Project Management Software

[Burgs]

Ahoy relevent geeks!
Am interested in experiences using various Project Management software.
It would appear from some cross product reviews that Microsoft Project 2007 ticks the most boxes. Not sure if there is an update on the cards though and also a big price differenc betwean the standard and Pro levels.
Am looking to co-ordinate mutiple projects of varying complexities and budget scales but all with a common end goal and often with overlapping impacts.
It happens to be in landscape rehabilitation over a large area but I imagine the principles all remain the same.
Also interested in if photo's, maps etc can be attached to individual files for locations and monitoriing.
Am reasonably able with mid leve lMicrosoft programs and otherwise would be prepared to take a course if required.

[LarryNJ]

I've never used any but MS is coming out with a 2010 version of Project. Not sure when but probably close to the same time the new version of windows comes out, which is this month.

[sandgroperrugby]

I used to use MS Project in a previous life religiously for planning major plant outages and shutdowns. The only other program I really heard of that challenged it was called Primavera, I think BHP were using it for the same function that is major plant outages and shutdowns and maybe weekly planning I think.

Project is like all other MS software it is really good is some respects and absolute crap at others, it made me really pedantic in the way you add information as it can really bite you in the arse later on.

I completed a Project Management course but cant for the life remember who it was with, i will have a look tonight and let you know! But i know that AIM run courses:
http://www.aim.com.au/training/cours...ndamentals.htm

[tragic]

Have used MS Project for almost all projects I've been in. It's fine until you want to reschedule, but that's where the all the problems start, anyway. As sandgroper said, it is pedantic about the information you enter, and the more detailed the information being put in, the better the information put out, but the more complex re-planning becomes.
MS Project can talk to other applications like Excel, so that's a plus.
I think BHP are still using Primavera?

[GIGS20]

Haven't used it, but if it's like any other MS Application it will allow file links and embedded files that have been created in other microsoft products. You might find it fussy about filetypes with images, audio and videos

[Darren]

will you be the sole project manager or will it be a collaborative thing?

either way - project is widely used - Given so many people are using it, it must have something to offer.

[Burgs]

In the first instance I imagine I will be the sole "inputer" with others getting the reports, either with access or I imagine a fairly comprehensive reporting function.
If it grows to include others inputing then I would still be the Project Manager.
It would seem by other reports and what is here that it is like most Microsoft stuff, better than most across the board with some flaws that others may excel in.
A real plus would be the ability to use Google Earth in concert with it, if that was possible, as we are talking about landscape scale projects that may cover an area 5kms by 20kms etc.

[blueandblack]

I've never used any but MS is coming out with a 2010 version of Project. Not sure when but probably close to the same time the new version of windows comes out, which is this month.

I would have thought closer to Office 2010, since it is associated/almost tied-in.

As for original question, you could try Visio (which is also now owned by MS).

[brokendown gunfighter]

going to use google earth to track your cattle Burgs??

[Burgs]

Actually can be done already bg, though still a tad expensive for me!

[Ethel18]

A good MS Project alternative would be OpenProj. It works like MS Project and you can even MS Project files with this application. Other than OpenProj, you can check more alternatives here: http://www.timedoctor.com/blog/2011/...e-alternatives It has a spreadsheet which has a list of the various project management software with features compared at each other. This will help you choose the best software for your team.

[Drake5]

You can also try to use Latitude. MS Project files can be exported to Latitude so it's easy if you migrate to Latitude from MS Project.

Latitude can do project management functionality, create tasks, invoices and generate reports of timesheets, projects, etc.