Project Management Software

[iabm]

Hi all,

I've been asked to work on some projects for University and need to produce GANTT charts and such like and wonder if anyone can recommend an app/software to help with this?

I've seen some people mention Microsoft Projects but it isn't available on Mac (I don't think) and I don't have a windows computer.

Only looking for something cheap and cheerful to assist in the project planning.

I'll look forward to hearing from you all!

Thanks,
BM

 

[superscape]

Back in the olden days when I managed projects, I used to use:

https://www.omnigroup.com/omniplan

...there's a bit of a learning curve to it, but its very powerful once you get the hang. The same is true of Microsoft Project though, I guess.

I've not used Merlin, but I know some folks who sing its praises:

https://www.projectwizards.net/en/products/merlin-project/what-is

Both have limited demos, so give 'em a whirl and see what you think.

Oh, and if anyone using a spreadsheet then kick them hard. ;-)

Good luck!

 

[simonsi]

I used to use Omniplan but for the past 3yrs I've used Asana and its Gantt add-on Instagantt - both are web-based.

 

[campyguy]

Longtime Merlin user with macOS and Project and Primavera with Windows, prefer the former. The Merlin dev went with subscriptions with their latest version, just out a few weeks ago with their latest product. Merlin is as easy to use as it gets for Gantt charts, and I get more compliments on Merlin's output than with the Windows apps. The upside with Merlin's subscription options is that they now have a MAS "Express" option that runs around $4 per month, with a 2-week-long trial so you can buy what you need for the length of time that you need it. Merlin Express should do what you need.

I've tried/demoed OmniPlan, TaskX, and a bunch of others and Merlin and FastTrack Schedule are the only macOS-compatible scheduling apps I can recommend, with the latter being cross-platform while Merlin and open and save Project files as well.

 

[Conutz]

Bit of an old thread, but I’m looking for a reasonably-priced app. I’m a light PM app user and have tried/looked at various options, including MS Project in VM, Omniplan, Rational, iTaskX, etc.

Either they’re way too expensive, seem like (very old) betas, or are just downright lousy. Considering that project planning and related apps have been around for many, many years now, the mind boggles as to why there are so few decent options and why they are so expensive.

Good opportunity for a decent developer willing to invest some time.

 

[iabm]

@Conutz - I found Gantt Projects worked well and it's free. It's a Java-based app but does everything MS Project would do. https://www.ganttproject.biz/

Hope this helps?

 

[Conutz]

@Conutz - I found Gantt Projects worked well and it's free. It's a Java-based app but does everything MS Project would do. https://www.ganttproject.biz/

Hope this helps?

Thanks, I've downloaded it and on trying it out, it is more powerful that it may seem. It is a little rough around the edges, but considering it's free I can't complain. Will run with it for a few days and feed back.

Question remains though - how is it possible to justify the high pricing of some of these commercial packages, especially subscriptions? These products are mature enough to have been amortised many times over.

 

[iabm]

Thanks, I've downloaded it and on trying it out, it is more powerful that it may seem. It is a little rough around the edges, but considering it's free I can't complain. Will run with it for a few days and feed back.

Question remains though - how is it possible to justify the high pricing of some of these commercial packages, especially subscriptions? These products are mature enough to have been amortised many times over.

You're welcome. I found it really useful when using it for a University project. As I move into the world of more Project Management for work, I've got MS Project 2016 Pro which whilst expensive has 1) paid for itself and 2) offers things most others don't. I agree they've been around long enough to be cheaper but I guess they still want to and do make money from people buying them. Gantt Project is the closest I've seen for Mac and Windows that is free and does the same job as MS Project. I agree, its a little rough around the edges but when something is free and it works, who are we to complain?
Look forward to hearing how you get on with it. The support forum is also really useful.