If you want to use open-source programs, it makes sense to have basic development skills or to be able to get a knowledgeable team member on board. This is the only way you can exploit the full potential of these tools and set them up according to your requirements. If you want to avoid delving into the possibilities offered by an open-source solution, you can still choose from several other programs. A selection of the best free project management tools :
Air Table
Airtable follows a unique approach: In addition to the classic Kanban boards, this tool offers you an extensive table view. Everyone involved can see at a glance which tasks are within a project, when they have to be completed, and who is responsible for them. In addition, the tasks can be arranged according to priority. A calendar is available as a third view form, in which you can see all deadlines and immediately see whether the tasks are evenly distributed over the remaining time until the end of the project.
If there are unused blocks of time or phases in which the mountain of functions can hardly be managed, you can easily adjust your planning. You can use Airtable on the desktop, in the browser, or as an app. In the free version, you have two gigabytes of space for file attachments. If you need more, you can upgrade to a paid plan. A disadvantage of Airtable is that it allows comparatively few integrations with other tools: only 32 interfaces are created. For comparison: In Trello, there are over 180.
Asanas
Asana is one of the best-known project management tools on the market. The Kanban board works the same as Trello, making the transition easy. To make things even easier, all existing boards in Trello can be taken with you using the import function when you move. In addition to the Kanban board, Asana gives you a list view in which all to-dos are recorded and a calendar view. Asana is comparatively extensive in the free version: you can create unlimited projects and tasks, send as many messages as you want, and take up total storage space.
You only need paid access if you work with more than 15 people or want to use additional functions – for example, a Gantt chart, the visual representation of milestones, user-defined fields in the Kanban cards, or a workload overview for individual employees. Asana is a real all-rounder for your project management and is suitable for small and large teams. Due to the many functions, however, a specific training period is required.
Avaza
Avaza is one of the most comprehensive tools on this list. Like Trello, you can capture projects and tasks. In addition, it is also possible to manage resources and expenses and to record the time that team members need to complete an issue. Expenses, costs, and invoices can be shared with people outside your team, such as customers. The tool is an excellent solution if you not only plan and implement your projects but also act on behalf of others.
The disadvantage of Avaza is that some functions are not available free of charge for the entire team but only for a selected person. For example, if you want to involve other people in financial planning, you must first switch to a paid plan. The user interface is also entirely English and cannot be called up in the browser. As a result, employees can only access the data from their work computer and are cut off from news on the go.
facto
The factro is worth considering because it is wholly developed and hosted in Germany. Regarding the GDPR and the question of the extent to which data can still be transferred to countries outside the EU, this is a great advantage. Within the tool, you can flexibly switch between a kanban and table view. The news feed, in which new tasks, comments, or attachments are recorded, is practical.
When users log in, you can immediately see what they have missed since their last visit. factro can be used by up to ten users free of charge. If your team grows, you will have to add more for a fee. Additional functions such as Gantt charts, time tracking, or the ability to create tasks and Kanban boards across projects are also associated with costs.
Jira
Jira was primarily designed for software developers and therefore offers agile functions such as scrum boards, backlogs, and elegant reports in addition to a Kanban board. Automation can also be set up. The number of external tools that can be connected to Jira is outstanding. You can choose from more than 1,000 possible integrations. Jira can be used free of charge for up to ten users. After that, an upgrade will be required.
Sortd
Sortd is a unique tool because it only works on its own. Instead, it is firmly linked to your Gmail account and creates a Kanban board directly in your mailbox. The program is, therefore, perfect for companies where a lot is communicated via e-mail.
Zenkit
Zenkit also allows you to work with a Kanban board. The wiki function is unique, with which you can store instructions, branding information, wording, and other important information for your employees in a central location. The wiki area pays off, especially when you have to train new team members. Zenkit is not purely a project management tool but also serves as a CRM system.
This allows you to link customer data to tasks within a single platform. Like factro, Zenkit is a company with servers and is therefore particularly secure when it comes to data protection guidelines compared to many other tools. Unfortunately, the program is quite limited to the free version. Only three users have access, and storage space is limited to 1 gigabyte. Many functions – for example, Gantt charts or the creation of specific user roles – are only possible in the paid version.
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