In our specialized world everything must be perfect. From a small thing like a mobile phone up to a brand new Aston Martin we expect only the best.

How can we ensure this high quality? We split the development process into different parts and let do every part by someone who can do it best. The sum of all parts is a high quality, very reliable and affordable end product. This splitting of the product development process needs a high level of coordinated teamwork.

There are lots of different software tools available for project management. But what is important? Which features should you take care of, when you look for a groupware?

One important thing is: Every function should be easy and intuitive to use. You can’t waste your time, learning how the new software works. You have to push the project forward. Therefore a modern and team capable platform must be easy to use. When everyone understands how things work, he will use it.

Ok – you’re using your brand new groupware. But what should be inside? You need a scheduler for your day planning. Tasks and notes for your project organization should be there too. A team consists of lots of different people, so you need a contact manager. For communication you should have an email client and a chat. Important is, that everything’s synchronized. You should be able to set new tasks or appointments for someone else and the system should deliver it to the appropriate person.

All data should be located within your company. Yes – there are lots of web services available for project management, but just think a second about it: What would happen to your project when the company who offers the web service gets into bankruptcy? What happens, if all data is stored online and you don’t have an internet connection? Can you still continue to work, communicate with others and share information? Do you trust the company enough to store all your data at their place? It’s better to set up a communication platform within your company. Good software tools offer additional data access over the internet too, so you’re still able to work on the way and have everything available at your place.

Dominik Sapinski is senior project manager at soft-evolution, an innovative provider of team management software Pimero.