Mission Critical: 11 Smart Steps To Tackle Your Next Big Project

• Step 7: Choose Project Management Software

  Behind every successful project is a stable and comprehensive software solution that provides the necessary framework for effective project realization. When searching for the right project management software solution for your company it should include key features.

  It should include: project templates, project tasks, budgeting and milestones, project planning phases, tracking schedules, communication modules, resource management (i.e., people, money, tools, time, needed to achieve goals), budget versus actual costs, cost and revenue calculations, invoice-based project milestones, profit & loss statement generation and management of scope changes.

  More importantly, look for project management software that offers integration with other applications. For example, VIENNA Advantage offers a project management module that can easily be integrated with ERP and CRM solutions.

• Step 8: Create the Project Schedule

  Look at each deliverable and define the series of tasks to be completed. For each task, determine the amount of time it will take, necessary resources, and who will be responsible for completion.

  Next, identify any dependencies. Do certain tasks need to be completed before others can begin? Involve your team in the planning process. The people doing the work have important insight into how tasks get done, how long they’ll take, and who’s the best person to tackle them.

• Step 9: Complete a Risk Assessment

  No project is risk-free! Carefully examine all known issues that can potentially influence your project. Consider the steps you can take to prevent or eliminate certain risks. Conduct a risk assessment and develop a risk management strategy to make sure you’re prepared.

• Step 10: Test Deliverables

  Deliverables should be tested at every critical milestone. The final product must meet project requirements. Before moving on to the next phase of a project, be sure the product is coming along as planned.

• Step 11: Evaluate Project Results

  Once a project is complete, do a “post-mortem” report – even if it is only for internal purposes. You can pinpoint what went right and what went wrong, determine what could have been done differently, and establish best practices for use in future projects.

This article has been edited and condensed.

Gligor Chavdarov is Marketing Strategist at VIENNA Advantage, a German-based software company that provides innovative and future-oriented open source solutions such as: ERP (enterprise resource planning systems); CRM (customer relationship management systems); DMS (document management systems); application development framework; POS (point of sale) and more. Connect with @viennaadvantage on Twitter.