Help! I am looking for a Project Portfolio Management package 1

[merry55]

I am looking for a project portfolio package that will show all projects at an aggregate level and then also be able to drill down to levels of detail if needed. The package needs to be capable of showing forward planning for the next 12-18 months and if a new project is inserted, show how it impacts the current queue of projects. We need to be able to display resource capacity and availability.

Is anyone using such a package? If so, what is the package? Have you found it easy to use or is it difficult to navigate to find needed information quickly? What functionality does the package include?

 

[BNPMike]

Microsoft Project. I've never known it not do something people wanted.

 

[merry55]

To BNPMIKE- I am assuming you are referring to MS Project Server? If so, have you used it? My concern is that it is a fairly immature product. I think its only been around for about 3 years. Microsoft also has a fairly poor track record when it comes to stability of new products I would like to know if you have used the MS Project server software and the functions that I described in my orignal email. Also, did you look at any other packages prior to selecting Project?

To RKETING- Can you forward me your email address?

 

[BNPMike]

I've worked on £50 million projects with the Worlds biggest consultancies and MS did the business. Your wish list would be covered by the basic product. The server versions allow you to run a small third world country as well, all in colour, 3D and as many secret offshore bank accounts as you need.

Some people swear by other packages (usually even more expensive) but I haven't seen anything except Microsoft for at least 6 years. Only thing I sometimes hear about is Niku (?) which is used in conjunction with MS Project. No idea what it does.

Be careful however. Trying to do detailed planning is great for empire building (I'm just joining a programme with 50 project offices!?!?) but is a lot of work/expense.

 

[merry55]

BNP Mike: Thanks for your help. I looked at Niku a couple of years ago. Might be worth a second glance.

 

[mbuell]

I've used Suretrak, P3 (a little), received training in Meridian Prolog, and now using MS Project. I'm not happy with any of them, really. I think they are all have large weaknesses, but I think Primavera has the stronger product line. It is not, however, as friendly. Prolog, imho, has a stronger project management bent, but it is designed for a traditional construction-type project's prime contractor.

There is another package coming out of the Atlanta area that I saw some demos on, it looked very promising. It was looking to be expensive - sales marketed towards large projects/corporations. The focus was task management, and it seemed to make sense, but I couldn't place it as to how it would actually work in a production enviromnent. If I remember the name I'll pop back in and shout.

All these packages do summary roll-ups in various fashions. As for scheduling impact, they'll all do that, too. The real questions to me are "who is the end-user, how much expertise and time do they have, and how much are you willing to spend on training them?"

Mark
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[mbuell]

See thread731-603556 for more excellent links. The package I was referring to that I couldn't remember was from visionquest

http://www.vqs.net

Regards;

Mark
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[merry55]

I would like to know if anyone has used the or Pacific Edge project portfolio manangement packages. If you have used them, what are your likes/dislikes about the packages?

 

[lucasnevant]

I have experience using PlanView. Although we didn't get to make a very advanced use of the application, it is supposed to do all the thing you mention.

Lucas Rodríguez Cervera

http://www.nevant.com