How to leverage cloud-based solutions for effective project management

According to a survey by KPMG, 67% of project managers feel that their projects and programmes have become more complex in the last ten years. As a result, technologies and software have become instrumental for project managers looking to complete complex processes and simplify administrative processes.

One such technological advancement is cloud-based solutions. Using remote servers, cloud-based project management involves using online platforms and tools to plan, execute, and monitor projects that can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cloud-based solutions have revolutionised how businesses manage projects, offering a range of tools that enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and provide greater flexibility. Whether managing a small team or overseeing large-scale projects, the cloud can be an invaluable resource.

The value of cloud-based solutions

With a focus on making systems seamless, regardless of geography, cloud-based project management solutions offer:

• Real-time collaboration: Multiple team members can work on the same project documents simultaneously and update them in real-time
• Centralised data storage: All project-related documents, resources and communications are stored in a central location, accessible to authorised users
• Scalability: Cloud solutions can easily scale to meet the needs of projects of any size, from small tasks to enterprise-level initiatives
• Automation and integration: Many cloud-based tools offer automation features and can integrate with other software systems to streamline workflows

Unlike traditional project management methods, which involve a lot of back-and-forth communication, leading to delays and miscommunication, cloud-based methods provide instant updates to ensure everyone is on the same page, whether working remotely, in an office, or in a hybrid environment.

Using cloud-based solutions can also be more cost-effective than traditional project management software. Many cloud-based tools operate on a subscription model, allowing businesses to pay only for the services they need. This model eliminates the need for expensive upfront software purchases and reduces the costs of maintaining and upgrading software on local servers.

Leveraging cloud-based solutions for effective project management

Numerous cloud-based project management tools are available, each offering a range of features to suit different project needs.

Asana

Asana is a robust cloud-based project management tool that helps teams coordinate and manage their work. It’s highly flexible and allows users to organise tasks, projects, and conversations in one platform. Asana also offers Gantt charts to track project timelines and deadlines.

Asana excels in task management and team collaboration. It offers a clear overview of project progress, making it easier for project managers to monitor deadlines and dependencies. The ability to assign tasks and set priorities ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities, which helps reduce bottlenecks and improve productivity. Asana’s integration with other apps streamlines workflows, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

Trello

Trello is known for its simplicity and visual approach to project management, using a card-based Kanban board system. It’s ideal for teams looking for an intuitive and straightforward tool.

Trello’s visual format allows project managers to assess the status of tasks and projects quickly. This simplicity is its strength, particularly for smaller teams or less complex projects. The drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to update project status, and integrations with other tools enable seamless communication and document sharing. Trello’s ease of use reduces the learning curve, allowing the teams to adopt the tool quickly.

Monday.com

Monday.com is a highly customisable cloud-based platform that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of various industries. It’s designed to help teams manage everything from simple tasks to complex projects.

Monday.com stands out for its customisability, allowing project managers to build workflows that align with their team’s processes. The platform’s time tracking and workload management features are particularly useful for ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and deadlines are met.

Automation capabilities reduce manual effort, freeing up time for more strategic work. Monday.com’s dashboards provide real-time insights into project performance, helping managers make data-driven decisions.

Wrike

Wrike is a comprehensive project management solution offering advanced features for teams that manage large, complex projects. It’s designed to support both agile and traditional project management methodologies.

Wrike’s strength lies in handling complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Its real-time collaboration tools keep everyone on the same page, while its advanced reporting and analytics features provide deep insights into project performance. This allows project managers to anticipate issues before they arise and make adjustments to keep the project on track.

Jira

Jira, developed by Atlassian, is a powerful tool primarily used for agile project management, particularly in software development. It offers extensive capabilities for tracking issues, managing sprints, and facilitating continuous integration and deployment.

Its backlog management and sprint planning capabilities help agile project managers keep development cycles on schedule. The platforms advanced reporting tools provide valuable insights into project progress and team performance, enabling continuous improvement.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the flexibility of a project management tool. It’s designed to be versatile, supporting a wide range of project management needs across industries.

Smartsheet’s grid view is familiar to anyone who has used Excel, making it easy for teams to adopt. Its versatility allows it to handle anything from simple task lists to complex project schedules. The Gantt and calendar views help visualise project timelines, while automated workflows reduce the manual effort required to keep the project moving forward.

Plus, Smartsheet’s resource management features help ensure that teams are not overextended, which is crucial for meeting deadlines.

ClickUp

ClickUp is an all-in-one project management platform that aims to replace multiple tools by offering comprehensive features for task management, document collaboration, and time tracking.

ClickUp’s broad range of features allows it to serve as a central hub for project management activities. The task management features ensure everyone knows what needs to be done and when. The inclusion of docs and wikis supports knowledge sharing, which is essential for maintaining project continuity. Time-tracking features help project managers monitor productivity and ensure that projects stay within budget.

The platforms flexibility in terms of custom views allows teams to work in the way that suits them best.

Why is now the time to adopt cloud-based project tools

PWC has found a positive correlation between the use of cloud-based project solutions and high-performing projects. For teams looking to enhance project performance and success, adopting suitable cloud technologies that support automation and real-time collaboration and save project professionals time can ensure projects are run effectively.

Don’t forget certification!

PWC also found that ‘staff development programmes have the greatest impact on project performance when they are used regularly’. If you’re looking to support your project teams, ILX Group offers a range of project management training and certification options, as well as a variety of digital skills courses.

Be ready for anything with ILX.