Benefits of project management

What is project management? Developing a real project management strategy may seem difficult if you're not used to it. However, in view of the benefits it can bring you, it makes sense to choose this option rather than carrying out your project unprepared, hoping that it will run smoothly on its own. Here are just a few of the advantages of implementing a sound project management strategy in your company.

Assess whether the project is viable

It sounds obvious, but it isn't! How many entrepreneurs start out without having assessed the degree of success and feasibility of their project? If you don't have the budget, the right human resources or enough time, in many cases your project will be doomed to failure.

Better anticipation of events

Project management allows you to take a global view, as well as a longer-term one. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, you know about them in advance, so you can manage them better. With better planning, the work of your teams is better organized, and you can estimate material and human requirements. Malfunctions are corrected more quickly. If you can manage to supervise 80% of your project, you're virtually guaranteed a successful outcome. And to be able to manage your project properly, you need to be aware of any problems that may arise, such as the unavailability of certain machines or the absence of certain employees. Free or paid product management software can give you real visibility.

Reduce effort and costs

By managing your project, you can hope to reduce the time you spend on a task. When you prepare a job, you often spend less time on it than expected. It's also good for your budget, as certain tasks can be carried out in parallel. Preparing a project well is a guarantee of success.

Propose a realistic schedule

There's no point embarking on untenable deadlines and telling your customer or team that you'll finish the project before you've even started!

With a planning tool, you have a realistic estimate of delivery times and can then reach agreement between your team members and the potential customer. Everyone will be involved in the deadline proposal and will strive to meet the dates. What's more, with a project tracking tool, each participant will be able to consult the Gantt chart showing delivery dates and the critical threshold not to be exceeded.

Solve problems faster

If you know what the problems are, you can often solve them faster and more easily. Try to list possible obstacles at the start of your project, so that you're aware of what could go wrong. It's always easier to deal with a problem when you know it can happen. Manage risks before they arise, such as a shortage of materials, a budget that's too small or a staff member on leave.

Better budget management

As you develop your project, you'll need to budget and imagine the financial requirements you'll need to see it through to the end. With project management, you'll be able to consult budget changes on a regular basis, and adjust according to future income and expenditure. Estimates will be more accurate and control will be easier.

Avoid poor-quality products and services

With a project management tool, you can use a problem tracking system. Problems are recorded and indicated on the software. All parties concerned are notified, and discussions can take place to find a solution before delivery. Making changes to a product after delivery to the customer costs more than making changes before delivery. Refine your product or service before delivery, and offer your customer a higher level of quality.

Communicate quickly

Project management is a real plus in terms of exchanges between collaborators, as it helps them to share information. They have the same level of information, and can also take advantage of the collaborative project messaging offered by project management software to discuss matters live. Exchanges are quicker and clearer, and problems are solved more quickly. It's always better to communicate proactively, rather than waiting for problems to be presented to you. Ask questions, take an interest in your colleagues' work and how they feel about it.

Don't lose motivation

In the course of a tedious or lengthy project, you may experience periods of discouragement. Project management not only enables you to work collaboratively, but also to keep track of your project's progress. You won't get lost in the maze of information, and all data will be centralized for more efficient retrieval. What's more, the methodology used for your first project can be reused in a future project. You'll waste less time because the tools are already familiar to you.