The emergence of the cloud and mobile devices has allowed project managers to better incorporate technology into their daily lives. There are now thousands of choices available. Here are 6 ways technology is improving project management
1. Constant Connectivity
Mobile applications, social media, and the cloud are constantly improving the way that people connect with each other. They allow for the easy exchange of information and connect people in ways that before were not possible. People can access documents anywhere and in real-time with digital drop boxes and shared folders. Restricted Facebook groups can allow for communication quickly and efficiently. Projects can be managed in different places and at different times without the stress of security of firewall policies. These technical tools are improving both processes and the communication necessary to effectively manage and complete projects.
2. Seamless Workflows
With new project management software integration workflows are being optimized and made much more seamless. One example is AtTask, which is an online work management software that integrates Microsoft SharePoint and Outlook, Atlassian JIRA, and ProofHQ. Allowing these important tools to work together increases the opportunity for collaboration and makes life easier. It is very important for project managers to stay up to date on the software available as it continues to evolve. Companies expect project manager to be technologically focused and savvy. It is important that they are able to adapt and learn new skills quickly.
3. Cloud Security
Cloud security must be a priority and this can change the way that projects are managed, especially for IT project managers. When data is on the cloud, vulnerabilities are created. Data breaches can be costly and people want more control over their data. The physical protection of data rests on the shoulders of the company storing the data while the legal responsibility of protecting the data is with the company who owns the data. There needs to be more advances in securing data remotely.
4. More Tools for a Variety of Uses
Project management tools are necessary to increase collaboration and connectivity as we said before. However, these tools also need to be flexible for a variety of users. Project managers need to be careful when determining the correct tool to reach different stakeholders. People need to be able to interact in the way they are most comfortable. This could be technology like instant messaging, phone calls, web conferences, online forums, wikis, whiteboards, or document collaboration tools. You also want to use tools that have the support of your organization.
Another challenge for project managers in implementing varied technology is to ensure that they have stakeholder buy-in. They are depending on other people to use and manage the tools. There may be a hot technology that is currently trending, but that is meaningless if you cannot get people engaged with using it.
5. Uniting Virtual Teams
The internet has long been an ideal place to unite virtual teams from teams that operate across town to around the world. This type of technology will continue to be the future for most organizations. Many current teams that operate across countries even speak different languages and work in different cultural environments. Communication needs to remain precise and this means that project managers need to develop clear technology standards, policies, and procedures. Technology is excellent but is only as good as the people using it.
This infographic explains how clear communication contributes to successful project management:
6. The Internet of Things
The Internet of Things continues evolve and allow us to gather, monitor, and transmit data in a variety of innovative and interesting ways. This can impact everything from parking spaces to refrigerators or staplers. There is also a growing investment in these types of technologies. For example, 54% of top performing organizations say they plan to invest more in the Internet of Things. This is definitely a trend that project managers need to keep a close eye on.
Technology can improve our lives while making our jobs easier which is why it is so important to project managers. If a project manager does not pay attention to the emerging technologies they will be doing a disservice to their projects and organizations. By understanding the 6 ways technology is impacting project management they will be better equipped to understand these impacts and make positive implementations in the future.