Choosing the Right Project Management Software For Your Agency

More and more we find that creative agencies don’t need to be sold on the general importance of a project management software to assist with efficiency, productivity and profitability. But the big decision is selecting the best software that fits your needs and goals.

Your first impression may be that all the software companies in the market offer essentially the same product. In reality, though, each one has its own take on the best way of increasing efficiency and has developed features to assist. That’s what makes the difference. Below are 7 things to consider when choosing a project management software for your agency.

7 Considerations to Make:

1. The Size of Your Agency

The number of people using the software may matter, depending on the features that the software has and the permissions that you want for each person. Cost may also be a consideration.

2. Your Priorities

Tracking time, creating briefs, invoicing, scheduling… what are your priorities? Do you prefer a software with an accounting system built-in or do you want a software that can integrate with your existing accounting tool (e.g. QuickBooks)? All this matters when selecting an ad agency software.

3. Your Workflow

What comes first? How important is scheduling, estimating and reporting for your agency and what is the order of these activities? Which departments will be using the software? Keep these questions in mind to help you find what you need.

4. Collaboration

How do you collaborate with your internal team and with your clients? Function Point Productivity Software, as an example, gives you the opportunity to share information/materials and ask for proofs through a portal where clients or vendors can be given access.

5. Technology

The first question is if the software is a web-based software as a service (SaaS) or if it is a desktop application. Verify that it runs on different operating systems (Mac, Linux, Windows?) and will work well on standard web-browsers (for an online system). A Friendly and intuitive user interface is also important to make the process of learning and using the software easier (just be careful not to fall for bells and whistles if the main application doesn’t have what you need).

6. Service

If you are choosing a SaaS solution, analyze how much training, support and consulting the software provider can offer you and what its availability is.  Make sure the provider will be able to accommodate your needs in a timely fashion and use its expertise to help you with agency related issues.

7. Price and Refunds

Each software company has its own specific pricing model, which varies according to long-term commitment, features, service and technology.  Look for companies that back their software and service with a guarantee, and not just a free trial. Function Point offers a 60 day money-back guarantee – we stand behind our software and service 100% and want to establish a long-term partnership with all of our agency clients.

Hopefully this article will be useful as you’re making a decision about which software will be the best fit for your agency. If you are interested in learning more about Function Point, request a customized demo with one of our awesome account people.

This article was written by former Function Point employee, Daniel Pantic.