PMcrunch

I recently read a forum entry where someone was looking for advice on PM tools and PM software used across the globe for IT needs.  The person mentioned that their company had some general tools like Critical Path, PERT etc., and various models for Estimation.  The question was “What would be best software to support all these tools + models and standards like CMMI or ITIL, then support for SEI - indicator template for measurement analysis, Risk Management alerting + Alerting on Change management etc.  Also requested were opinions on using lines of code as a metric.  

First, I think that lines of code are a poor metric in most situations.    Second, I think that looking for recommendations of software for IT Project Management is far too broad of a request.  I thought this person needed to really step back and think through what the real objective is, and determine what is really required.  Only then would they be able to objectively seek and evaluate relevant tools.   There is no one size fits all. 

The question can be broken into many questions that will be a starting point for getting answers that can be translated into more detailed and helpful requirements.  Some questions I suggested are as follows:  

1. What kinds of projects do you have? 
2. How big are they?  
3. How big is your company? 
4. Is most of your work internal, or do you use outsourcing from various vendors?  If so, where are they located? 
5. What are you using now? 
6. What are the key problems you are having managing IT project?  What metrics and process improvements would make the most sense? 
7. What is your IT and PM organizational structure?  Do you have a PMO?  Is your organization project-driven or functionally driven? 
8. Do you use other related software and tools for tasks such as requirements management, testing, architecture, and related disciplines that are part of the project management lifecycle?  

These are at least some starter questions.  Note that none of them have anything to do with what software is out there for IT Project Management.  They are just questions - and probably an incomplete list at that - that I believe must be answered before even venturing to look at any software or tools at all!  

That being said, I have managed many projects, large and small, where tools such as MS Project, Excel, and other related software tools were used.  These can be used effectively in many, if not most, environments.  They can be tailored to the need, and often they fall short, but not appreciably.  Other collaborative tools - including email, instant messaging, web portals, online meetings - can be helpful and are especially effective in certain environments.   I would start by answering these questions and trying to identify needs - and requirements.  Only then should you start investigating what products are out there and what will be the most effective in your environment to bring the organization to the next level. 
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John Reiling, PMP
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