The evolution of technologies has eased and replaced traditional methodologies of project management. What are the evolutions and changes that have critically impact the project management performance, deliverable and cost?In the past, project management and collaboration were done through faxed, letters, emails and sharing platforms. Today, the recent advancements in technology have contributed in providing the right project management tools that can help your projects succeed.
Previous generations of project managers and teams could just dream of these worthwhile tools and wished that they were available during their time. These project management tools have created smoother operation in the performance of the project tasks. They have also increased the members’ efficiency and have created a better overall collaborative experience.
Table of Contents
Project Management Tools
The following tools and features have greatly helped to revitalize the project management performance:
1. Data Storage and Backup.
Gone are the days that businesses use filing cabinets as an essential organizational tool as they have become obsolete with the arrival of project management technologies. Storing data on the cloud or on a hard drive has made it possible to back up all the data and securely keep records on file even when the computer encounters problems.
2. Accessibility and Communication
In the past, having team members in the same area can be considered accessible. However, technology has changed this setting in the past years. Team members in various projects need not be located in the same area or company. In fact, they are located in different parts of the world. Technology has improved accessibility and promoted instant communication. Many team members work at home and even if they are located in the opposite side of the world, they can be accessible almost any time of the day or night.
3. Project Management Platforms and Deadlines
It cannot be argued that the project management platforms have helped project teams keep up with the deadlines. Keeping deadlines can be extremely difficult at times but with the support of technology and software, collaborators can easily complete their tasks on a schedule that is convenient to everybody.
4. Budget Tracker
Excel spreadsheets have long served its purpose of keeping track of business expenses. Even until now, some organizations still make use of the Excel spreadsheets to keep track of their expenses as well as their revenues. However, new project management software have now simplified the budgeting challenges that Excel has not resolved, such as the complicated formulas in the multiple varieties of expenses.
5. Time Tracking
In the past, it was hard to calculate the time that was spent on a specific task. Today’s project management programs have features that make it easy for the team members to calculate or track the time spent on each project tasks.
Load Plan & Optimization Software
Logistics IT providers are helping shippers, carriers, 3PLs and consignees create cost savings with little capital investment thanks to innovative load planning applications. From better asset utilization to increased compliance, load planning software creates efficiencies before shipments enter the transportation stream. There are several key benefits of the load planning software, as follows:
1. First Time Right
Loading is not only done in the most optimal way but also the first time right. Time loss caused by manual inching and pinching belongs to the past. The productivity will increase massively because of this.
2. Less Damage
Transport damages (or DOAs) occur when vulnerable products are not packed carefully enough. Advanced load planning tools can take specific product properties like “fragile” and “do not stack” into account, which minimizes the number of transport damages.
3. Just-in-Time Planning
High-end load planning software can be linked to ERP, WMS and/or TMS. This makes it possible to see how the shipment will look, right after order entry. This information can be used to inform the logistics department and enable them to plan transport accurately. This prevents last minute transport arrangements or cancellations.
Real-time Vehicle Routing Software
Routing performs real-time route validation on the size/weight of permit vehicles and the constraints and conditions of specified routes. Reduce time, optimize routes, and increase efficiency of the routing of your oversize/overweight vehicles. Routing references current restrictions and live bridge ratings to ensure accurate and safe travel. Routing Software can help to reduce costs and save time, by ensuring safe travel for permitted vehicles and enabling management of movement within specific areas. They also improve reliability and accuracy of routing information.
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References
Bentley Systems. (2016). “Real-time Vehicle Routing Software”. Retrieved from https://www.bentley.com/en/products/product-line/asset-performance/superload-routing, accessed 29/08/2018.
Boyer, S. (2016). “The Revitalizing Role of Technology in Project Management”. Retrieved from https://www.nutcache.com/blog/the-revitalizing-role-of-technology-in-project-management, accessed 30/08/2018.
Chin Hui Ling. (2018). “Digital Technology Resources of 3PL &4PL Service Providers”. Retrieved from SIPMM: https://publication.sipmm.edu.sg/digital-technology-resources-3pl-4pl-service-providers, accessed 30/08/2018
Pamela Bernier. (2016). “5 Capabilities That Drive Our Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Routing and Permitting Solution “ Retrieved from https://www.hexagonsafetyinfrastructure.com/blog/2016/09/19/5-Capabilities-That-Drive-Our-Oversize-Overweight-Vehicle-Routing-and-Permitting-Solution, accessed 29/08/2018.
StackAssist. (2016). “The underestimated advantages of load planning software”. Retrieved from https://www.stackassist.com/underestimated-advantages-load-planning-software, accessed 30/08/2018.