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iestynx's picture
71 pencils

Project Management Software - who uses what & why?

I'm in the market for a new way to manage my Graphic Design business. I'm currently using Bento, I've set it up with the following fields project / client / priority / Price / notes / Status ( planning, in progress, Complete, invoiced, paid). It's Ok but it's not rally what I'm looking for.

I work by myself so multi-user synching is not needed. Time tracking is not essential as i rarely charge by the hour, neither is invoicing, I have my own weird system (might change if the software comes with it.

I've had a quick look at Things http://culturedcode.com/things/ & Omni Focus http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnifocus/ as they have iPhone versions but can't really tell if they can do what I need without downloading the demos, I really don't have time for messing about with demos, So I thought I'd throw it open to you lot to see what you use and if you're happy with your system

PS I also use www.goplan.org online project management for a magazine that I'm working on with 6 other people.

Ivan's picture

for personal task management i would recommend rtm. basecamp is the best so far i have seen for small budget systems. agency central is the best for large systems.

spigot's picture
179 pencils

Project Pier is an open source Basecamp clone, hosted on your own server. I've styled mine to look almost exactly like my website.

I use it to keep track of messages with clients, keep deadlines and task lists, and most importantly get client sign offs.

suruchi's picture
1 pencil

Hi,

I am using DeskAway for managing my projects & sharing them with team members & clients & collaborating with them. It is very easy & simple to use. Moreover it is SSL Enabled & gives the Twitter like features for social collaboration. The interface is very neat & organized. This is the best project management software I have ever used.

http://www.deskaway.com

godzhesas's picture
1 pencil

Another alternative to look at would be http://www.comindwork.com. It should have all the features you need, it can be integrated with any system (it already has twitter, salesforce, openid, svn, outlook and other integrations) and highly customizable.

Project Management Software - http://www.comindwork.com

spigot's picture
179 pencils

but wow, is it expensive! Looks like they took Basecamp and put it on steroids.

iestynx's picture
71 pencils

Seems that so far you all use online options. I do like GoPlan and Deskaway seems quite a good alternative too.
But what if the heavens came crashing down and all of a sudden there was no internet!! How would you deal with your projects then?
I still feel that I want to keep my projects local on my Mac, maybe a project manager that can synch with my Macbook, but that's not really that essential.

spigot's picture
179 pencils

If the internet came crashing down, the status of my project management system would be the least of my worries.

Having a web based system is paramount to me. Being able to collaborate with clients and peers is what makes the system so useful.

plugz's picture
1222 pencils

The Omni group of applications is far superior.

natobasso's picture
3991 pencils

Also Merlin for mac: http://www.projectwizards.net/en/products/merlin

and Proworkflow on the web: http://proworkflow.com/

----
Natobasso
dirtandrust.com
"Powerpoint is not a design application"

iestynx's picture
71 pencils

I've just come across Billings 3 and MacFreelance which seem more like what I need.

Anyone using these, or know of any similar apps?

http://www.billingsapp.com
http://www.macxware.com/site/products/MacFreelance/overview.html

Also found Studiometry http://www.oranged.net/studiometry/
but seems a bit much at $240!

iestynx's picture
71 pencils

Decided to go with Billings 3, it seems to fit most of my needs.

jHouse's picture
1420 pencils

This pen.


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BRANDING | PRINT | WEB
www.jhousedesign.com
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"Did I really try to find an "undo" button on a vending machine?"

Jack

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BRANDING | PRINT | WEB
www.jhousedesign.com
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3dogmama's picture
1625 pencils

Second laugh today. Thanks. Makes my striking off of projects from my list with a big fat black marker appear acceptable in today's tech-savvy world.

"Those who dance are thought mad by those who do not hear the music."

Paddle faster, I hear banjos.

jHouse's picture
1420 pencils

I LOVE my pen.

----
BRANDING | PRINT | WEB
www.jhousedesign.com
----

"Did I really try to find an "undo" button on a vending machine?"

Jack

----
BRANDING | PRINT | WEB
www.jhousedesign.com
----

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