Effective collaboration is key to completing projects on time and technology supports those efforts in many different ways. Bringing together team members to complete multi-faceted projects can be tricky, but is eased with software that directly addresses the inherent challenges.
Our remote working capabilities accelerated during the pandemic and we now have access to a range of software tools and integrations that improve collaboration, simplify day-to-day tasks, and allow team members to deliver quality work on time.
How does project collaboration software help your business?
Good project collaboration relies on having a dedicated digital space where team members communicate, problem-solve, track progress, and access all the project documentation and information they need to work.
These tools offer transparency so that everyone knows their role within the project and is accountable for their work output and quality throughout. They boost team productivity, but when projects are easy to work on they can also create a highly engaged team that’s ready for the next challenge.
So what types of software tools are available to improve collaboration on projects?
Using project collaboration software
Task allocation
Task allocation tools simplify project delivery by clarifying each team member’s expected contribution. They encourage smooth workflows and provide a clear path towards project completion.
Instant messaging
Poor or disjointed communication can cause severe delays and create tension within the team, particularly if they’re bombarded with emails. Instant messaging/chat tools provide a seamless way for team members to communicate and instantly ask questions and obtain or deliver the information needed.
e-Signatures
e-signature software can significantly improve project turnaround times by securely obtaining signatures when required. Whether a document needs a single or multiple signatures these tools provide speed and simplicity whilst also moving signed documents quickly along the workflow.
Document and file sharing
Real-time document and file-sharing tools minimise delays and enable the team to work cohesively towards their end goal. They also enable external stakeholders to be updated on progress where appropriate.
Work management and workflows
Collaboration software can present a high-level view of a project and its purpose, keeping team members moving towards their common goal and allowing project managers to identify whether there’s room for improvement. Streamlined daily workflows also encourage efficiency and boost productivity.
Project status
Software tools that show the status of a project at any given time encourage faster overall delivery and enable project managers to reallocate tasks if the project stalls.
Benefits of effective project collaboration
Here are just three of the benefits you can expect when you use project collaboration software tools:
Better communication
Strong communication underpins the success of a project whether the team is in the office or working remotely. Being able to communicate in real-time allows team members to ask questions and share information, preventing delays and driving a project forward.
Improved problem solving
There are always going to be some potential stumbling blocks during a project but the way they’re dealt with, or more importantly having the tools to manage them effectively, makes a huge difference.
Effective project management
Using software tools to set staged delivery deadlines and track tasks within a project provides a streamlined environment in which to work. They provide a holistic view for the project manager and enable team members to stay on schedule.
Rather than using multiple collaboration tools for your projects, a single digital platform that incorporates the ones you need provides the simplicity you need to improve collaboration, complete projects efficiently, and confidently expand your reach in the market.
Shaun Barton is a partner at Company Closure and boasts a wealth of experience in helping directors of distressed companies understand their options. A director-facing adviser, Shaun is often the first point of contact for business owners in financial distress, consistently delivering expert advice when it is needed the most.