Project management information system

A project management information system (PMIS) is a system used by project managers and their teams to plan, monitor, and control projects from start to finish. It helps to organize project-related information and documents, which includes tasks, deliverables, schedules, resources, costs, and risks. PMIS also provides tools for tracking the progress of projects, such as Gantt charts, project management software, and communication tools. It enables stakeholders to collaborate, communicate and share information in an efficient and organized manner.

Example of project management information system

• Microsoft Project: Microsoft Project is a comprehensive project management software that helps project managers plan, manage, and deliver successful projects. It enables users to create project plans, assign tasks, track progress, manage resources and budgets, and analyze the overall project performance.
• Trello: Trello is a popular project management software that allows teams to work together on projects in an organized way. It provides users with an intuitive interface that enables them to easily create boards, lists and cards to manage tasks, track progress, and collaborate.
• Basecamp: Basecamp is an online project management and collaboration platform that provides teams with tools to manage projects, tasks and resources. It features features such as messaging, file sharing, task tracking, and reporting.
• Asana: Asana is a project management and collaboration platform designed to help teams stay organized and get work done. It allows users to assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with their teams. It also provides users with tools to visualize project progress, create custom workflows, and manage deadlines.
• Workfront: Workfront is an online project management system that provides teams with tools to manage complex projects. It features features such as task management, resource management, project tracking, and reporting. It also provides users with insights into project progress, budgeting, and project performance.

Best practices of creating project management information system

1. Establish clear objectives and goals: A PMIS should be designed to facilitate the achievement of the organization’s specific project goals. This will ensure that the system is used to its fullest potential and that users are able to effectively utilize the system to its fullest capabilities.
2. Develop the right tools: A PMIS should include the right tools to monitor and manage project information and related documents. This includes tools such as project tracking software, Gantt charts, and communication tools.
3. Automate processes: Automation of processes is essential for efficient and effective project management. PMIS should be designed to automate processes such as project scheduling, resource management, and cost tracking.
4. Establish a system of integration: The PMIS should be designed to enable integration with other systems and applications. This will ensure that the system is able to effectively manage project information and related documents.
5. Implement an effective security system: Security is essential for any PMIS, as it must protect the project data from unauthorized access. The system should be designed so that only authorized personnel can access and view the data.
6. Ensure scalability: The PMIS must be designed to scale up or down, depending on the size and complexity of the project. This will ensure that the system can easily adapt to changing project requirements.
7. Implement a user-friendly interface: The PMIS should have a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and navigate. This will ensure that users can quickly and easily access and utilize the system.

When to use project management information system

A project management information system (PMIS) can be used in a variety of ways to streamline project management and ensure the successful completion of projects. It can be used to track project progress, assign tasks, manage resources, monitor costs, and manage risk. It also allows for collaboration and communication between stakeholders, and helps to ensure that project goals are met on time and on budget. The following are some of the areas where PMIS can be used:

• Scheduling and planning: PMIS helps to create and maintain project schedules and plans, allowing project managers to track progress, assign tasks, and monitor success.
• Resource management: PMIS allows project managers to track the resources that are needed for a project, such as personnel, equipment, and materials.
• Cost management: PMIS can be used to monitor project costs and ensure that budget constraints are met.
• Risk management: PMIS can help to identify and mitigate risks that may arise during the course of a project.
• Communication: PMIS allows stakeholders to collaborate and communicate effectively, ensuring that information is shared in a timely manner.
• Reporting: PMIS can provide insight into project performance, allowing project managers to analyze project data and make informed decisions.

Types of project management information system

A project management information system (PMIS) is a system used to plan, monitor, and control projects from start to finish. It helps to organize project-related information and documents, which includes tasks, deliverables, schedules, resources, costs, and risks. There are several types of PMIS systems, including:

• Cloud-based project management software: This type of PMIS offers access to project information from any device with an internet connection. It also provides features such as task management, resource management, budgeting, reporting, and file storage.
• Project portfolio management (PPM) software: This type of PMIS helps organizations to manage multiple projects at once. It helps to prioritize projects, identify and control risks, and manage resources across multiple projects.
• Enterprise project management (EPM) software: This type of PMIS is designed to help organizations manage large projects, such as IT deployments and large-scale construction projects. It offers features such as project planning, scheduling, resource management, task management, and budgeting.
• Collaboration and communication tools: This type of PMIS helps teams to interact and collaborate efficiently. It offers features such as file sharing, task tracking, project management, and team communication.
• Risk management software: This type of PMIS helps organizations to identify, analyze, and manage project risks. It includes features such as risk assessment, risk tracking, and risk mitigation.

Advantages of project management information system

A project management information system (PMIS) provides numerous advantages to project managers and their teams. It helps to streamline project planning, execution and control, which leads to better project outcomes. The following are some of the key benefits of using a PMIS:

• It facilitates efficient project planning and tracking by providing a comprehensive view of the project and its components.
• It allows for better communication and collaboration between stakeholders, as it enables them to share project-related information and documents.
• It offers a platform for project scheduling and resource management, which helps to ensure the successful completion of project tasks.
• It helps to identify and manage risks associated with the project, providing an early warning system to help project managers avoid potential problems.
• It enables project teams to track project progress and performance, providing visibility into the success of the project.
• It provides an effective way to store and manage project documents and records, which can be accessed anytime.

Limitations of project management information system

A project management information system (PMIS) provides project managers and their teams with essential tools to plan, monitor, and control projects from start to finish. However, there are some limitations to a PMIS that should be taken into consideration. These include:

• Complexity: PMIS can be complicated to use, especially for those who are not familiar with project management software. This can lead to errors when using the system and can be time-consuming to learn.
• Cost: PMIS can be expensive to implement and maintain, especially for smaller organizations. This can be a significant financial burden.
• Data Accuracy: The accuracy of data within a PMIS can be limited due to human error or lack of understanding of the system.
• Flexibility: PMIS can be difficult to customize to fit the specific needs of a project or organization.
• Security: PMIS can be vulnerable to security threats, such as hackers or data breaches.

Project management information system — recommended articles

Bim in construction — Information system development — Availability of information — Benefits of BIM — Project management best practices — Organizational project management — Applications of project management — Management of complexity — Benefits of project management

References

• Kostalova, J., Tetrevova, L., & Svedik, J. (2015). Support of project management methods by project management information system. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 210, 96-104.
• Raymond, L., & Bergeron, F. (2008). Project management information systems: An empirical study of their impact on project managers and project success. International Journal of project management, 26(2), 213-220.