Are Scheduling Tools and ERP Systems Good Enough for Managing Your Projects

“Good Enough” Tools Won’t Deliver Great Project Outcomes

When it comes to project management, having the right tools can mean the difference between success and failure. So, while it may be tempting to stick with well-worn tools that were “good enough” to get the job done in the past, you could be missing the opportunity to deliver exceptional project outcomes.

The complexities of modern projects demand more than just “good enough”. Take the example of a project manager who is using Scheduling tools and ERP systems for finance and resource management. Effective project management requires seamless integration, comprehensive data visibility and real-time insights capabilities. The truth is that traditional, disjointed Scheduling tools and ERP systems  setups often fall short of delivering all of these.

Why Scheduling tools and ERP systems Alone Aren't Enough

Scheduling tools and ERP systems offer many benefits like detailed scheduling and financial and resource management. However, these tools often operate in silos, leading to several challenges such as disconnected information, inefficiency due to manual reconciliation, and low visibility and insight to project status.

The end result is likely to be a project that runs over budget and schedule, with the potential for significant financial losses.

Excel Challenges

Meanwhile, Excel is popular with many project teams to manage a range of processes, such as portfolio management, cost estimation, change management, contracts, risk management, resource allocation and field reporting.

This presents its own set of challenges. Excel spreadsheets typically operate independently of scheduling and ERP systems, leading to a further disjointed and inefficient project control process. 
For projects to run smoothly, it’s crucial to integrate all these processes in a single platform. Project managers will have a holistic view of the project, which unlocks the ability to make better decisions in real-time. 

A Better Choice for Project Management and Control

The good news is that there is a better solution for project management and control - one that will take project outcomes from “good enough” to “great”.

EcoSys™ is the game-changing solution that bridges these gaps, ensuring enhanced productivity, predictability and profitability. It’s the solution of choice for leading project managers. If you’re using Scheduling tools and ERP systems as part of your solution ecosystem, you can even integrate them into a unified platform. 

 
The Five Benefits of Integration

There are five main benefits of integrating EcoSys with your existing tools:

1. Streamlined, Accurate Data
   A connected ecosystem will eliminate data silos and ensure a seamless flow of information across all phases of the project. Automatic updates ensure that all data is current and accurate, reducing the risk of errors.
2. Enhanced Visibility into Project Performance
   Gain comprehensive insight into your project’s progress by managing schedules, estimates, costs, risks, resources, contracts, and documents all from a single, unified platform.
3. Better Productivity and Efficiency
   EcoSys bridges the gaps between Scheduling tools and ERP systems to enhance productivity and efficiency. Automated workflows reduce manual tasks and streamline processes, which creates more time for critical project activities. You’ll also be able to allocate resources effectively by having a comprehensive view of availability and project demands.
4. Proactive Risk Identification and Mitigation
   EcoSys leverages integrated data to provide powerful analytics and predictive insights, covering all aspects of project performance. This is crucial for proactive project management. You’ll foresee potential issues and risks before they happen, allowing for timely intervention and mitigation to avoid overruns.
5. Improved Financial Management and Profitability
   EcoSys enhances financial management by integrating cost data from ERP systems with project schedules and budgets. Integrated financial and scheduling data will help you develop precise budgets and forecasts. Monitor expenditures in real-time and manage cost variances effectively to stay within budget.

Moving From “Good Enough” to “Great”

If you’re not happy to settle for “good enough” project outcomes, there is a better way. Integration between EcoSys and your existing scheduling and ERP systems will drive productivity, predictability and profitability on your projects like never before.  

EcoSys is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to transform the way you plan and manage your projects. Manage every phase of your project from conceptualization to completion within one system.

Don’t settle for good enough when you can have the best. Find out more about Hexagon’s Enterprise Project Performance solutions.