{"id":10071,"date":"2020-06-23T18:45:16","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T18:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/officeotter.org\/?p=10071"},"modified":"2020-11-06T04:21:34","modified_gmt":"2020-11-06T04:21:34","slug":"how-to-pick-a-task-management-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/officeotter.org\/how-to-pick-a-task-management-software\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pick a Task Management Software"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are interested in learning more about how you can use software or an app to manage your tasks and to-do list, you are in the right place!  Here will will be discussing task management software programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Task Management Software?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Task management software is an application built to help you and\/or your team organize tasks and track the status of a task within a project.  This application may be web-based (accessed within your browser), or can be downloaded as an application on your computer or mobile device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, a task management program will allow you to enter a task, provide some context for the task, possibly set a “due date”, and then allow you to mark the task as “complete” when it is done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are hundreds of task management programs, all with the goal of helping you organize your work and life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enterprise Project Management Solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While some task management programs can also be expanded to include large teams and manage multiple projects, some software is specifically designed to support mid- to large-sized businesses.  These programs are project management applications.  They deal with “tasks” and broaden them across teams to allow groups to collaborate and accomplish parts of a whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this article, we are focusing on the solutions that fit the needs of individuals or small teams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Features in a Task Management Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What should you look for in your digital to-do list?  That depends entirely on you, but here are some common features to keep an eye out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organization and Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Something a paper to-do list can’t do: reorganize items.  Many software options allow you to move around tasks, put a task within a certain category, or adjust its placement in a hierarchy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s say you want to clean out your garage.  Creating a task that is: “Clean Out Garage” is both vague and overwhelming.  Try creating the task to clean out the garage, and within it break down all the subtasks you need to accomplish.  These might include: sell sports equipment, move wood pile, return tools to dad, and sweep floor.  By breaking down your tasks, you can work toward the goal, all while knowing what it is for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting Reminders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A task program is no good if you don’t use it, and remember to look at it.  Too often we create “systems” to keep us organized and then never look at them again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t rely on your memory or willpower.  Use a program with a reminder setting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to send an email to your mom after work, but keep forgetting?  Create a task, then set a reminder.  Reminders may be notifications on your phone, or emails.  Whatever will help you remember.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assigning Responsibilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This feature is more useful for teams, but can also be applied to households.  When creating a task, you can choose a “user” to assign the task to – they will be responsible for the task and it will show up in their task list when they sign into the program. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are using the task manager for just yourself, this may not be a necessary feature.  However, if you are a project manager, this tool usually comes accompanied by the ability to filter tasks by an employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing Display of Tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How you look at your tasks can be an important element of choosing a program.  For example, if your tasks are very time-oriented (Task A must be done on Monday, Task B on the third Wednesday, etc.), you may appreciate the ability to view tasks in a calendar format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, you may prefer a long list, in order of due date.  Or by the project.  Changing the display and visual setting of tasks is a helpful feature in a task management program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding Context to Tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tasks may require more information to accomplish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n