10 Best Project Timeline Management Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 30 tools reviewed.
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With so many different project management solutions out there, figuring out which is right for you is tough. You know you want efficient planning, tracking, and coordination of project tasks, deadlines, and milestones, but need to figure out which tool is best. I've got you! In this post, I'll help make your choice easy by using my personal experience managing hundreds of projects with various teams and projects to give you my picks of the best project timeline management software.
What is project timeline management software?
Project timeline management software is a specialized tool that helps you plan, visualize, and manage the chronological sequence of tasks and milestones throughout a project. This software typically provides features to create and customize project timelines, assign tasks to team members, set dependencies, and track progress. It allows users to create Gantt charts or other visual representations of project timelines, providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the project schedule.
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Hub Planner
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
ClickUp
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
Miro
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Overview Of The 10 Best Project Timeline Software
Here’s a brief description of each project timeline software to showcase each tool’s best use case and noteworthy features.
Click Up has the most features you want in a timeline management software solution, such as flexibility, making it suitable for freelancers working in different industries. The tool is easy to use and intuitive, meaning that you will not be wasting valuable time learning the ropes. The software also has an app for every device, making it suitable for individuals or teams working on different devices at different times.
If there is one thing that makes Click Up beat the competition, it has to be the company's customer service. The company promises that someone will be available 24 hours a day, every day, even during the holidays. Added to this, when you use the tool, you get access to daily webinars and free coaching. This is why the tool is great for freelancers who often need support outside traditional business hours.
Click Up integrates with Slack, GitHub, GitLab, Webhooks, Everhour, Toggl, Harvest, Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, Outlook, Google Calendar, Figma, Vimeo, YouTube, Loom, Zoom, Bitbucket, Chrome, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Hangouts Chat, Intercom, Box, Zendesk, Front, Clokify, Timely, PomoDone, TMetric, Timeneye, Promodone, and a host of other apps.
Click Up costs from $5/user/month and offers a free forever plan for personal use.
Kantata is a robust software solution designed for professional services seeking to optimize their project management and resource allocation processes.
What sets Kantata apart as a project timeline management software is its ability to align financials with timelines. Kantata offers project planning tools that allow users to create detailed project timelines, assign resources, and set milestones. The software's financial management capabilities enable users to track expenses in real time and run projects on budget.
Additionally, Kantata includes forecasting and reporting tools that empower businesses to anticipate potential project challenges and adjust their plans accordingly. The software's real-time analytics and customizable dashboards provide a clear overview of project progress, financial status, and resource utilization.
Kantata integrates with Salesforce, QuickBooks, Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, HubSpot, Asana, Trello, Basecamp, Smartsheet, Zendesk, GitHub, Dropbox, and more.
monday.com is a popular enterprise project management tool used by companies across different industries, like Abbott, Costco, Uber, Adobe, and Hulu.
monday.com's timeline view features a visual presentation allowing users to view timelines within single or multiple boards. The tool provides a glimpse of the timeframe allocated to complete a project, providing an opportunity to plan accordingly. The software provides teams with a tool for managing tasks, to-dos, collaboration, time tracking, task automation, task tracking, task planning, and other elements related to project timeline management.
One of the main reasons monday.com is at the top of this list is that the tool brings together collaboration, project and task management, and CRM tools. Another element worth mentioning is that this software allows for a high degree of customization, and its interface is appealing. Add this to the project management app automation, and you will understand why 127,000 customers use Monday.com in more than 200 business verticals.
monday.com integrates with several leading apps like Slack, HubSpot, Airtable, Trello, Asana, Zoom, and Microsoft Project, and others. They have a full list of integrations on their webite.
monday.com costs from $6/user/month with a two-week free trial and offers a free plan with up to two seats.
Wrike is a work management platform that lets you plug into 400+ integrations and customize your workflows, dashboards, and request forms.
Wrike’s easy-to-use interface offers intuitive navigation with distinct Spaces, folders, and tasks, which you can customize however you like and collaborate in real time while sharing workflows, calendars, and more. This feature makes it easy to track different projects across teams.
Wrike offers a user-friendly experience with advanced customization capabilities. For example, you can organize, see, and manage project timelines using Kanban boards, drag-and-drop Gantt charts, and detailed dashboards. Additionally, you have access to advanced insights with a suite of analytics, resource management, and performance-reporting features.
Wrike offers native pre-built integrations with more than 400 popular platforms, including Microsoft, Google, and Dropbox, along with sales and marketing software from Salesforce and Marketo.
Wrike starts at $9.80/user/month and has a free version for up to five users. There is also a 14-day free trial for paid plans.
Scoro is an end-to-end work management software that provides tools for project timeline management, aiming to assist businesses in various industries to manage their project lifecycle efficiently. The platform gives users visibility and control over their business operations, enabling them to plan project capacity, track progress, and automate billing.
As a project timeline management software, Scoro has the unique ability to provide real-time updates and forecasting on project timelines. The platform incorporates a dynamic Gantt chart feature that not only allows for scheduling and visualizing tasks on a timeline but also updates automatically as tasks and milestones are adjusted. This feature ensures that all project stakeholders have up-to-the-minute visibility on project progress and any potential delays.
Furthermore, Scoro has integrated time tracking and reporting capabilities that directly connect to project timelines. This integration enables team members to log their time against specific tasks directly within the project timeline, providing a transparent view of actual time spent versus planned time.
Scoro integrates with Dropbox, PayPal, Expensify, Stripe, HubSpot, Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Jira, Slack, Xero, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Exchange, Zendesk, WooCommerce, Asana, and more. You can also connect to other apps through its integration with Zapier.
Best for agency timeline management with resourcing
Bonsai is a business management platform designed to consolidate various aspects of business operations, including project management, client management, and financial management. Its integrated approach and comprehensive suite of tools cater to the needs of agencies and professional services firms, making it an ideal solution for managing business workflows effectively.
As a project timeline management software, Bonsai provides the ability to create and customize project timelines, set milestones, allocate resources, and manage deadlines. It also facilitates collaboration among team members with task assignment and tracking features, integrated CRM, scheduling, and forms. Users can even view project statuses in a Kanban-style or list format to stay on top of how task progress aligns with timelines.
Furthermore, Bonsai has time tracking and resource management features. This allows users to get a comprehensive view of time planned versus time spent, capacity levels, and overall utilization rates to help improve current and future project plans and timelines.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, Slack, HubSpot, ClickUp, Trello, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Gmail, Google Calendar, Calendly, Xero, Zapier, and more.
Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management software that helps businesses and teams of all sizes manage their projects, tasks, and timelines in an efficient and organized manner. Its powerful features enable project managers to plan, track, and collaborate on projects easily, allowing them to stay on top of deadlines and deliverables.
One of Zoho Projects' essential features is its ability to create and manage project timelines. With this feature, project managers can create timelines for each project and assign tasks to team members, complete with start and end dates. This allows team members to clearly understand what needs to be done, when, and by whom. Project managers can also set dependencies between tasks, ensuring each job is completed before the next one begins. This helps to prevent delays and ensures that the project stays on track.
Zoho Projects has a mobile app that allows team members to access the platform and manage tasks on the go. This can be particularly useful for remote teams or for team members who are frequently on the move. Zoho Projects also comes with a Gantt chart view, which provides a graphical representation of the project timeline. This helps users visualize project progress and identify potential delays or issues. Moreover, this view allows project managers to easily adjust the timeline, such as shifting tasks or changing dependencies.
Team members can collaborate on tasks, share files and documents, and communicate with each other through a centralized platform. Zoho Projects comes with time tracking and billing features, allowing users to track the time spent on each task and project, which can be helpful for billing clients or internal cost tracking. The software enables companies to set hourly rates for team members, ensuring the project stays within budget.
Zoho Projects integrates with other Zoho apps, commonly used apps by Google (Google Calendar, Drive, Spreadsheets, etc.), and Microsoft (Calendar, Excel, Office 365, OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint), and other third-party apps such as Basecamp, Jira, Slack, Zendesk, and Zapier.
Zoho Projects costs from $5/user/month for tracking unlimited projects. A freemium plan with limited features, as well as a 10-day free trial, are also available.
Hub Planner is a comprehensive project timeline management software that helps project managers and teams to easily manage timelines for their projects. This software is specifically designed to help its users plan, collaborate, and maximize their resources in order to meet deadlines. With Hub Planner, users can quickly create a timeline from start to finish by assigning tasks and due dates while also allowing the team members to communicate on one platform.
One of the greatest features of Hub Planner is the resource management capabilities; users can assign tasks to specific team members based on availability or skill set needed. The platform also displays real time updates so that everyone involved in the project is always informed as things change. Furthermore, with Hub Planner's reporting tools, it's easy for project managers to get snapshot views of progress or see which sections need more attention or resources allocated.
Features include analytics, budgeting, dashboard, data visualization, expense tracking, notifications, project management, task scheduling/tracking, resource management, API, batch permissions & access, calendar management, data export, email integration, external integrations, multi-currency, scheduling, workflow management, billing/invoicing, contact management, data import, forecasting, multi-user, third-party plugins/add-ons, and time management.
Integrations are possible using their API. Or, for less technical folk, you can connect to other apps through Zapier, though this may require a separate paid plan.
Hub Planner cots from $7/resource/month (billed annually) and offers a 14-day free trial.
Miro is an online whiteboard and collaboration platform that supports various project management activities. From brainstorming to task management, teams can utilize a blank canvas or select from numerous templates for timelines, roadmaps, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, and more.
The software allows the importation and expansion of existing charts from tools like Visio or Lucid, facilitating continuity and saving time. Its infinite canvas also accommodates the unrestricted development of ideas, while its multimedia features allows for a diversity of idea expression, enriching project visualization.
Moreover, Miro’s collaboration features, including real-time voting, stickies, and comments, enable teams to adjust and refine projects on the fly. Security is also a priority, with end-to-end encryption and customizable access settings ensuring project safety.
The software integrates with other workplace tools like Figma, Slack, monday.com, Asana, Confluence, Notion, and Jira, among others. With these integrations, ideas generated in Miro can be turned into tasks and projects, or shared across teams and departments.
A free plan is available, and paid plans start from $10/user/month.
FigJam is a virtual whiteboarding tool, created by (and easily integrated with) Figma. Because it's a more freeform solution, it can be used for project timeline management but also project brainstorming, scoping, planning, and more. The software comes with tons of templates your team can use to structure their work planning and tracking activities.
Once you have a whiteboard set up, you can customize it with stickers, comments, shapes, lines, arrows, images, and more. Timeline templates are among the pre-built options to choose from, and your team can collaborate in real-time to outline your project plan. You can also use your timeline board to track your team's progress as they accomplish tasks. Plenty of support documentation is also available for FigJam, both from the company and from the community.
Something else that stands out about this tool is its integration with Figma's design platform. You can connect the assets you create in FigJam with your Figma assets, creating a direct line between your ideation and planning with your team's execution. This can be helpful for adhering to timelines and reducing jumping between disjointed systems.
Native integrations are available for Figma, Microsoft Teams, Asana, Jira, Mixpanel, and Github.
A freemium plan is available for up to 3 boards, and paid plans start from $3 per user, per month.
The 10 Best Project Timeline Software Comparison Chart
Here is a convenient table that you can use to compare all the tools we just covered. If you want to expand your research, keep scrolling!
Tools | Price | |
---|---|---|
ClickUp | From $7/user/month | Website |
Kantata | Pricing upon request | Website |
monday.com | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Wrike | From $9.80/user/month (min of 2 seats) | Website |
Scoro | From $26/user/month (min 5 seats) | Website |
Bonsai Agency Software | From $10/user/month | Website |
Zoho Projects | From $4/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Hub Planner | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Miro | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
FigJam | From $15/full seat/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareOther Options
Here are a few more that didn’t make the top list, but definitely worth looking at to expand your research.
How I Picked The Best Project Timeline Management Software
First, I researched and selected all the popular timeline management software according to user reviews and ratings. Then, I narrowed down the list by weighing factors that make software a good option for building and maintaining timelines. Finally, using my experience in project management, I came up with criteria I would use for my evaluation, such as:
User Interface (UI)
I look for a project timeline management tool that’s simple to use, clear to understand, and attractive. It should respond with speed and be consistent whether I’m using a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
Usability
I pay attention to how the software allows me to solve my challenges, such as managing task lists, setting task dependencies, using calendar views, and file sharing. To satisfy this criterion, the software needs to be intuitive and allow me to complete critical tasks adequately and efficiently while also leaving me with a good feeling about my experience.
Integrations
I look for a software tool that creates a seamless experience with different software tools that I use to accomplish other tasks like project scheduling, customer relations management (CRM), connecting with different stakeholders, checking project status, invoicing, and project templates.
That is why I research all the ways in which the tool can expand its capabilities. These include pre-built integrations, custom integrations using an API, and connections through third-party software, like Zapier.
Compatibility
I am looking for a software solution compatible with my existing systems. This implies that apart from looking at the operating system that the software can work on, I should also determine whether it supports mobile applications for iOS or Android.
Pricing
I look for the optimal combination of quality and cost. This means I look for the best outcome at the lowest price possible. However, through a cost-benefit analysis, I consider both the financial and non-financial costs, meaning that I will not always go with the cheapest available tool.
Project Timeline Management Software FAQs
What is a project timeline?
A project timeline is a visual representation of the work you need to do in a project. You can find it in the best project management software as a special view and it contains task information, and details on milestones, dependencies, and task progress.
How do you create a timeline?
Creating a timeline is usually the easy part. After you have laid out all the tasks that need to be done, you can go to the timeline view. Then, you use the drag-and-drop functionality to start building your chart. Finally, once you finish you can connect bars to signal dependencies between tasks.
If you want detailed information, you can check out our guide to building Gantt charts.
What are the key features of project timeline management software?
- Task management and scheduling. This feature ensures smooth workflows because it connects project tasks and subtasks to make it easy to collaborate. This helps in avoiding silos, repetition of tasks, and confusion. A software package with Gantt charts or Kanban boards makes dependencies and relationships clear.
- Real-time reporting. It’s much easier to deal with problems at an early stage before they escalate into insurmountable challenges. One way of keeping your fingers on the pulse of a project timeline is to know which milestones are being completed on schedule and which ones are behind. Real-time reports provide an idea of project progress at any specific moment.
- Team collaboration tools. Successful timeline management depends on effective collaboration. Therefore, I am looking for a system that allows for document management and sharing, updating statuses and timelines, making it easy to communicate with an entire team as efficiently as possible.
- Data Analytics. Having data is important, but knowing what the data is saying is more crucial. This is the reason I am looking for a timeline and task management software tool that can track project timelines and provide me with insights on which projects are lagging and which ones are ahead of schedule.
- Security. Projects involve a lot of personal and confidential information. Apart from that, it’s easy to lose important and irretrievable information if security is not taken seriously during software development.
Why do projects get delayed?
If your team can deliver projects on time and within budget most of the time, congratulations; your project planning or project timeline management software is on point. You deserve a pat on the back because a recent survey concluded that only 29% of organizations said they mostly or always complete projects on time.
Several reasons can be attributed to projects that overrun their allocated timeframes, including poor teamwork or team collaboration, lack of automation, cumbersome approvals and permissions processes, general poor communication regarding due dates, poor resource management, and failure to manage remote teams effectively.
Undoubtedly, balancing all the elements attributed to project success can be challenging, especially for small businesses, when you use legacy project management solutions like excel spreadsheets and old-fashioned written to-do lists. However, the good news is that the market is awash with software geared explicitly at managing project timelines for all types of teams.
What's Next?
Now that we've covered the basics of timelines and tools you can use, you can check out more content on this topic. We have a guide that tells you how to create a project plan in 10 easy steps. Also, a little more in-depth knowledge on project milestones and how they are important to your timeline.
Related tool lists:
- Gantt chart software
- Best Project Scheduling Software
- Best project management software list (60 tools)
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