budget Variance in Project Management
• Project Expense Tracking: 6 Ways to Track Project Costs

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post 16 Free Project Progress Tracker Templates for Excel & Word appeared first on ProjectManager.