Many times, Mac users find themselves needing to find alternative software for their Mac, because, most of the programs are not Mac friendly. Unfortunately, Microsoft Project is one of the app not available for Mac computer.
Microsoft Project is perhaps the most popular project management software that is used by many Project Managers (PM). Since this application is not supported on iOS, most PMs prefer using Windows systems as against iOS.
The Gantt chart is a core feature in Microsoft Project, but since that program only works on PCs, Mac users often have to download a template or create their own Gantt charts using Excel. While a Gantt chart can be created using Excel, there is still a need to manually update it and it has limited features. Additionally, these options do not offer the ability for resource management or critical path, which are common features in Gantt chart software.
Listed below are some common features that a PM would look for in a good Project Management Tool for Mac.
Creating Timelines
Timelines are at the heart of a Gantt chart and should work the way the PM does. When creating timelines, they should handle dependencies, which let the PM identify when one task needs to be completed before another one can start. It should also handle predecessor tasks – a feature that lets one create dependencies between tasks. The timelines should automatically get updated as events change in the project.
Importing and Exporting Multiple File Formats
All the stake holders in a project team may not be using the same program as the PM. The PM should make sure that the project management application that is selected to run on Mac, is able to support multiple file formats. Since Microsoft Project is such a widely used program, project management software for Mac should import and export Microsoft Project files. It should also import and export other popular file formats such as Adobe PDF and PNG image files.
Syncing With Cloud Services
With so much work getting done in the cloud today, the PM should select a project management program that syncs with popular cloud services such as iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox. One of the benefits of saving and accessing a project plan from the cloud is that it will be accessible on web-enabled devices, so there is not need to be at the office to check on the status of a project.
Customizing Views
One way to make project plans really work is to customize them to suit the PMs needs. The PM may want to:
· Select or change barcode colors or add different shades to represent different parts of the project
· Set-up automatic alerts when a deadline for a task is approaching or has passed
· Annotate tasks by adding text to the chart.
· Create custom views for different team members
The project management application should enable the PMs with all the features listed above.
Sharing and Collaborating with Team Members
A project plan is not just for project managers, but also applicable to all the team members working on a project. Hence, sharing features is an essential requirement in any project management software. This feature needs to be built in. The team members should have the ability to leave comments and chat with others looking at the chart. With that in mind, in addition to being able to work on a Mac, the program should support multiple platforms such as Linux and Windows. This will give people access to the project plan regardless of the type of computer they use to access it.
Integrating with Other iOS Devices
If the PM is a Mac user, then it is quite possible that the PM may have other iOS devices such as an iPhone or an iPad. When selecting the project management application, the PM should make sure that the plans can be viewed on the other mobile devices. The project plans should be editable on the mobile devices as well. The latest version of iOS should be supported by the project management software.
Project Planning Pro – The Right Solution for PMs
The Project Planning Pro is the right solution for PMs as it comes loaded with all the features listed above.
It is a simple and easy-to-use tool to plan and manage any kind of project. It can be used to manage the simplest to the most complex projects.
The app provides the flexibility to manage project plans during meetings or when out of office. It is designed to ensure complete project mobility.
With features such as:
- Importing and Exporting Plans
- Syncing with Cloud Services such as Dropbox, BOX, and iCloud
- Creating Custom Calendars
- Interactive Gantt
- Sharing plans in the CSV and PDF formats
- Providing multiple views to analyse and review plans
Project planning Pro is just what PMs need to efficiently manage and execute projects.