25 Best Project Portfolio Management (PPM) Tools In 2024
10 Best Portfolio Management Tools Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 25 tools reviewed.
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Navigating project portfolios, aligning them with business strategy, and optimizing resource allocation isn't easy. Fortunately, there are many project portfolio management (PPM) software options available, increasing your chances of finding a great tool. However, determining the best fit for your needs can be time-consuming and frustrating.
In this article, I've shortlisted the best project portfolio management tools based on my personal experience as a project manager. I've explored the market on your behalf and reviewed dozens of options to help you find the perfect fit for your projects, use cases, and desired features.
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We’ve been testing and reviewing PPM software since 2012. As project managers ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
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The Best PPM Tools Comparison Chart
Here’s a table you can use to compare all the tools we just covered in the overviews.
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Accelo | Available upon request | Website |
| Kantata | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Celoxis | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Smartsheet | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Scoro | From $26/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Bubble PPM | From $17/user/month | Website |
| Planisware Orchestra | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Runn | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Acuity PPM | From $599/month | Website |
| OnePlan | From $7/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow To Choose Project Portfolio Management Software
With so many different project portfolio management solutions available, it can be challenging to make decisions on what project portfolio management tool is going to be the best fit for your needs.
As you're shortlisting, trialing, and selecting project portfolio management tools consider the following:
- What problem are you trying to solve - Start by identifying the project portfolio management tools feature gap you're trying to fill to clarify the features and functionality the project portfolio management tool needs to provide.
- Who will need to use it - To evaluate cost and requirements, consider who'll be using the software and how many licenses you'll need. You'll need to evaluate if it'll just be the project team, or the whole organization that will require access. When that's clear, it's worth considering if you're prioritizing ease of use for all, or speed for your project portfolio management tools power users.
- What other tools it needs to work with - Clarify what tools you're replacing, what tools are staying, and the tools you'll need to integrate with, such as accounting, CRM or HR software. You'll need to decide if the tools will need to integrate together, or alternatively, if you can replace multiple tools with one consolidated project portfolio management tool.
- What outcomes are important - Consider the result that the software needs to deliver to be considered a success. Consider what capability you want to gain, or what you want to improve, and how you will be measuring success. For example, an outcome could be the ability to get greater visibility into performance. You could compare project portfolio management tools features until you’re blue in the face but if you aren’t thinking about the outcomes you want to drive, you could be wasting a lot of valuable time.
- How it would work within your organization - Consider the software selection alongside your workflows and delivery methodology. Evaluate what's working well, and the areas that are causing issues that need to be addressed. Remember every business is different — don’t assume that because a tool is popular that it'll work in your organization.
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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 -
Hub Planner
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Miro
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8
Best Portfolio Management Tools Reviews
Any project portfolio management solution from this list should help you with managing projects and strategic alignment across your portfolio.
Accelo is a modern project portfolio management tool with a strong focus on automation to help manage the entire project lifecycle.
Accelo’s features include task management, scheduling, time-tracking, expenses, and project tracking, with the option to automate many aspects of these processes. For example, you can automate notifications, invoicing, and approvals. Accelo has email integration, along with document management dashboards and a full portfolio overview. It also offers a fair set of tools to help you with time management and expense tracking, and it’s a great tool for generating reports and in-depth analysis. To learn to use the tool, Accelo partners with you to offer live online training to all your teams.
The PPM software from Accelo supports cloud technology and is available on the web, Android, and iOS. It integrates with many active and sought-after tools and platforms like JIRA, HubSpot, Google Suite, Gmail, Xero, Expensify, and dozens more.
Pricing available upon request.
The Kantata Professional Services Cloud is the professional services solution formed by the merger of Mavenlink & Kimble.
Why I picked Kantata: It supports resource management, project management, financial management, and business intelligence. Additionally, it is designed to foster team collaboration and bring your team together in one view.
Their project portfolio management capabilities provide an overview of all your projects in a customizable view that is located in a tab inside the Project Health dashboard. In it, you will find RAG indicators providing quick info on overall health status, margin %, burn rates, risk, and more. Additionally, each item in your scoreboard can take you to more detailed information with a simple hover and click.
Kantata Standout Features & Integrations
Features include resource forecasting, real-time utilization, capacity management, skills management, scenario planning, and role-based planning.
Integrations include pre-built connections with these tools: Expensify, G Suite, Xero, Salesforce, Netsuite, Jira, Hubspot, Slack, Concur, Dynamics 365, Qualtrics, Quickbooks, and Sage Intacct. They also provide an integration platform called M-Bridge that’s designed to simplify integration between Kantata and other business apps like CRM, HCM, and financial software.
Note: Kantata is a viable option for teams with over 30 people as per their pricing form.
Celoxis is an all-in-one project portfolio management software and work collaboration platform that is a full-featured project portfolio management system, very intuitive and easy to use for teams of all sizes, including mid-sized to large enterprises. It aligns project portfolios with business goals, ensuring efficient project planning and execution, and simplifying day-to-day project management.
Why I picked Celoxis: The platform's interactive Gantt charts, cross-project dependencies, and critical path analysis provide enterprises with robust planning tools that enable better project execution and adherence to deadlines. Additionally, Celoxis' ability to centralize project tasks, resources, and financials in one platform simplifies oversight, enhances governance, and ensures that all projects remain aligned with business goals. Its real-time tracking and variance reporting also allow for quick identification and addressing of deviations from project plans.
Furthermore, Celoxis offers automated workflows and cross-project workload charts, which provide real-time visibility into workforce utilization and capacity. Additionally, its financial management features ensure budgets stay aligned with project goals, giving organizations the ability to track costs, forecast expenses, and manage OPEX and CAPEX. Overall, these features—combined with reporting, customizable dashboards, and risk management tools—make this a powerful PPM tool for enterprises.
Celoxis Standout Features & Integrations
Features include automated intake workflow, proactive issue management, portfolio prioritization, demand management, custom financial models, resource profiling, earned value analysis, dependency management, and roadmap visualization.
Integrations include hundreds of popular business applications through first-class integration connectors and web-based API. This includes critical platforms like Jira, Salesforce, QuickBooks Online, Excel, Slack, Google Apps, and more.
Celoxis Plans & Pricing
Celoxis works on a pay-per-use model, meaning you only pay for what you use. Paid plans start from $25/user/month, and on-premise costs are available upon request. Both require a minimum 5-user sign-up and come with a 30-day free trial.
Smartsheet is a versatile work management and automation platform designed to help teams plan, capture, manage, automate, and report on their work.
Why I picked Smartsheet: As a PPM software, Smartsheet helps marketing teams manage their portfolio of complex projects. It offers real-time collaboration features, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Its task tracking and scheduling capabilities also enable teams to plan and execute campaigns with precision, while automated workflows help reduce manual effort and minimize errors.
Another reason Smartsheet is ideal for marketing teams is its robust reporting and analytics capabilities. The platform provides customizable dashboards and reports that give users valuable insights into project performance, budget tracking, and resource allocation.
Smartsheet Standout Features & Integrations
Features include resource management tools, approval workflows, utilization reports, multiple project views such as Gantt charts and calendars, complex dependencies, critical path analysis, and a library of customizable templates and workflows.
Integrations include DocuSign, Tableau, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Google Workspace, Jira, Microsoft Office 365, Box, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, OneDrive, Evernote, GitHub, and Zapier.
Smartsheet Plans & Pricing
Paid plans start from $7/user/month (billed annually) with a free version available.
Scoro is a work management software with a project portfolio management (PPM) tool designed to assist businesses in managing multiple projects and portfolios efficiently.
Why I picked Scoro: As a project portfolio management software, Scoro combines everything you need in one place. Scoro's PPM tool is tailored to provide insights into project health, status, and financial metrics, as well as facilitate internal time tracking and granular resource management.
These features aim to offer visibility and control for various roles within an organization, including executives, operations managers, project managers, financial managers, and team members. Additionally, the platform's real-time reporting feature can help you understand which projects and clients are impacting profit margins the most, so you can make more informed decisions about what projects to pursue.
Scoro Standout Features & Integrations
Features include time tracking, customizable dashboards, automation for routine tasks, a drag-and-drop Kanban board, multiple currencies, pipeline management, and quoting and invoicing features.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Stripe, Jira, Microsoft Exchange, Expensify, Slack, Asana, Dropbox, PayPal, QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, and more.
Scoro Plans & Pricing
Paid plans start from $26 per user, per month, and a 14-day free trial is available.
Bubble® PPM is a scalable, highly configurable platform designed for mid-to-large size companies looking to align strategy with delivery and increase efficiency and confidence in execution.
Why I picked Bubble® PPM:
Bubble® PPM is an intuitive PPM Software that’s designed with its end-users in mind. It provides a range of customizable dashboards, reports, and tools to support portfolio-oriented company leaders and project delivery teams. The system also offers a range of out-of-the-box tools based on best practices from their many years as a specialist consultancy, so that teams can hit the ground running.
By leveraging a modular and permissions-based platform, the software is easily tailored to current organizational needs, but can also grow and evolve as the company's needs change. Bubble makes it easy for users to see the whole picture or just the views and slices of data that are relevant for their role. In-built notifications also help to ensure that users are getting the right Information at the right time, to work proactively and mitigate risks.
40% of the company’s international customer base is from the Fast-Moving Consumer Packaged Goods (FMCG/CPG) sector, but the platform is equally suited to R&D, New Product Development, Capital Projects, or Change Management programs. To see the company’s short explainer video, click here
Bubble® PPM Standout Features & Integrations
Features include in-built stage and gate governance tools, risk management tools, project scorecards, project planning and baselining tools, easy to use report and dashboard builders, plus all the features you’d expect of a full-featured Project and Portfolio Management system.
Integrations are a key feature of Bubble® PPM and the company’s managed configuration and maintenance service enables data to be shared between connected systems securely and automatically via a library of preconfigured applications or through a Workflow designer for more complex integrations.
Bubble® PPM Plans & Pricing
14-day free trial
From $17 user/month (USD)
Planisware Orchestra is a project portfolio management (PPM) software designed to help organizations manage and prioritize their projects. It is designed to handle complex project portfolios and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of different organizations and industries.
Why I picked Planisware Orchestra: One of the key features is its dynamic portfolio analysis capabilities, which allow managers to categorize, prioritize, and balance projects based on strategic business objectives. This aligns projects directly with corporate strategies, ensuring that all initiatives drive value and meet predefined business goals. The platform also facilitates portfolio scenario planning with advanced simulation and forecasting tools.
Additionally, Planisware Orchestra provides a structured yet flexible framework to help PMOs mature their project portfolio management practices. From standardized processes and methodologies to a fully customizable interface that adapts to various project management maturity levels, the software supports development toward more advanced PPM practices.
Planisware Orchestra Standout Features & Integrations
Features include APIs, collaboration tools, governance and compliance mechanisms, multi-project management, schedule management, resource and cost management, reporting and dashboards, Kanban board, forecasting, customizable templates, approval process control, and more.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Oracle NetSuite, Hyperion, JD Edwards, Tableau, Qlik, Workforce, ADP, SAP, Jira, Salesforce, HubSpot, and more.
Runn is a real-time resource planning and PPM software with integrated time tracking and powerful forecasting capabilities.
Why I picked Runn: The software is extremely intuitive and its Gantt view has drag-and-drop features and a colorful user interface. The free version of this software lets you build unlimited projects and offers a project portfolio view, which makes it perfect for small project teams.
Runn makes the data dynamic and visual. Charts and reports update as you plan your projects, and you can see insights like capacity, workload, availability, and billable and non-billable utilization. Finally, you can keep tabs on KPIs like utilization, project variance, and overall financial performance.
Runn Standout Features & Integrations
Features include resource scheduling, capacity management, project scheduling, timesheets, forecasting, and reporting. All features are available in the free plan.
Integrations include Harvest, WorkflowMax, and Clockify for importing project, client, and people data and syncing time entries. With Runn’s API, you can build your own integration to send data across your favorite tools.
Runn Plans & Pricing
The free version is available for up to 5 users. Paid plans start at $10/user/month.
Acuity PPM is a lightweight portfolio management solution that is a great alternative to spreadsheets.
Why I picked Acuity PPM: The tool includes a beautiful interface to help you manage your project portfolio, as well as fundamental capabilities for getting visibility into your entire project portfolio, managing work intake, prioritizing projects, tracking project performance and status reports, and managing resource capacity.
PMOs can track project portfolios and get insights on project status, store status reports in one place, and view status history across your portfolio. Another great feature is the ability to view portfolio roadmaps and see timing and sequencing for current and potential projects in the portfolio. PMO team members can also score projects using Acuity’s scoring model and then easily prioritize projects.
Acuity PPM Standout Features & Integrations
Features include portfolio tracking, portfolio roadmap, project scoring and prioritization, project request management, and resource capacity planning.
Integrations are only included in the Enterprise plan.
Acuity PPM Plans & Pricing
Pricing starts at $599 per month.
OnePlan is an AI-enabled strategic portfolio management platform designed to meet the needs of various organizations by providing tools for project portfolios, financial planning, resource planning, and work management.
Why I picked OnePlan: OnePlan's AI-driven strategic portfolio management stands out by enabling organizations to align their project initiatives directly with business objectives. This ensures that resources are optimally allocated and that projects deliver maximum value. Additionally, OnePlan's ability to integrate with tools like Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps, Jira, and Smartsheet allows for a unified view of all projects
I also like OnePlan's adaptive project portfolio management feature, which supports both traditional and agile methodologies. This flexibility is crucial for organizations that need to manage a variety of project types and methodologies within a single platform. The tool's resource planning and professional service automation features also assist in resource allocation and utilization, ensuring that the right skills are applied to the right projects at the right time.
OnePlan Standout Features & Integrations
Features include scenario planning, financial management, risk management, time tracking, team collaboration, capacity planning, dependency management, portfolio optimization, custom workflows, visual roadmaps, kanban boards, dynamic resource planning, real-time dashboards, OKR alignment, and comprehensive reporting.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Project For The Web, Azure DevOps, Smartsheet, and Jira.
Other Portfolio Management Tools
These PPM tools did not make it to the top 10 but are worth considering if you want to expand your tool research.
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Selection Criteria For Project Portfolio Management Tools
Selecting project portfolio management (PPM) tools requires a nuanced understanding of both the portfolio software's capabilities and how those capabilities align with specific business needs.
Through my hands-on trials and comprehensive research, I've identified key criteria that are crucial when evaluating these tools. These criteria ensure that the selected PPM tool not only offers the essential functionalities but also addresses common pain points, facilitating the alignment of project efforts with company goals.
Core Project Portfolio Management Tools Functionality (25% of final scoring): Common features for project portfolio management tools typically include project scheduling, resource allocation, budget management, risk management, collaboration tools, dashboards and reporting, portfolio optimization, time tracking, document management, and integration with other business tools.
To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best project portfolio management tools, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases. These include:
- Efficiently managing multiple projects and resources to avoid overallocation
- Aligning projects with strategic business goals to ensure relevance and value
- Providing real-time visibility into project status and performance for timely decision-making
- Facilitating collaboration across teams and stakeholders to keep projects on track
- Streamlining reporting and analytics to assess project impact and ROI
Additional Standout Features (25% of final scoring): I looked at any features that incorporate new technologies or move the needle in terms of innovation in this space. Examples include advanced AI-driven analytics for predictive insights into project success and risks and tools that introduce innovative approaches to collaboration. Finally, tools that push the envelope in usability, such as employing natural language processing for easier task updates or voice commands.
Usability (10% of final scoring): I prioritize tools that balance sophisticated features with intuitive design, ensuring that users can leverage the full range of functionalities without a steep learning curve.
I also look for interfaces that simplify complex data presentation, such as drag-and-drop scheduling tools and dashboards that can be customized without IT support.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring): This criterion involves evaluating how quickly and efficiently new users can get up to speed with the tool, including the availability of training materials like videos, templates, and product tours.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring): Assessing the responsiveness, availability, and expertise of the customer support team, including the range of support channels (email, chat, phone) and the presence of a knowledge base or community forum.
Value For Money (10% of final scoring): Comparing the tool's pricing structure with its feature set, scalability, and performance to ensure buyers receive optimal value for their investment, considering both current and future needs.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring): Analyzing feedback from current and past users to gauge satisfaction levels, particularly focusing on reliability, user experience, and the impact on project outcomes.
Each tool selected under this rigorous process carefully balances core functionalities with specific business needs to ensure the selected tool drives value.
Trends In Project Portfolio Management Tools For 2024
As businesses strive for efficiency, agility, and strategic alignment, PPM tools have become crucial in providing visibility, enhancing decision-making, and demonstrating how individual projects contribute to overarching goals. This summary highlights key trends in PPM tools.
Enhanced Integration and Automation: Increased emphasis on seamless integration with other business tools, including CRM, ERP systems, and collaboration platforms, to streamline workflows and reduce manual data entry.
Advanced Analytics and Reporting: Advanced analytics and customizable reporting features are rapidly evolving to offer deeper insights into portfolio performance, resource allocation, and risk management. Recent upgrades include AI-infused analytics for predictive analysis of project outcomes, and more intuitive, customizable dashboards that allow stakeholders to visualize how projects align with business objectives.
Focus on Strategic Alignment: Tools are increasingly incorporating features that help organizations align projects with strategic goals and demonstrate this alignment to stakeholders. New functionalities include goal-setting frameworks, outcome-based planning tools, and alignment scorecards that map project outputs directly to strategic objectives.
Declining Trends
Traditional Documentation: Traditional, heavyweight documentation and reporting features are becoming less important, as users demand real-time, digestible insights over extensive, static reports. Shift towards dynamic dashboards and visual project tracking tools, reducing the reliance on lengthy, detailed report generation.
In summary, the project portfolio management tools are becoming more integrated and automated, with a strong emphasis on user experience and collaboration. This evolution underscores the importance of PPM tools in not just managing projects, but in ensuring they contribute effectively to the strategic goals of the organization.
What Are Project Portfolio Management Tools?
Project portfolio management tools are software that help organizations oversee and manage a collection of projects and initiatives. These tools provide a centralized platform to track the progress, resources, and performance of multiple projects simultaneously. By consolidating project data in one place, they enable managers to view the big picture and make informed decisions about project prioritization, investment, and resource allocation.
Project portfolio management software help businesses align their projects with overall strategic objectives, ensuring that resources are invested in projects that offer the most value. By offering real-time insights into each project's status, these tools aid in identifying potential risks and bottlenecks early, allowing for timely interventions. They also enhance collaboration and communication within teams, as everyone has access to the same updated information.
Features of Project Portfolio Management Tools
Selecting the best project portfolio management software is a pivotal decision for organizations aiming to align project initiatives closely with their strategic goals. The ideal PPM tool not only streamlines project execution but also ensures resources are used efficiently and stakeholders stay well-informed. Below, I outline the most critical features to look for in PPM software to achieve these objectives.
- Strategic Alignment Tools: These features ensure that every project contributes directly to the overarching goals of the organization. By aligning projects with company strategy, businesses can prioritize initiatives that offer the highest value.
- Resource management: Like resource scheduling software, PPM software with resource planning will help you make better decisions around project planning at the portfolio level. This includes features for resource allocation, capacity planning, resource utilization, managing timelines, and projections.
- Real-time Dashboards: Dashboards provide instant access to critical project metrics and KPIs. They are crucial for maintaining visibility into project health, enabling timely decisions that keep initiatives on track and aligned with business objectives.
- Collaboration and Communication Tools: These features facilitate seamless interaction among team members and with stakeholders. Clear communication is vital for aligning expectations, resolving issues promptly, and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals.
- Risk Management: This aspect helps identify, assess, and mitigate project risks. Proactive risk management is key to minimizing surprises and ensuring that projects contribute positively to the company's strategic objectives.
- Portfolio Analytics and Reporting: Advanced analytics and customizable reporting capabilities offer insights into portfolio performance. This intelligence is crucial for evaluating how well projects align with strategic goals and where adjustments might be needed.
- Agile and Flexible Framework Support: Support for various project management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall, allows organizations to apply the best approach for each project. Flexibility in project management is essential for adapting to changes and achieving strategic objectives.
- Financial Management: Financial portfolio management software provides visibility into project budgets, costs, and ROI are critical. They ensure that financial resources are allocated wisely, supporting projects that align with strategic priorities and deliver the greatest value.
- Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other enterprise systems (like ERP, CRM, and HR software) ensures that project data is consistent and accessible across the organization. Integration streamlines processes and supports strategic decision-making.
- Security & Compliance: Achieving business objectives requires making informed decisions based on accurate data. Since unwanted visitors can compromise that, I looked at the tool’s compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX. Also, data security certifications and level of permission customizations within each tool.
Selecting a PPM tool with these features is fundamental for organizations focused on delivering strategy-aligned project initiatives. By ensuring efficient use of resources and facilitating easy communication with stakeholders, businesses can better navigate the complexities of modern project management. The best PPM software not only supports the tactical aspects of project execution but also enhances strategic decision-making, ultimately driving success and competitive advantage.
Benefits of Project Portfolio Management Software
Project Portfolio Management (PPM) software is an invaluable tool for today's project managers and organizations aiming to streamline their project processes and align initiatives with their strategic goals. By adopting a project portfolio manager, users can enjoy a multitude of benefits that enhance efficiency, visibility, and decision-making. Here are five primary advantages that PPM software offers:
- Enhanced Strategic Alignment: This benefit ensures that all projects contribute directly to the strategic objectives of the organization. PPM software enables users to select and prioritize projects that align with their business goals, ensuring resources are invested in the most impactful initiatives.
- Improved Resource Optimization: By providing a clear overview of resource allocation and availability, resource and investment portfolio management tools allow for the efficient utilization of personnel, budget, and time. This optimization helps businesses maximize productivity and reduce overhead costs, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Increased Visibility and Control: With real-time dashboards and reporting features, PPM software offers users comprehensive visibility into project performance, timelines, and risks. This increased oversight enables managers to make informed decisions quickly, keeping projects on track and aligned with business strategies.
- Better Risk Management: PPM software aids in identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks across the project portfolio. By proactively managing risks, organizations can minimize the impact of uncertainties on their projects, ensuring smoother execution and higher success rates.
- Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Facilitating seamless communication between team members and stakeholders, PPM software ensures that everyone is on the same page. This fosters a collaborative environment where information is shared freely, leading to more cohesive project teams and better project outcomes.
Adopting PPM software brings a strategic edge to organizations, enabling them to navigate the complexities of project management with greater ease and efficiency. As the demand for streamlined project processes and strategic alignment grows, the role of PPM software in achieving these objectives becomes increasingly vital.
Cost & Pricing For Project Portfolio Management Software
One of the most important aspects of selecting PPM software is understanding the different pricing plans available. These plans can vary widely in features, support, and scalability options, making it vital to be aware of common plans across the market to avoid overpaying for common features.
It is also essential to carefully evaluate what each plan offers to avoid paying for unnecessary capabilities. Conversely, while basic, lower-cost plans might seem appealing, they often lack essential features like advanced resource allocation, comprehensive risk management, and detailed performance metrics, meaning that you may get better value if you upgrade your plan.
The table below outlines common plan options, their average pricing, and included features to help you make an informed decision and get the most value for your investment:
Comparison Table For Project Portfolio Management Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features Included |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $10 - $20/user/month | Access for 1 user, basic project management features, limited reporting, and dashboard capabilities |
| Team | $25 - $50/user/month | Project collaboration tools, resource management, enhanced reporting and dashboards, support for multiple users |
| Professional | $50 - $100/user/month | Advanced analytics, portfolio management, risk assessment tools, integration capabilities, unlimited projects |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Customizable features, advanced security options, dedicated support, enterprise-grade scalability |
| Free Option | $0 | Limited projects, basic task management, simple reporting tools, access for a limited number of users |
When selecting an PPM tool, be sure to examine different plans to find the best deal for you, and take advantage of any free trials to test the software before committing. Once you've chosen your tool, consider starting with a basic plan for cost savings or a professional plan for more comprehensive features. Remember, you can always upgrade your plan if necessary.
Moreover, when choosing a software plan, it's important to consider both the immediate and future needs of your organization. Opt for a plan that not only fits your current project management requirements, but also offers room for growth as your business evolves.
Common stages where your company may want to upgrade their pricing plan include:
- Increase in Project Volume: As the number of PPM projects managed by the company grows, the basic tier may no longer be sufficient. Upgrading allows for better handling of multiple projects with advanced features.
- Expansion of Team Size: When the team managing the projects expands, the company might need more user licenses, enhanced collaboration tools, and advanced user management features.
- Need for Advanced Analytics and Reporting: As the company seeks deeper insights into project performance, resource allocation, and financial metrics, user may want to upgrade to a higher tier with robust analytics and reporting tools.
- Requirement for Enhanced Integration Capabilities: As the company grows, so does the complexity of its software ecosystem. Scaling up to a higher tier can provide better integration options with other essential business tools.
- Demand for Advanced Security and Compliance Features: With growth, the company may face increased security risks and stricter compliance requirements. Higher pricing tiers typically offer enhanced security features and compliance tools.
Ultimately, the right plan depends on your specific business requirements and budget. With careful consideration and research, you should be able to find the right plan to balance functionality and cost.
Project Portfolio Management Tools FAQs
Find answers to common questions other people ask about this topic.
What is project portfolio management (PPM)?
In project management, PPM is project portfolio management. A single project is the elementary cell of an organization. Zoom out, and we have project management, which is concerned with execution and project delivery. Zoom out more, and we see the various projects that an organization takes on. PPM is concerned with making sure these distinct projects are undertaken in a way that complements one another in terms of resources, timelines, and overall business goals.
The person responsible for PPM is called a portfolio manager.
Find out more about this topic in our beginner’s guide to PPM.
What does a Project Portfolio Manager do?
A project portfolio manager oversees, controls, and leads the tasks associated with project execution within a project portfolio. This person needs the skills of a chess master to adequately lead the team and finish projects, ideally on time and within budget. The responsibility range of this position is immense and often deals with researchers, analysts, and clients as they manage the high-level coordination of projects, following current market trends, and anticipating future ones.
A project portfolio manager can work at a department level but also have a broader scope if involved in enterprise project portfolio management.
What are the benefits of PPM tools?
Here are five benefits of using project portfolio management tools.
- Keep your project on the right track: You’re as good as the data you have. Use PPM software, like Microsoft Project, to track project progress. It will help you avoid the trap of making poor decisions based on outdated or irrelevant information.
- Provide executive-level business insight: Detailed project stats are simply impossible to store in your head. When managing multiple projects, you need software that is able to provide more advanced data—and executives will love you because of it! Proving to stakeholders the value and rationale behind decisions in a concise manner will help you build strong business cases for your projects.
- Allocate resources: Driving better business decisions is at the top of every successful business’s priority list. PPM software shows you who’s working on what and for how long, allowing you to allocate and redistribute resources accordingly.
- Fix performance issues: When managing a project portfolio, you might start to identify places where the same problems arise on a recurring basis. An effective PPM tool helps you track the project’s health indicators (such as Return on Investment) and identify any unhealthy patterns.
- Assess risks: PPM software provides data and transparency into your projects for not only identifying risks but for quantifying them and exploring solutions by way of your portfolio data.
What is the difference between portfolio management and project management?
Portfolio management and project management can easily be confused. While they both focus on projects, the main difference is the objective they pursue. Portfolio management is interested in the relationship between projects in the organization and how it impacts company strategy/goals. On the other hand, project management is interested in the successful completion of projects on time and within budget.
Therefore, PPM tools and project management software will have slightly different features they offer to support these differences in approach.
You can learn more about the difference in our portfolio management vs project management article.
How can I identify my company's PPM maturity level?
According to the Gartner model, you can determine your enterprise’s maturity by placing it into one of the 5 models (in ascending order of maturity):
- Reactive – this accounts for all organizations with an ad-hoc approach to projects. There is a minimal requirement for high-end PPM tools, although they’ll prove necessary for growth.
- Emerging Discipline – next level of PPM management and approach to projects. It involves the use of basic PPM tools but on a more frequent and advanced level.
- Initial Integration – follows a more holistic approach to PPM. This is the point where a larger organization pattern is needed. Risky decisions could surface, and data tracking must be on point.
- Effective Integration – This is the point where automation becomes necessary, and a manager needs as much help as possible in order to execute everything on time, and under budget.
- Effective innovation – This is the end-game everyone strives for. PPMs are fully utilized on multiple levels, and an Enterprise Project Management Office is installed to facilitate the execution.
How can I support multiple work methods within PPM tools?
Supporting multiple work methods within PPM tools is essential for effective PPM (project portfolio management). By accommodating different methodologies, organizations can optimize their project portfolio and ensure successful project delivery. Here’s a breakdown of several popular approaches:
1. Waterfall – The Waterfall methodology is a linear and sequential approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins. This method is best suited for projects with well-defined requirements and low uncertainty. To support this approach, organizations can utilize portfolio management software to track progress through phases and effectively manage timelines.
2. Agile – The agile methodology is characterized by its iterative nature, promoting flexibility and customer collaboration through short cycles, known as sprints. It is ideal for projects with changing requirements or those in dynamic environments. To leverage this approach, teams can use project and portfolio management software that offers agile boards and backlog management features to enhance collaboration and responsiveness.
3. Hybrid – The hybrid approach combines elements of both Waterfall and agile methodologies, allowing teams to adapt based on project needs. This method is particularly useful for complex projects that require both structured planning and flexibility. Organizations can benefit from enterprise project portfolio management software to integrate these methodologies, providing a unified view of the entire project portfolio.
4. Scrum – The Scrum framework is a subset of agile that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and iterative progress toward a well-defined goal. It involves roles such as Scrum Master and Product Owner and utilizes time-boxed iterations called sprints. PPM software can facilitate Scrum by providing tools for sprint planning, backlog management, and performance tracking.
5. Kanban – Kanban is another agile methodology focused on visualizing work, limiting work in progress, and maximizing flow. It uses boards to represent tasks and their status, making it easy to identify bottlenecks. Portfolio management solutions that include Kanban boards can help teams manage tasks efficiently and adapt to changing priorities.
6. Lean – The Lean methodology aims to maximize value by minimizing waste and improving processes. It encourages continuous improvement and focuses on delivering value to customers. Portfolio tracking software can support Lean by providing insights into process efficiency and areas for improvement.
7. Six Sigma – Six Sigma is a data-driven approach that seeks to improve quality by identifying and removing causes of defects and minimizing variability. It utilizes statistical methods and is often used in manufacturing and process-oriented projects. For example, investment portfolio management software can incorporate Six Sigma methodologies to enhance project quality and performance metrics.
By integrating one or more of these approaches within your portfolio management system, you can enhance workflow efficiency and improve overall project outcomes, making your portfolio tools more versatile and effective.
How can I use PPM tools to capture and manage project demand?
Whether opting for free portfolio management software or investing in comprehensive solutions, the right software for portfolio management can transform how project demand is captured and managed, leading to more informed decision-making and improved project outcomes. To effectively capture and manage project demand, organizations can leverage project portfolio management software (PPM software) to streamline the following processes:
- Demand Identification: Utilizing a PPM system, teams can gather project requests from various stakeholders. This may involve forms or dashboards within portfolio management solutions that allow for easy submission and visibility.
- Prioritization and Evaluation: Once demands are captured, portfolio analysis software can be used to assess the potential value and alignment of each project with organizational objectives. This is where portfolio project management software shines, offering tools to evaluate project feasibility, resource needs, and expected outcomes.
- Approval Workflow: Implementing a structured approval process with portfolio manager software guarantees that only projects aligned with strategic goals and delivering value progress further. This approach can utilize automated workflows to seamlessly guide projects through each stage of the approval process.
- Resource Allocation: Effective IT portfolio management software assists in allocating resources to approved projects, helping to balance demand with available capacity. This minimizes bottlenecks and ensures projects are adequately supported.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuous monitoring through portfolio analytics software allows project managers to track progress against demand forecasts, enabling timely adjustments to resource allocation and project timelines.
By integrating these processes with the right tools, such as personal investment management software and portfolio risk management tools, organizations can enhance their PPM project management capabilities.
What's Next?
We have an amazing podcast interview with Michelle Watkins, Founder & Managing Partner at Global PMO Partners. She talks about how to optimize your project management portfolio and how tools & technology were key to streamlining processes at every level and ensuring there was data integrity and real-time visibility.
If you are an experienced PM and are looking for more in-depth information about enterprise-level portfolio management, check out what is enterprise PPM and a 5 step plan to implement EPPM .
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