In my Hub Planner in-depth review, I’m sharing the results of my analysis and evaluation from hands-on testing and experimentation. Before we dive in, if you’re just starting your search for the best project management tools, you should first check out my picks for the best project management software. Hub Planner is one of the top-rated project management tools out there, but to figure out if it's a good match for you, it's important to understand the software’s benefits and drawbacks.
My in-depth Hub Planner review will take you through everything you need to know to make a more informed decision—pros and cons, features and functionality, pricing, and more—to help you to better understand its capabilities and suitability for your needs.
Hub Planner Software Product Overview
Hub Planner is a resource management and scheduling tool designed to streamline project planning and team coordination. It primarily serves project managers and teams looking for efficient resource allocation and project tracking. The software offers benefits like enhanced visibility into resource availability and project timelines, simplifying project management. It addresses pain points such as overbooking resources, unclear project timelines, and inefficient resource allocation.
Among its best features are intuitive resource scheduling, robust reporting capabilities, and seamless integration with other tools.
Pros
- Resource Scheduling: Hub Planner review excels in resource scheduling, providing a clear and intuitive interface for managing team assignments and project timelines.
- Reporting Capabilities: The software offers comprehensive reporting tools, allowing users to generate detailed insights into project performance and resource utilization.
- Integration Ease: Hub Planner integrates smoothly with various other tools, enhancing its utility in diverse project management environments.
Cons
- Learning Curve: New users may find a steep learning curve due to the software's comprehensive feature set.
- Limited Customization: The customization options in Hub Planner are somewhat limited, which may not suit all project management styles.
- Cost Factor: For smaller teams or projects, the cost of Hub Planner might be a consideration, as it can be higher compared to some other options.
Expert Opinion
In my experience, Hub Planner stands out for its robust resource management capabilities and detailed reporting features. The software's interface is user-friendly, though it does require some initial learning. Its integration with other tools adds significant value, enhancing its functionality in a project management setting. However, its customization limitations and pricing structure may not fit all project sizes or budgets.
In comparison to other project management software, Hub Planner excels in resource scheduling and visibility but falls a bit short in providing flexible customization options. It is best suited for medium to large-sized teams that require detailed resource management and project tracking.
Hub Planner: The Bottom Line
Hub Planner stands out in the project management SaaS landscape, particularly for its unique heat map feature and robust timesheet functionality, which are crucial for accurate forecasting and tracking actual time spent on projects. Its adaptability to different company sizes, with custom fields and smart groups, makes planning new projects more efficient. The approval workflow streamlines project management, especially for small businesses.
User reviews often highlight Hub Planner's premium extensions and overall rating, indicating its strength in project scheduling. Additionally, its pricing plans cater to a wide range of needs, from basic to comprehensive planning, and the extensive knowledge base supports users in leveraging these key features effectively.
Hub Planner Deep Dive
Here's a deep dive into Hub Planner features, best use cases, pricing, customer support, and other purchase factors.
Product Specifications
- Task Management - Yes
- Resource Scheduling - Yes
- Time Tracking - Yes
- Budget Management - Yes
- Reporting/Analytics - Yes
- Collaboration Tools - Yes
- File Sharing - No
- Risk Management - No
- Issue Tracking - No
- Milestone Tracking - Yes
- Gantt Charts - Yes
- Kanban Boards - No
- Project Templates - Yes
- Customizable Dashboards - Yes
- Email Integration - Yes
- Calendar Sync - Yes
- Document Storage - No
- Mobile Access - Yes
- Workflow Automation - No
- User Access Controls - Yes
- Real-Time Notifications - Yes
- Integrations with Other Tools - Yes
- Cloud-Based - Yes
- Agile Methodologies Support - No
- CRM Integration - No
Hub Planner Feature Overview
- Resource Scheduling: Hub Planner offers detailed resource scheduling, allowing managers to effectively allocate team members to projects, avoiding overbooking and underutilization.
- Time Tracking: This feature enables accurate tracking of time spent on tasks, crucial for budgeting and performance analysis.
- Budget Management: Hub Planner aids in tracking project budgets, ensuring financial resources are used effectively.
- Reporting/Analytics: The software provides comprehensive reporting tools, essential for assessing project performance and making informed decisions.
- Collaboration Tools: These tools facilitate team communication and coordination, essential for project success.
- Milestone Tracking: Tracking key project milestones helps in monitoring progress and maintaining timelines.
- Gantt Charts: This feature offers a visual representation of project timelines and dependencies, aiding in efficient project planning.
- Project Templates: Predefined templates save time and promote consistency across similar projects.
- Customizable Dashboards: Users can tailor dashboards to their needs, ensuring relevant data is readily accessible.
- Email Integration and Calendar Sync: These features help in the coordination of schedules and communication within the team.
Standout Functionality
- Detailed Resource Scheduling: Hub Planner's resource scheduling stands out with its depth and clarity, offering more detailed insights than many competitors.
- Comprehensive Reporting: The level of detail and customization in reporting is superior, providing users with valuable insights into various project aspects.
- Project Templates: The range and flexibility of project templates in Hub Planner set it apart, offering a unique balance of structure and adaptability for various project types.
Integrations
Hub Planner integrates natively with popular tools like Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook, facilitating easy calendar synchronization and schedule management. It offers an API that allows for custom integration with other systems, enhancing its adaptability to different work environments. Additionally, Hub Planner supports add-ons to extend its capabilities, such as advanced reporting tools and additional resource management features.
Hub Planner Pricing
Pricing varies based on the features and the number of users, with options to suit different team sizes and needs. However, compared to similar tools, Hub Planner can be more expensive, especially for smaller teams.
- Basic Plan: $7/user/month - Offers core scheduling and reporting features.
- Premium Plan: $18/user/month (min 5 seats) - Includes advanced features like budget management and detailed analytics.
- Enterprise Plan: Pricing upon request - Tailored for large organizations with specific needs.
Additional costs may include setup fees or add-ons, and most plans are billed annually.
Ease of Use
Navigating Hub Planner is generally straightforward, but the sheer number of features and options can initially overwhelm new users. The onboarding process is comprehensive, yet there's a learning curve to fully utilize the tool's capabilities. Some features, particularly in-depth reporting, require time to master.
Customer Support
Hub Planner provides solid customer support, with responsive email and live chat options. The availability of webinars and detailed documentation aids in user onboarding and problem resolution. However, users may find limited support outside standard business hours or a lack of immediate assistance for complex queries.
Hub Planner Use Case
Who Would Be A Good Fit For Hub Planner?
From my perspective, Hub Planner is ideal for medium to large-sized organizations, particularly those with complex resource management needs. The tool's most loyal customers are project managers and teams in industries like IT, consulting, and marketing, where detailed resource scheduling and project planning are critical. Companies that benefit most from Hub Planner are those with a significant number of projects and team members to manage, requiring a robust system to track and allocate resources efficiently.
The detailed reporting and analytics features make it especially useful for environments where data-driven decision-making is paramount.
Who Would Be A Bad Fit For Hub Planner?
Hub Planner might not be the best fit for very small teams or startups due to its relatively higher cost and complexity. The most disappointed customers tend to be those who need a simpler, more straightforward tool without the depth of features that Hub Planner offers. Industries or environments that require minimal project management features, or those looking for basic task management without the need for detailed resource scheduling and reporting, might find the tool overwhelming and not cost-effective.
Hub Planner FAQs
Can Hub Planner support agile project management?
Hub Planner is not specifically designed for agile methodologies, focusing more on resource scheduling and traditional project management.
Is Hub Planner available on mobile devices?
Yes, Hub Planner offers mobile access, allowing users to manage projects and resources on the go.
Does Hub Planner integrate with other tools?
Yes, it integrates with tools like Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook and offers an API for custom integrations.
Are there customizable reports in Hub Planner?
Yes, Hub Planner provides customizable reports for detailed project and resource analytics.
Is there a free trial available for Hub Planner?
Hub Planner typically offers a free trial, allowing users to test its features before committing.
Does Hub Planner offer time tracking?
Yes, time tracking is one of the core features of Hub Planner.
Can I manage budgets within Hub Planner?
Yes, Hub Planner includes budget management features.
What kind of customer support does Hub Planner offer?
Hub Planner offers email support, live chat, webinars, and extensive documentation for its users.
Alternatives to Hub Planner
- Asana: Ideal for teams looking for a more task-oriented and user-friendly interface, Asana simplifies project management with a focus on task completion and collaboration.
- Trello: Trello is better suited for smaller teams or projects that need a simple, Kanban-style board for organizing tasks and projects.
- Monday.com: This tool is a great alternative for those seeking more customization and flexibility in project management, especially for teams that employ a mix of methodologies.
Hub Planner Company Overview & History
Hub Planner is a software company specializing in resource management and project planning tools. It is widely used by companies in IT, consulting, and marketing. The company operates independently and is known for its focus on creating efficient project management solutions. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Hub Planner has a mission to provide intuitive, comprehensive project management tools that help businesses optimize their resources and project workflows.
Key milestones in its history include the introduction of advanced resource scheduling features and integrations with major calendar and email platforms. The company continues to evolve, adding new features and capabilities to meet the changing needs of project managers and teams.
Summary
In summary, Hub Planner is a robust project management tool best suited for medium to large-sized organizations in need of detailed resource scheduling and project planning. Its strengths lie in comprehensive resource management, advanced reporting, and integrations with other tools. While it may be overwhelming and costly for smaller teams, it's a strong contender for larger teams with complex project management needs.
I encourage users to share their experiences and insights, as this helps others in the community make informed decisions about whether Hub Planner is the right tool for their needs.