Project Management Software for Time Tracking

The three project constraints

The classic project management constraints are scope, cost, and time. The three constraints are also known as the Project Management Triangle. Why? If you change one side of the triangle, this will certainly have an effect on the others. The same rule applies to project management. For example, i f you enlarge the scope, the time and the cost will become larger.

Let's see what the project constraints deal with.

• Scope is the required quality of the end product, in other words, it is the goal of the project.
• Cost includes all kinds of expenses related to the project accomplishment, such as various physical resources, workers' salary, consultants' fee and so on.
• And the last but not the least constraint is time. The time constraint deals with the terms of the project realization.

Project management tracking

The constant monitoring of the three constraints is crucial for successful project management. Tracking all the changes helps stay in control and apply corrective action when required.

Scope tracking . Project manager is responsible for setting the project requirements. There should be a document that includes the big picture of the final goal. Any changes should be approved by senior managers or project sponsor.

Cost tracking . Project manager have to create a budget when the project starts and then regularly check if the project is on budget. Cost tracking becomes much simpler if you use special project software.

Time tracking. In order to meet deadline project manager should define milestones and create a schedule. Then it is necessary to monitor if the project is on schedule.

Project software for time tracking

Time is the most elusive substance of the three. The project deadline is usually limited by the calendar date. But, alas, we cannot affect calendar time. You cannot pause it, you cannot recover it, you cannot stretch it. You can only change the way you use your working time and control how your employees use theirs.

Cost and time tracking are tightly coupled, because cost depends on time spent. That's why time tracking is very important for successful project accomplishment.

Project management tracking software is especially helpful for time tracking. It allows to:

• create a general schedule and separate task lists for each employee;
• set notifications of all the milestones and deadlines for project manager and workers;
• track the statuses and progress percentage of all tasks;
• see how much time the workers spend on certain tasks;
• correct the workflow when necessary " re-assign a task, add a note to a task, send a notification to an employee or a group of employees;
• sort, filter and analyze gathered information.

VIP Project Management Tracking Software

VIP Task Manager is a piece of project software for time tracking, scheduling and team management. It combines to-do lists, timesheets, advanced notification system, communication and analytic functions. VIP Task Manager helps project manager be in control of the three project constraints " scope, cost, and time, manage the workflow and successfully achieve the project goals.