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One of SimulTrans' prospective clients asked me if we use Microsoft Project to create project schedules. Yes, we certainly do use this powerful scheduling software, particularly for larger projects. All SimulTrans Project Managers have access to and familiarity with Project. Microsoft Project allows us to draw upon a common resource pool to schedule our staff members so we can better understand appropriate load balancing and ensure adequate staffing for project needs.
In addition, SimulTrans uses other tools for scheduling requested by our clients. For example, some customers prefer we track project schedules in Excel (since they may not have a project management application) while others like us to use Project Insight, Project X for the Macintosh, or OmniPlan, all of which are great products.
For many of the projects we manage we have been happy using a browser-based Project Collaboration Tool. This software has given us several benefits:
- Ability to take project communications out of email to a centralized forum where all team members can refer to previous discussions (really handy if new team members are added or when someone is on vacation)
- Tracking of milestones and tasks, including allowing team members to track status and sending automated reminder emails
- File sharing, including a place to keep and share all those spreadsheets that are inevitably part of the project management process
- Flexibility to easily add external parties, including clients and contractors
- Browser interface eliminating need to purchase additional desktop applications
SimulTrans is always flexible in the choice of tools and uses those requested or required by our clients. If you need advice about project tracking tools, please let us know and we are happy to show you some options and explain their strengths.
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