18 Best Project Management Software With Dependencies in 2025
Best Project Management with Dependencies Shortlist
Here is my shortlist of the best project management software with dependencies.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Project management software with dependencies is the easiest way to keep track of and manage dependencies on your projects. You need a tool that can help you manage complex project schedules and align tasks effectively so you can meet critical deadlines.
Here are my picks for the best project management software with dependencies. I've used my experience as a project manager to review and test each software tool so you can find the right fit for visualizing task dependencies, keeping projects on track, and avoiding bottlenecks.
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Best Project Management Software with Dependencies Summary
Compare pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side with this table to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for visualizing project timelines | 14-day free trial | From $9/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for flexible project methodologies | 14-day free trial | From $29/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats) | Website | |
| 3 | Best for enterprise project management | 30-day free trial | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for robust project planning | 30-day free trial | From $13/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for team collaboration | 14-day free trial | From $45/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for enterprise work management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for streamlined business workflows | Free plan available | From $11.20/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for dynamic project management | 14-day free trial | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for large-scale project planning | Not available | From $45/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for software development teams | 7-day free trial + free plan available | From $7.16/user/month (billed annually, min 5 seats) | Website |
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monday.com
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
CRM Creatio
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Wrike
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Best Project Management Software with Dependencies Reviews
Here are my overviews of the best project management software designed for managing task dependencies. I cover each tool’s best use case, features, and pros and cons.
Productive is an all-in-one agency management system tailored for professional services like software development teams, marketing agencies, and design studios. You can use it for resource planning, project management, and financial management to improve project efficiency and profitability.
Why I Picked Productive: Productive's Gantt chart can help you identify and monitor dependencies and improve your team's workflow. It gives you a visual look at project timelines and how tasks link together. You can see how everything connects, which helps you plan and tweak schedules as needed. Productive's resource planning feature also helps you manage your team's workload by showing who's available and when, so you can make sure the right people are assigned to each task.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include unlimited dependencies and the ability to set dependencies at the subtask level. You can also assign types to each dependency to better manage and control their potential impact on your project.
Integrations include Jira, HubSpot, Xero, Google Calendar, Sage, Outlook, Slack, BugHerd, HiBob, Personio, BambooHR, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Workload and capacity planning features
- Good visual task management
- Combines resourcing, projects, and financials
Cons:
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
- May not be ideal for those strictly looking for project management functions
Ravetree is a work management platform that brings together project management, resource planning, time and expense tracking, and CRM capabilities into one system.
Why I Picked Ravetree: The timeline view allows you to visualize dependencies and your entire project using Gantt charts, which makes it easier to see how tasks relate to each other and identify potential bottlenecks. Additionally, Ravetree supports both traditional and agile project management methodologies, including epics, user stories, Kanban boards, and sprint planning. This flexibility means your team can choose the approach that best fits your workflow and manage dependencies appropriately within your chosen framework.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include a timeline view and the ability to assign types to dependencies. You can create milestones and set which tasks need to be completed to achieve them, as well as forecast budget and resource needs to avoid bottlenecks.
Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Stripe, Exchange, Facebook, Instagram, and GitHub.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Efficient management of client relationships
- Supports both traditional and Agile methodologies
- Consolidates multiple work functions
Cons:
- Could offer more integrations
- Extensive features may come with a learning curve
Microsoft Project is a comprehensive project management solution designed for enterprises. It excels in handling complex projects and aligning them with company-wide strategic goals, making it best for enterprise project management.
Why I Picked Microsoft Project: I chose Microsoft Project for this list because of its task dependency management capabilities. You can link dependent tasks within your Gantt chart, as well as within calendars, network diagrams, and other views. The tool also lets you insert additional dependencies between already linked tasks, which means it's adaptable to sudden changes to your project plan. Microsoft Project can autolink tasks for you, or you can add tasks and set up dependencies between them manually.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include the ability to set up a master project, which allows you to link tasks to the completion of a particular project (instead of an individual task). You can also set dependencies types, which lets you more easily keep track of them.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Power BI, SharePoint, Dynamics 365, Azure DevOps, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Automate, Microsoft Power Apps, and Outlook.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced reporting and business intelligence capabilities
- Integration with other Microsoft services and products
- Comprehensive resource and portfolio management features
Cons:
- Primarily designed for larger enterprises, which may not be suitable for smaller teams
- Can be complex to learn for new users
ProjectManager.com is a comprehensive project management tool designed to help teams plan, track, and collaborate online. It stands out for robust project planning and dependency management due to its wide array of features that cater to detailed project needs and its ability to scale with the complexity of projects.
Why I Picked ProjectManager.com: I chose ProjectManager.com for its extensive set of dependency management features that are essential for handling complex projects with numerous variables. The tool offers reporting capabilities that provide insights into milestone progress and where dependencies or bottlenecks are slowing the project down. You can use drag-and-drop to make changes to dependencies and your project schedule, and any dependencies further along in the project will automatically update accordingly.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include Gantt charts for setting milestones and tracking progress, as well as features for defining and monitoring the critical path and any dependencies along it. The tool can also automatically define the critical path for you.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zapier, Salesforce, Slack, and Jira.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides different plans to cater to the needs of small, medium, and large teams.
- Integrates with over 1,000 apps, enhancing its functionality and flexibility
- Offers a wide range of project management features suitable for various industries
Cons:
- The transition from the free trial to a paid plan may require manual intervention to avoid being downgraded
- The pricing can be a bit steep for small teams or startups
ProofHub is a project management software designed to help teams collaborate and manage tasks, dependencies, and projects efficiently. It centralizes all important information so you can plan, execute, track, and manage projects from start to finish in one place.
Why I Picked ProofHub: I chose ProofHub because it offers a comprehensive suite of features for managing task dependencies, the project schedule, and milestones. You can set and link dependencies directly from the Gantt chart view, as well as monitor dependencies and how they are impacted by changes to the schedule. Dependencies can be classified as predecessors or successors, and the tool can also automatically adjust downstream dependencies when you make changes to the project schedule.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include task completion notifications for team members that are assigned to dependent and successor tasks, as well as drag-and-drop creation of dependencies.
Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with popular third-party tools
- Comprehensive set of project management and collaboration features
- Unlimited users with flat-rate pricing
Cons:
- Access to advanced features may be expensive for small businesses
- Limited storage space on the Essential plan
Adobe Workfront is a management software that lets you establish and monitor task dependencies within and across projects, using a variety of dependency types to make sure tasks are executed in a specific sequence and to improve project planning and execution.
Why I Picked Workfront: I selected Workfront for its capabilities in managing the complexities of dependencies in enterprise-level projects. You can set types for each dependency, including finish-start, finish-finish, and start-start, as well as lag—the specific amount of time that must pass between the dependent tasks. The tool also lets you set dependencies across different projects when you have a portfolio of interrelated projects, as well as manage your project timeline in conjunction with any dependencies contained within it.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include the automatic prevention of task dependency loops and the ability to enforce dependencies so that the team cannot start on dependent tasks until any and all predecessors are completed.
Integrations include Adobe Creative Cloud, Jira, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Google Workspace, Box, Dropbox and Oracle.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strategic alignment with organizational goals
- Real-time updates on project progress
- Centralized dashboard for project management
Cons:
- May be complex to implement for smaller organizations
- Lacks pricing transparency
Podio is a versatile project management platform designed to improve your business workflows. It is best for creating a highly customizable work environment that adapts to your team's specific needs and processes.
Why I Picked Podio: I chose Podio for this list because of its exceptional flexibility and customization options. You can use it to create your own apps via a simple drag-and-drop interface. The tool lets you tailor it to your specific workflows, so you can manage dependencies in a way that best fits your existing ways of working, instead of forcing you into a specific set of features.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include reporting options for tracking milestone progress and project budget usage, as well as automations that can help improve your workflows and reduce manual processes.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, ShareFile, Box, HighTail, OneDrive, Zendesk, Campaign Monitor, Evernote, and FreshBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers automated workflows and advanced reporting options
- Integrates with major file sharing services and other platforms
- Highly customizable with drag-and-drop app creation
Cons:
- The free plan is limited to five employees and 100 items per organization
- May have a learning curve due to its high level of customization
Portfolio Manager (formerly LiquidPlanner) is a management and scheduling software that can adjust project timelines and resources in real time as conditions change. It supports task dependencies and helps you effectively align and schedule tasks according to project priorities. This helps manage project uncertainties, keep teams adaptable to changes, and optimize your workflows and project delivery.
Why I Picked Portfolio Manager: I chose Portfolio Manager for the list because of its features for project visibility, workload forecasting, and prioritization, all of which can help you manage dependencies on your projects. With a clear view of milestones, progress, and what the team's priorities are, you can effectively reduce bottlenecks and dependencies that occur because team members are waiting on each other to deliver work.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include a predictive scheduling engine, which can run simulations across projects to generate accurate forecasts. It also offers balanced workload visibility, ranged estimation, and integrated time tracking.
Integrations include Slack, Jira, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, OneDrive, Trello, Tableau, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Confluence, GitHub, QuickBooks, and Expensify.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in learning academy and support resources
- Range of features for portfolio and project management
- Predictive scheduling for dynamic project management
Cons:
- Complex task importing process
- Free plan has limitations on the number of users and projects
Clarizen is a comprehensive project management solution. It excels in large-scale project planning due to its robust project planning tools, real-time reporting, and intuitive resource management functionalities.
Why I Picked Clarizen: I chose Clarizen for this list due to its ability to handle complex, large-scale projects with ease. Its project portfolio management and social collaboration features make it different from other project management software. Clarizen provides full visibility into project progress and resource utilization, ensuring effective communication and accurate data capturing.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include project portfolio management, configurable workflow automation, project planning, document management, resource management, and social collaboration.
Integrations include Salesforce, Box, Jira, Intacct, QuickBooks, SharePoint, Google Drive, Excel, Slack, and Microsoft Project.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Configurable workflow automation
- Real-time visibility into project progress
- Comprehensive project management capabilities
Cons:
- Additional costs for implementation or customization may apply
- May require a longer commitment (36-month subscription)
Jira is an agile project management tool that supports software development teams via comprehensive agile features, dependency management, and developer tool integrations.
Why I Picked Jira: I chose Jira for this list because it offers a robust set of features, including dependency management, which are tailored for agile software development. The tool allows you to create dependency maps, which help identify dependencies and potential points of failure in your project. You can also make use of custom fields, color-coding, and issue linking to increase visibility around dependencies and control them so they don't derail your projects.
Standout features and integrations:
Features include capabilities for creating subtasks for complex projects and tasks, prioritizing tasks with critical dependencies, and maintaining clarity and visibility on dependencies with Jira boards.
Integrations include Confluence, Bitbucket, GitHub, Slack, Trello, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Jenkins.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integration options with other tools
- Customizable workflows and automation capabilities
- Comprehensive agile project management features
Cons:
- May have a steeper learning curve for teams not used to Agile methodologies
- Can be complex for new users to navigate
Other Project Management Software with Dependencies
Here’s a list of additional project management software with dependencies that didn’t make my shortlist, but which are worth a look.
- Teamwork Projects
For client work management
- Accelo
For automating end-to-end workflows
- Wrike
For growing teams
- ReptonPOD
For intricate workflows
- Zoho Projects
For integration with Zoho suite
- Smartsheet
For spreadsheet-like interface
- Kantata
For resource management
- Paymo
For small business management
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Project Management Software with Dependencies Selection Criteria
When selecting the best project management software with dependencies to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like making sure task dependencies are clearly visualized to prevent bottlenecks and avoiding scheduling conflicts that can derail project timelines. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Support task dependencies such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, and start-to-finish
- Offer Gantt charts or timeline views for dependency visualization
- Automatic rescheduling when dependent tasks shift
- Provide critical path analysis to identify key project bottlenecks
- Allow cross-team collaboration on dependent tasks
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-powered project scheduling and risk prediction
- Custom automation for handling task dependencies
- Multi-project dependency tracking across portfolios
- Resource management tied to dependency constraints
- Interactive dependency mapping with drag-and-drop functionality
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I looked for the following from each tool:
- Intuitive interface for setting and modifying dependencies
- Minimal learning curve for non-technical users
- Fast-loading charts and dashboards with real-time updates
- Clear visual indicators for task conflicts and delays
- Mobile-friendly access to dependencies and schedules
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered availability of the following for each tool:
- Step-by-step tutorials for dependency management
- Interactive product tours guiding new users through key features
- Pre-built templates for dependency-driven project planning
- Dedicated onboarding support or concierge setup services
- Access to webinars and live training sessions
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered whether each tool offered the following:
- 24/7 live chat or phone support
- Comprehensive knowledge base with dependency-related FAQs
- Community forums or peer support networks
- Dedicated account managers for enterprise users
- Response time and resolution effectiveness for support tickets
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered whether the following was offered by each tool:
- Pricing plans that scale based on team size and feature needs
- Free trial or freemium version
- Transparent pricing without hidden fees or required add-ons
- Strong cost-benefit ratio compared to similar tools in the market
- Discounted rates for long-term commitments or annual billing
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered whether the following was included in customer reviews:
- Feedback on the ease of setting and managing dependencies
- Reports of software bugs or limitations in dependency handling
- Positive experiences with customer support responsiveness
- Overall user satisfaction with project tracking and execution
- Comments on integration capabilities with other project tools
How to Choose Project Management Software With Dependencies
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Make sure the software can handle your team’s growth. Look for tools that support unlimited projects, increasing users, and advanced dependency tracking as your needs evolve. |
| Integrations | The software should connect with tools you already use, like Slack, Jira, Trello, or Google Drive. Native integrations and API access make workflows smoother. |
| Customizability | Every team works differently. Choose a tool that lets you adjust workflows, task dependencies, and project views to match your processes. |
| Ease of Use | A clean, intuitive interface reduces onboarding time and user frustration. Look for drag-and-drop dependency management and visual task tracking. |
| Budget | Consider total costs, including per-user pricing, feature limitations on lower-tier plans, and potential add-ons. A free trial or freemium version helps you test before committing. |
| Security Safeguards | Make sure you can protect sensitive project data with encryption, role-based access, and compliance with standards like GDPR or SOC 2. Verify how user permissions control who can modify dependencies. |
| Automation | Smart automation can save you time by automatically adjusting dependent tasks when timelines shift. Look for features like rule-based triggers and AI-powered scheduling. |
| Collaboration Features | Your team needs smooth communication. Look for built-in chat, real-time updates, and notifications that keep everyone aligned on shifting dependencies. |
Trends in Project Management Software with Dependencies
Project management software is evolving. Here are the latest trends shaping its future.
- Integration with AI and machine learning: Project management tools are increasingly making use of artificial intelligence. This allows for predictive analytics and smarter resource allocation, and it can significantly improve project outcomes and efficiency.
- More collaboration features: Real-time collaboration capabilities facilitate instant communication and updates, which are crucial for remote and distributed teams. This trend supports dynamic work environments and can lead to better decision-making.
- Increased use of automation: Automation within project management software is on the rise. It streamlines repetitive tasks and helps maintain project schedules, and frees up your time so you can focus on more strategic activities.
- Growing emphasis on customization and flexibility: There is a growing trend towards customizable project management solutions, which allow you to tailor the software to your specific needs. This trend helps accommodate unique project requirements and workflows.
- Expansion of mobile project management: More project management tools are offering mobile access. This lets you and your teams stay connected to your projects from anywhere, and supports the increasing mobility of the workforce.
What is Project Management Software with Dependencies?
Project management software with dependencies is a specialized tool designed to manage and track interrelated tasks within a project. It's used by project managers, team leaders, and other professionals involved in planning and executing complex projects. You can use it to identify and monitor task relationships and make sure sequential tasks are completed in the correct order.
Components of this software include task management features that let you create and track tasks, along with the dependencies that link them. It also includes scheduling capabilities so you can make sure dependent tasks are planned in a way that respects their sequence and interconnections.
Features of Project Management Software with Dependencies
Here are the top features to look for in project management software with dependencies:
- Gantt charts: Visualize project timelines. Gantt charts are indispensable for mapping out the sequence of tasks and understanding their interdependencies within the timeline.
- Dependency tracking: Monitor task relationships. This feature allows you to keep an eye on how tasks influence one another, so you can make sure changes in one area are reflected across the project.
- Critical path analysis: Identify key tasks. By pinpointing the tasks that directly impact the project completion date, you can allocate resources more effectively and avoid potential delays.
- Automatic rescheduling: Adjust timelines dynamically. When a task is delayed, the software automatically updates dependent tasks, which helps maintain project integrity.
- Resource management: Allocate and track resources. Effective resource management ensures you have the necessary personnel and materials assigned to tasks, especially those that are interdependent.
- Task prioritization: Rank tasks by importance. This helps you focus on completing tasks that are critical to the progression of dependent activities.
- Collaboration tools: Facilitate team communication. These tools are essential for coordinating efforts when multiple tasks and dependencies are involved.
- Real-time updates: Stay informed of changes. Immediate updates allow you to react promptly to shifts in the project landscape, particularly when dealing with dependent tasks.
- Customizable views: Tailor the way information is displayed. Custom views let you focus on the dependencies that matter most to your role or to the project's success.
- Reporting and analytics: Gain insights into progress. With robust reporting, you can track how dependencies are affecting the project and make informed decisions.
Benefits of Project Management Software with Dependencies
Here are five primary benefits of implementing project management software with dependencies:
- Better collaboration: Project management software with dependencies facilitates better teamwork. By providing a centralized platform for communication and information sharing, team members can work together more effectively, regardless of their location.
- Improved scheduling: Get accurate project timelines with dependency tracking. The software lets you create detailed project schedules that account for task dependencies, so the project progresses smoothly and deadlines are met.
- Risk mitigation: Proactively identify and manage potential project risks. Dependency tracking helps you foresee bottlenecks and potential delays, so you can mitigate risks before they impact the project.
- Resource optimization: Efficiently allocate and utilize resources. With visibility into task dependencies, you can allocate resources more effectively, avoid over or underutilization, and make sure critical tasks have the necessary support.
- Real-time insights: Access to up-to-date project information and metrics. You can monitor project progress in real-time, which makes it easier to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed.
Costs and Pricing for Project Management Software with Dependencies
Below is a table summarizing the plan options and their pricing for project management software with dependencies:
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited projects and tasks, basic dependency tracking, collaboration tools, and limited storage |
| Team | $10 - $13/user/month | Unlimited tasks and subtasks; Gantt, sheet, board, list, and calendar views; additional file storage |
| Business | $20 - $24/user/month | Advanced project, portfolio, & resource management; workflow & automation; additional storage |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Enterprise-grade features, unlimited projects, API access, SSO/SAML, unlimited file storage |
FAQs About Project Management Software with Dependencies
How do dependencies affect project scheduling?
Dependencies have a significant impact on project scheduling as they dictate the sequence of tasks. If a task that others depend on is delayed, it can affect the start and finish times of subsequent tasks. This can lead to a domino effect that may push the project’s completion date further out.
Can project management software automatically adjust schedules based on dependencies?
Yes, many project management software solutions can automatically adjust schedules when changes occur in task dependencies. When a task is rescheduled, the software recalibrates the timeline for dependent tasks accordingly. This helps you maintain an up-to-date schedule without manually adjusting each task.
What is the best way to visualize dependencies in project management software?
The best way to visualize dependencies in project management software is through a Gantt chart. This visual tool displays tasks along a timeline and shows the relationship between them. It allows you to see how tasks overlap, the sequence of activities, and the critical path of the project.
How do dependencies impact resource allocation?
Dependencies directly impact resource allocation by defining the order and timing of task assignments. If a task that requires specific resources is dependent on the completion of another, those resources cannot be allocated until the preceding task is finished. This requires careful planning so resources are available when needed and not idle.
Can dependencies be changed once a project is underway?
Dependencies can be changed after a project has started, but this should be done with caution. Altering dependencies can affect the project schedule, resource allocation, and the overall project plan. Assess the implications of changing dependencies and communicate any adjustments to all stakeholders involved.
What happens if a dependency is missed in the project plan?
If a dependency is missed in the project plan, it can lead to scheduling conflicts, resource overallocation, and potential delays. It is important to identify and correct any missed dependencies as soon as possible to minimize the impact on the project timeline and budget.
How can project management software help in managing cross-project dependencies?
Project management software can be extremely helpful in managing cross-project dependencies by providing a centralized platform where all projects and their associated tasks are visible. This allows for better coordination between projects, as dependencies that span across projects can be tracked and managed effectively. The software can alert you to potential conflicts and help make sure resources are efficiently utilized across all projects.
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