Remote work offers lots of new opportunities and flexibility — but it also comes with a unique set of challenges. The community and collaboration in an office can’t always be replicated in the virtual space, so it is necessary to have software that makes remote working just a little bit easier. Luckily, project management software has been adapting quickly to make sure that the teams switching over to remote offices can connect again with ease.
Wrike is a project management software made for remote teams to easily collaborate virtually. Through Wrike, teams can manage projects, create tasks, track deadlines, and improve their workflow process. The software also allows you to create graphs to accurately track time and project progress. In Wrike, you have the ability to track your team’s bandwidth to make sure they aren’t overworking themselves. It’s also customizable to each user so everyone can create a workspace that caters to their workflow.
However, Wrike may not be for everyone because of how complex it can be. It is costly to access all of the features, and its customization also leads to Wrike being a little more difficult to onboard and adopt — but never fear. There are several other project management software programs that cater to creative teams.
CROOW
CROOW is the best alternative to Wrike for creative agencies. Developed by creatives, it integrates functionality that you’d usually find split between multiple applications. CROOW is a fully realized project management application that provides task tracking, time tracking, project tracking and more. With calendar and kanban views, you can filter doesn to just your tasks, or check to see how busy a teammate is. CROOW helps remote teams by allowing for asset sharing, approvals both within the agency and to outside clients, and virtual creative brainstorming via wireframes and concepting. If you or a client has a new request for someone at your company, you can submit it directly within CROOW — and easily transform the request into a new project or to-do. Since it’s free to try the tool, and features an easy-to-use interface, the bar for adoption is so low it’d be more of an effort not to give it a try.
Asana
Asana is one of the better-known project management softwares, designed to make remote collaboration easier and cut down on inefficiencies. Asana has both a web and mobile application, allowing users to collaborate from wherever they are located. In Asana, teams are able to upload projects, assign work to teammates, set deadlines for tasks, and chat. Asana lacks the functionality to creatively collaborate via approvals and creative tools, so it’s best suited for traditional enterprise project management.
LiquidPlanner
LiquidPlanner is a Wrike alternative aimed at integrating automation and forecasting into project management. The software can predict how long certain projects will take you based on factors like team vacations and priorities. Because this application is more unique in its functionality, you’ll probably need an expert or two on your team who can champion it. LiquidPlanner is adapting the basic project management software model to make time management a much more accurate process.
RoboHead
RoboHead is a no-nonsense Wrike alternative that allows you to initiate work, assign it, assess the team workload and schedules, and upload and provide feedback on deliverables. One of the more unique features in RoboHead is its customizable metrics dashboard, which can provide updates on campaigns, requests, projects, and tasks. The RoboHead customer care team offers application support 24/7/365, meaning if you run into any issues, there’s someone who can help.
Monday.com
Monday.com is a step up from Wrike and other basic platforms because of its variety of customizable options. The PM basics are all still there: teams are able to see other employee’s tasks and progress. However, Monday.com introduces “building blocks” like integrations, notifications, and file sharing, that users can set up as they see fit. What’s more, users can create their own apps to integrate into Monday.com — so if a functionality your team needs is missing, you can develop it. The biggest drawback of Monday.com is the cost. To be able to access additional features, you’ll need to budget more per month. But if it’s the right fit, you may find the cost is worth it.
