Top 10 task management tools.

Task management tools

What is Task Management?

The process of tracking the tasks for your project at each stage, from planning to completion, is known as task management. With the effective completion of your task milestone s as your ultimate aim, this entails actively making decisions for your tasks to account for changes that may occur in real-time. The proper management of a task’s budget, time, scope, resources, recurrence, and other factors is another part of project task management.

In task management, a person or team leader monitors a task throughout its life cycle and makes decisions depending on the development. Utilizing features like task creation, planning and assignment, tracking, and reporting, software solutions are used to efficiently organize and manage work.

The generated reports let management assess the general effectiveness of a person, department, or organization.

How to manage tasks

According to 37% of executive leaders who participated in PMI’s 2017 Global Project Management survey, “a lack of clearly defined objectives and milestones to monitor progress” and “a lack of discipline when implementing strategy” were the main reasons why projects in their firm failed. Here are some crucial task management practices to keep in mind in light of this study:

• Prioritization: The most crucial component of task management is prioritization, regardless of the task management tool you choose, be it a straightforward to-do list or a sophisticated project task management platform. This aids in effectively accomplishing all associated tasks while upholding the intended restrictions.
• Milestone Tracking: The results of this study also demonstrate that setting clear goals is crucial to finishing a job successfully. Although an end goal is not required for task management, setting milestones encourages teams to complete work successfully.
• Schedule management: Making sure your assignment is finished on schedule will affect how well the project is going in general. The key in this case is determining the appropriate time frame by calculating the effort required.
• Resource Allocation: The next step in ensuring efficient task management is optimal resource management. Assign the appropriate skill and quantity of resources in accordance with the budget and timeline to complete the work.
• Collaboration: Collaboration is essential for all of the aforementioned phases. While working in teams typically results in more work being completed, maintaining team cohesion can be challenging. You can keep your team linked by using task management software for teams.

Why is task management important?

Task management makes work flow easier in many ways. Some of these ways are:

• It makes one’s work efficient: Disinterest is frequently the root of inefficiencies. The use of the appropriate resources at the appropriate time is ensured by task management concepts, which significantly increase productivity. Giving team members duties and responsibilities that complement their skills and passions falls under this category.
• It brings focus to one’s job: All of your tasks, whether you work alone or for a company, are completed with a specific objective in mind. However, we frequently take actions that divert attention from or are ineffective in achieving this. Your job will be more goal-focused if you approach all of your work items in a systematic manner.
• It organizes one’s work style: The ability to focus solely on one task at a time isn’t always attainable. However, juggling numerous tasks at once might lead to chaos. Getting your duties organized in a way that streamlines your workflow will go a long way toward increasing your efficiency and achieving your goal.

Implementing task management.

There are two approaches to this namely tools approach and technique approach and these two systems of approach must work hand in hand to actually make the management of a team’s tasks successful. Firstly we are going to look at the tools aspect and then the technique aspect. Hop in and lets go for a ride!

Implementation of task management tools.

Firstly, what are task management tools?

Task management tools are software used to keep track of individual, team, or shared tasks. The tools might be standalone, LAN-based, or web-based software programs that are either free or expensive. The size and capabilities of the tools depend on the task’s requirements, as well as whether they are being used by an individual, a small or medium-sized firm, or an organization for task management.

Features of task management tools.

The basic features of a task management tool includes:

• Creating tasks and subtasks, assigning and reassigning tasks, setting priorities, sharing tasks, etc.
• Calendar
• Creation of notifications and reports
• Mobile compatibility, system integration, and chat systems
• Sorting
•  Access control and security

How is task management implemented with these tools

There are many tools you can use to manage chores, such as:

Simple check lists and to-do lists

Making straightforward lists to handle duties never goes out of style, from grocery shopping to arranging a stylish wedding.

Kanban panels

These boards are straightforward but powerful because they look good and are simple to use. It’s nearly as cathartic to move a task from “In process” to “Done” as crossing it off a list.

Calendars

Without at least one reminder for that task you failed to do the previous week, what is a day? Reminders with deadlines can be added to your calendar to help you manage your time.

Software

If you take the time to set up your tasks here, you’ll benefit from smart resources, reminders, and reports regardless of whether you utilize cloud or on-premise software.

The technique approach.

There are a lot of things to keep in mind while putting your task management system into practice, in addition to the tools you employ you should:

The art of stating “no” subtly

Study it. Put it to use. Tell anything that won’t support your aim to say it.

Watch out for killers

You will become distracted by time wasters or productivity drainers.

Planning

Always remember to plan ahead and set aside time for your regular tasks.

Make sure your plate is balanced.

assign tasks. Even if you strive for excellence, trying to handle everything on your own would only lead to failure.

Do it right now.

Things that can be completed today should be. Multitasking results from procrastination, and it’s not good.

Go on a break

Since nobody can work nonstop, it’s a good idea to prioritize regular breaks. Taking intentional, regular breaks can help you return to work with renewed zest because interruptions are inevitable throughout the day.

The power of thought

Put an end to fretting about things you cannot control. Make some place in your plans for the unforeseen, but otherwise don’t let it interfere with your work

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Things to look out for when acquiring task management tools.

• Task Monitoring: By establishing an hourly budget, you can easily keep track of the status of each task after it has been assigned.
• View your tasks in a variety of ways, including the Kanban, Gantt, Form, List, and Calendar.
• Use pre-made project templates rather than manually entering tasks one at a time.
• Flexibility: Apply the tool to a range of use scenarios and keep track of all your challenging jobs.
• Full Integrations: Ability to integrate with a number of applications, including Salesforce, Slack, Google Calendar, and Zapier.
• Ease of Use: Easily suited for teams that use code and those that don’t.
• Product updates on a regular basis: frequent bug fixes, service updates, and user comments

Now that we have the basic knowledge of what task management is about, we know tools can be used, we know our mind also needs to be focused, it’s time to talk about the best tools that can be used to implement task management into our daily routine individually or as a team. Without further delays let’s look  into:

Top 10 tasks management tools.

In this rundown we are going to be looking at the tools from the least to the best. Put on your suits and let’s  begin the journey of task management together!

10.  Monday.com

The colored rows on the Monday.com boards can indicate anything from a job to a campaign or lead. The essential components of task management are represented by certain columns in each row: users, hourly budgets, time tracking, and dependencies. You can modify boards and make unique templates with this award-winning, user-friendly project management tool to fit your company’s procedures.

Complex workflows can also be automated using automation rules and a wide range of connections.

Why is it on this list?

One of the top task management applications on our list is Monday.com, and here’s why:

The visual, user-friendly layouts emphasized by this task tracker software make it easier to understand how to complete many jobs in order and to monitor project progress. Its interface, which is highly customizable, resembles a spreadsheet. Even so, it contains extra components that enhance its interactivity and aesthetic appeal.

With Monday, you can manage your resources, generate countless tasks and high-level project roadmaps quickly, among other business-related duties. Threaded comments, mentions, and other task-tracking technologies make it simple to manage the collaborative process.

Pricing

• Individual plan: $0 Free Forever (Up to 2 seats)
• Basic plan: $6 per seat, every month (paid annually for a total of $18 per month).
• Standard plan: $10 per seat, every month (paid annually for a total of $30 per month).
• Pro plan: $22 per seat, every month (paid annually at $66 per month)
• Enterprise plan: Get in touch with sales to find out the precise cost of all enterprise-level features.

Pro

• enticing user interface
• promotes accountability and transparency
• tools that make project visualization easy
• advanced analytics and reporting
• Activity scheduling
• tracking multiple assignments

Cons

• big teams are expensive to manage
• Lack of time-tracking functionality
• Limited Reporting Features

9. Smartsheet

Organizations of all sizes may manage their projects, task management, crowdsourcing, reporting, and much more with the help of the user-friendly web-based task management tool known as Smartsheet

The program has basic features like assigning tasks, subtasks, and activities and resembles a spreadsheet-style task management tool. Smartsheet features collaboratively shared files and comments, visual timelines, workflow automation, and spreadsheet capabilities.

Why is it on this list?

It is a task management tool that runs in the cloud and can be connected to Google Apps, Salesforce, Dropbox, and other services.

Pricing

• Pro plan: $7 per month per user
• Business plan: $25 per month per user
• Enterprise plan: For additional information on this plan, get in touch with the Smartsheet sales team.

Pros

• administrative dashboard
• Easy collaboration with team members
• deployment of a secure platform
• pleasant user interface

Cons

• Limited calendar view
• No time tracking functionality
• The free version’s features are restricted.

8. Tasklog

Another cloud-based task management tool on our list, Tasklog keeps track of both your time and money. This program is a great resource for independent contractors or businesses that use remote workers that wish to increase efficiency by prioritizing and managing their workflow.

A fantastic way to aid with attention is the advanced time function called Pomodoro that this task tracker application offers.

Why is it on this list?

One of Tasklog’s most useful tools is the Pomodoro technique, which divides work into timed intervals.

It is possible to prioritize activities, assign projects to team members, and keep track of staff productivity. Users can monitor their progress and analyze reports using the Tasklog dashboard.

It’s also one of the  cheapest out there with value for money.

Pricing

Tasklog offers a 30-day free trial and an one flat rate for everything: 20 dollars a month

Pros

• Interactive dashboard
• convenient timers
• Access to report and history
• Flexible time restrictions
• Integration of Pomodoro and timers

Cons

• Limited availability for larger teams
•  Absence of third-party integrations

7. Todoist

With a straightforward user interface and a well-known to-do list tool, Todoist, you may manage tasks for various projects.

You can share your task lists with others and assign them tasks to help keep them more organized. Labels and priority features tags are also beneficial. You may add tasks to the app and immediately distribute them to your team members. You may access all the crucial information about a task, including the work title, due date, and subtasks, in the task view as well.

Why is it on this list?

Because Todoist works with macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS, your team can use it from any location.

On their website, you can also complete a survey called “productivity goals” to see which features would be most useful to you. Because Todoist works with macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS, your team can use it from any location.

On their website, you can also complete a survey called “productivity goals” to see which features would be most useful to you.

Pricing

• Free plan: $0 for starters with 5 active projects
• Pro plan: $3 for power users
• Business plan: $5 for teams

Pros

• Instantaneous notifications
• seamless integration with third parties
• Complete task history and records
• Simple task tracking with a graph of productivity

Cons

• limited to overseeing difficult activities or initiatives
• Advanced tools like Gantt charts and online file proofreading are absent.

6. Hive

Hive is a project and process management application that can be used by teams of any size. You can invite outside people to collaborate, share files, assign tasks, and communicate.

Why is it on this list?

To make job planning, execution, and completion faster, this task tracker program includes a number of special functions. Because you can use the app’s productivity and collaboration features as a team, Hive is more beneficial.

To communicate with your peers, you may also immediately add comments to task cards.

Pricing

• The Hive Solo plan is available to individuals and small teams for nothing ever.
• For teams running numerous projects, the Hive Team plan is $12.
• Hive Enterprise: For more information about this program, get in touch with the Hive sales team.

Pros

• various task views
• task adaptability
• prompt communication
• internal templates

Cons

• Inability to monitor the aims
• No comments can be assigned
• Lack of rich text editing
• Costly pricing strategies
• intricate interface

5. Asana

Asana is a terrific choice for people who frequently worry about task organization and achieving deadlines.

Why is it on this list?

You can use Asana to prioritize your project tasks so that your team is aware of which ones should be finished first. You can see your tasks in a variety of ways using the tool, including a List view, a Board view, and a Timeline view.

Asana has been one of the available project management solutions for a while.

Pricing

• Basic plan: $0 Free forever
• Premium plan: $10.99 UDS
• Business plan: $24.99 UDS

Pros

• pleasant user interface
• Broad Integration Facilitates integrations with third-party apps
• Making Gantt charts for projects
• portfolio administration

Cons

• limited export formats
• There are no timekeeping tools.
• restricted communication capabilities
• Too many complicated elements

4. Wrike

Wrike is a digital project management solution that combines a straightforward user interface and user experience with sufficient depth for power users. It allows users to track and coordinate projects.

Why is it on this list?

You can selectively share data with team members using Wrike’s task management system, and you can include customers and contractors as necessary. It is possible to restrict access to tasks for some individuals while allowing it for others.

The Workload view in Wrike allows you to keep a close check on your team’s schedule in real-time.

This program is one of the best ones for task management because of its long list of features.

Pricing

• Free plan: $0 suitable for 1–5 users
• Professional plan: $9.80 per user/ month, suitable for 5–200 users
• Business plan: $24.80 per user/month, suitable for 5–200 users

Pros

• Adaptable dashboard
• Dynamic Gantt charts
• built-for-purpose templates
• specific request forms
• Project reports and real-time updates
• Prioritize your work.

Cons

• complex handling of calendar views
• ambiguous user interface
• Mobile functionality is lacking

3. Airtable

Airtable is a collaboration platform that comes with several project management and task tracking features. You can handle your duties easily because to the interface’s simplicity.

Why is it on this list?

With the scale and versatility of database software and the data manipulation capabilities of spreadsheets, Airtable is a unique type of task management tool.

Gantt charts and other well-known work management tools are included in this program on our list, along with some intriguing new features including image markup, video snippets, URL previews, a JSON editor, and a collaborative whiteboard. In addition, Airtable has more than 150 open-source applications available on GitHub.

Pricing

• Free plan: $0 up to 5 creators or editors
• Plus plan: $10 per seat /month (billed annually)
• Pro plan: $20 per month per seat (billed annually)
• Enterprise plan: For additional information on this plan, get in touch with the Airtable sales team.

Pros

• simple drag-and-drop methods
• highly adaptable
• Calendar format
• Automating and integrating apps is simple to use.

Cons

• Lack of reporting tools
• increasing learning curve
• inadequate communication strategies
• fewer features than competing applications

2. Trello

One of the most significant and widely used Kanban task management platforms is Trello. It comes as no surprise that their calling card is a Kanban board.

Why is it on this list?

Users can organize cards for various tasks using Trello’s Kanban interface just like they would post-it notes. You can use features straight away without any task management software experience thanks to Trello’s simple design.

You may arrange your tasks and oversee projects in real time by using Trello’s well-known cards and boards. To increase productivity, each card may contain labels, checklists, due dates, specialist assignments, comments, links, and files.

Pricing

• Free plan: 10 boards per Workspace and unlimited cards
• Standard plan: $5 USD (Per user per month billed annually)
• Premium plan: $10 USD (Per user per month billed annually)
• Enterprise plan: $17.50 USD for 25 users as a starting price (Per user per month billed annually)

Pros

• User-friendly
• simple group cooperation
• sync in real time
• a board view
• Tableau cards
• Automation with no-code

Cons

• Overwhelming UI
• small storage
• less built-in features
• Not appropriate for bigger teams
• No Gantt chart

1. Basecamp

Basecamp is another online task management tool that enables teams of any size toconsefficiently handle countless projects and challenging jobs.

Why is it on this list?

This program includes a wide range of features, including task assignment, to-do list creation, meeting scheduling, progress tracking, and more. It also provides a mechanism for the client to check the status of the project and a real-time team chat tool.

Basecamp can be combined with other services like Google Drive or Google Calendar for reporting, analysis, and time tracking, just like many of the other services on our list.

Basecamp can handle all of your employees, tasks, files, and documents with ease, regardless of their quantity.

Pricing

• Basecamp Personal: Limited-time free plan for $0
• Basecamp Business: set pricing of $99 per month with an unlimited number of projects

Pros

• pleasant user interface
• uncomplicated job management
• automatic check-in inquiries
• Cross-device integrations
• integrated communication features

Cons

• few possibilities for customisation
• No timekeeping functionality
• No sophisticated analytical tools

Conclusion

Everyone is aware that effective planning, which begins with establishing your business process and continues with finding technologies that can assist you in automating your duties along the way, is the key to efficiency.

The aforementioned list of 10 task management tools makes it clear that there are many options on the market right now that may assist teams and business owners in achieving their objectives.

The easiest way to find the tool that best suits your needs is to first decide how you want to arrange your chores, at which point you may look at the tools that are appropriate for that workflow.

You should make use of any of these tools to guarantee that you complete everything on your to-do list and accurately update others on your progress.