Remote work has become a popular option for businesses looking to reduce costs and increase productivity. With remote teams, companies can leverage the skills of talented professionals from around the world. In reality, approximately 85% of businesses have also adapted to flexible work policies according to International Workplace Group. However, managing a remote team can be challenging without proper project planning.
Project planning is an essential part of any successful project, whether it's done in-house or with a remote team. Effective project planning in remote teams requires a different approach to communication, collaboration, and project management.
A project plan can provide a clear roadmap for the project, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables. It also helps ensure that everyone on the team is on the same page. To create an effective project plan, it's important to use project planning tools that are designed specifically for remote teams. These tools can help facilitate communication and collaboration, making it easier for team members to work together despite geographical distances.
There are many different project planning tools available, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. In this article, we'll discuss the definition of project planning briefly, and some of the most effective project planning tools for remote teams.
What is project planning?
According to TechTarget, project planning is a process that involves figuring out how to finish a project within a specific time frame, typically by dividing it into different stages and assigning specific resources to each stage. This discipline focuses on determining what needs to be done when it needs to be done, and who will be responsible for doing it. It helps ensure that everyone working on the project is on the same page and has a clear understanding of the project's objectives, goals, and constraints.
By planning the project in advance, it is possible to anticipate potential problems and develop strategies to overcome them. Effective project planning is crucial for the success of any project, and it requires careful consideration and attention to detail.
While a project plan is a set of official papers that describe how a project will be carried out and monitored according to ProjectManager. The plan outlines how the project will be broken down into different steps and how those steps will be managed. It also considers things like potential problems that could come up, how resources will be used, and how people will communicate with each other.
The plan covers important aspects such as what the project will include, how much it will cost, and how long it will take to complete. A project plan takes into account different risks and how they can be managed to ensure that the project runs smoothly. By having a detailed project plan in place, it is possible to minimise uncertainties and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
5 Best Tools for creating a Project Plan
Creating a project plan is an essential step in any project management process. It involves breaking down the project into manageable tasks, identifying the resources required, setting timelines and deadlines, and assigning responsibilities to team members.
To make this process easier and more efficient, there are several project planning tools available that can help teams create effective project plans. Here are five of the best:
1. VirtualSpace
VirtualSpace is a project management tool designed specifically for remote teams who are located in different parts of the world. It is an all-in-one platform that offers a wide range of features and tools to help remote teams collaborate and manage projects effectively.
One of the key advantages of VirtualSpace is that it enables remote teams to work together in real-time, regardless of their location. The platform offers a range of features such as real-time chat, a Kanban board, file sharing, file storing, an availability feature, etc. It's easy for team members to stay connected and collaborate on projects.
2. Asana
Asana is software that is commonly used by teams to manage their projects. It helps them create a plan for their project and keep track of how the project is progressing in real-time.
Asana provides various features that make it easier for teams to manage their projects. For example, it allows teams to create a list of tasks that need to be completed, which can be assigned to different team members. The software also includes calendars that show the deadlines for each task and timelines that show how long each task is expected to take. These features make it easier for teams to manage their projects, no matter how big or small they are.
3. Monday.com
Monday.com is a flexible project management tool that helps teams manage their projects. It is flexible and can be used to create a plan for a project, keep track of tasks, and monitor how the project is progressing.
The software includes templates and integrations, which means that teams can customise it to meet their specific needs. For example, teams can choose from a range of templates that have been designed for different types of projects, such as marketing campaigns or product launches. These templates can be customised to include the specific tasks that need to be completed for the project.
Additionally, Monday.com can be integrated with other tools that teams use, such as email, calendars, or cloud storage services. This means that teams can use Monday.com as a central hub for their project management activities, making it easier to keep track of everything in one place.
4. Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a software that helps teams manage their projects in a comprehensive way. It includes various features that make it easier for teams to plan and manage their projects. For example, it includes Gantt charts, which are visual representations of a project's timeline that show when tasks need to be completed and how they are related to each other. It also includes timelines, which show the duration of each task and the overall duration of the project.
Additionally, Microsoft Project includes resource management tools, which help teams manage the people, equipment, and other resources needed for the project. These features make Microsoft Project an ideal solution for larger projects that require detailed planning and management. The software helps teams keep track of all aspects of the project and make sure everything is completed on time and within budget.
5. Smartsheet
Smartsheet is a cloud-based project management tool that helps teams manage their projects in the cloud. It includes various features that make it easier for teams to manage their projects, such as project timelines, task management tools, and reporting tools.
The software allows team members to work together in real-time and track progress as the project moves forward. This means that everyone can see what tasks are complete, what tasks are in progress, and what tasks are still outstanding.
Additionally, Smartsheet is a highly collaborative tool in that team members can communicate with each other easily and share information in real-time. This makes it easier for teams to work together and stay on top of their project.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, creating a project plan is a critical step towards achieving success in any project, whether it's done in-house or with a remote team. With the right tools, project planning can be made easier and more efficient, leading to better results and higher productivity. Start exploring these tools today and see how they can help you create a project plan in your remote team that leads to success!
