Project Management Software

[Canary1]

I am looking for project management software to run on macs. Requirements are:
- Teams of resources can be added
- Tasks can be entered
- Tasks can be assigned to teams
- The project management tool can schedule the tasks and assign them to team members
- Tasks can be assigned to individual resources if needed
- The project can be shared between multiple users

Can anyone suggest a tool that fills these requirements?

 

[rhett7660]

Web based, or app based with cloud syncing?

Do you want reoccuring monthly fees or one time purchase?

Some to look at:

https://basecamp.com/
https://podio.com/site/use-cases/project-management

Another spot for reviews: http://www.reviews.com/project-management-software/

I use a combination of items:

Spreadsheets
Word
Email
MS Project and on the Mac side OmniPlan

All of the above reside on a cloud platform that the team has access too.

We did not like the monthly subscription fee so we stayed away from them. But we know a couple of folks who really like them.

 

[oxfordguy]

There's also:

Merlin: http://projectwizards.net/en/products/merlin-project/what-is
(this is the most professional of the Mac Project Management applications)

Omniplan:
https://www.omnigroup.com/omniplan
(less full-featured, but easier to use)

Or if you prefer a more Agile approach, this is great, and easy to use (it's a web app):
http://www.pivotaltracker.com/

 

[RogerMr]

I assume Conceptdraw Project may fit your needs.

We have macs and PCs and use the same program for both.

 

[campyguy]

Long-time Merlin user chiming in here. Supplementing the earlier recommendation, I see an issue with the recommendation relevant to your requirements. I'm a Merlin user, not a Merlin Project user - v. 2 vs v. 3 - I haven't moved to the new app yet because the Server (read: multi-user) version of Merlin Project is still in beta testing and isn't available for sale yet; one of the owners posted on Sept. 22 that it's not ready for primetime but they're working on it. Given that, buying multiple single-user licenses will get spendy - I have not contacted the developer for a multiple-license bundle deal; Merlin Server is still for sale, but I don't have an idea of what upgrade terms they'll specify for a new user.

Given the above that I've written, the v. 2 Merlin software is rock-solid and I recommend it. I've not tried the 30-day demo of Project Server. I'm a civil engineer and use it to manage construction and architectural projects. Merlin also has a rabid online support community.

EDIT: FYI Merlin Server isn't certified for OS X 10.11; we're running it on a Mac with 10.10. Also, for Merlin Project as with Merlin, ProjectWizards offers floating licenses - both apps phone home, one can install on several Macs but will only run on the number of Macs that have paid-for licensing.

My second recommendation, a cross-platform product with a server-based option available that some of my associates use is FastTrack Schedule - FastTrack has been around for 15 or 20 years and has always supported the Mac, being around even before OS X.

 

[GerritV]

I've been using Merlin for the past 3 or 4 years, very pleased with it.

 

[Crazy Badger]

OmniPlan has just been updated with a stack of new features. Haven't had chance to look at it yet, but the previous version was generally fine as a Mac replacement for MS Project.

I'm not a fan of trying to using a single tool for Project Management, and find a toolkit of different products works better for me.

 

[OldGreyGuy]

Long-time Merlin user chiming in here. Supplementing the earlier recommendation, I see an issue with the recommendation relevant to your requirements. I'm a Merlin user, not a Merlin Project user - v. 2 vs v. 3 - I haven't moved to the new app yet because the Server (read: multi-user) version of Merlin Project is still in beta testing and isn't available for sale yet; one of the owners posted on Sept. 22 that it's not ready for primetime but they're working on it. Given that, buying multiple single-user licenses will get spendy - I have not contacted the developer for a multiple-license bundle deal; Merlin Server is still for sale, but I don't have an idea of what upgrade terms they'll specify for a new user.

I don't need the server function as I work on a lot of projects as a free-lance PM and many of the folks I work with are all Windows based.

I will say that I did upgrade to Merlin Project (V3) and for me the update was worth it. The functionality is far better suited to me and the way that I work. Exchanging exported files with folks that use MS project is very good and has never given me problems.

 

[campyguy]

I don't need the server function as I work on a lot of projects as a free-lance PM and many of the folks I work with are all Windows based.

I will say that I did upgrade to Merlin Project (V3) and for me the update was worth it. The functionality is far better suited to me and the way that I work. Exchanging exported files with folks that use MS project is very good and has never given me problems.

If I was a single-person user I'd agree with you, however, I was responding to the OP's two last "requirements", a multi-user environment license situation. I'm in a multi-user environment - Merlin cuts it, but Merlin Project doesn't.

I do like where Merlin Project is going, but they're 10-13 iterations/updates into Project and they still haven't figured out a Server solution for v. 3. To me, a small company owner, that's cause for a pause when breaking out the wallet. I did offer a multiple-license purchase as an option in my OP, but ProjectWizards never got back to me on that or a release date of their updated Server version.

FWIW, Merlin v.2 is a very solid option - I use it every day.