Location:
PMKI > Project
Controls and Scheduling > PM Software and
Tools.
- Project Management Software and Tools
- Scheduling Software and Tools
- CPM and Dynamic
Scheduling Tools
- CPM
Scheduling books and resources
- Barchart,
Gantt Chart & Diagramming Tools
- Line of
Balance and Time/Chainage Tools
- Viewers and Data
Access Tools
- Schedule Quality
& Analysis Tools
- Cost, Estimating &
Earned Value
- Estimating
- Project
Cost Management
- Earned
Value & Earned Schedule
- Risk Management &
Decision Support
- Project
Risk Management
- Schedule
Risk Management Tools
- Decision
Support Tools
- Integrated Portfolio,
Program and Project (PPP) Management Tools
- Team management &
Collaboration software
- Artificial Intelligence
- General project
management software
- Construction /
Engineering management software
- BIM
software (industry page)
Project
management and controls is a discipline that is built
around software. Arguably, the catalyst for the creation
of modern project management was the paradigm shift caused
by the development of CPM and PERT scheduling in the late
1950s (see Origins,
and trends in, modern project management).
Many of the changes and developments in project management
and controls continue to be closely associated with
developments in the software tools we use.
This page lists the various software tools we are aware of, we have not used most of these and make no recommendations as to any particular tools suitability or competitive advantage. The allocation of the tools under the various headings is to an extent arbitrary (many tools have several capabilities), based on our assessment of the software's primary purpose.See above for a linked list of sections and sub-sections.
Art: Is good project management software enough? Maximizing the ROI on investments in PPP software. The need to balance the sophistication of the software with the maturity of the organization buying it.
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
CPM and Dynamic Scheduling Tools
Adrega PI - A project scheduling and control tool designed for project and portfolio management (PPM). A bridge between Adrega PI and Oracle Primavera® P6, gives companies a fully integrated project planning, scheduling and reporting solution: http://www.adrega.no/
ALICE - AI - Leverages AI to speed up the planning process, reduce project schedules, and resolve schedule delays. ALICE leverages the construction knowledge of your project team to explore millions of scheduling possibilities and find an optimized schedule in just minutes: http://www.alicetechnologies.com/
AMS Realtime solution-set with powerful scheduling, earned value management and other functionality including an excellent report writing module and multi resource management to effectively plan and control work, time and resources in real time at project, program and portfolio level: http://www.amsrealtime.com
Aurora - AI - Intelligent scheduling and Critical Chain software that uses advanced mathematical resource-constrained multi-pass algorithms in conjunction with heuristics - Aurora-CCPM is a combination of Aurora™, Stottler Henke’s intelligent planning and scheduling system, with the added power and flexibility of Multi-project Critical Chain Project Management. Stottler Henke delivers software systems to help their customers solve problems that defy traditional approaches, specializing in artificial intelligence products: https://www.stottlerhenke.com/products/aurora/
CASCAD-e - a new time-scaled precedence diagramming (TSPD) planning tool from CASCAD-e Systems. Dr. J. Gordon Davis said "Showing project status on a time-scaled precedence diagram (TSPD) is a very unforgiving process. Behind-schedule activities and out-of-sequence work stand out like a sore thumb. But the recovery opportunities are also apparent." CASCAD-e imports data from most standard scheduling applications: http://www.cascad-e.net
Critical Tools - The tools can be used by
themselves or as an add-on to Microsoft Project: http://www.criticaltools.com
- WBS Chart Pro - plan and display your projects
using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Chart.
- Network Chart Expert, plan and display your
projects using a Precedence Diagram.
ConceptDraw PROJECT - A full-featured project management tool including task and resource management, reporting, and change control. Integration with other ConceptDraw OFFICE products helps improve project management by leveraging the power of mind mapping and data visualization: https://www.conceptdraw.com/products/project-management-software
Deltek Open Plan - Open Plan is an
enterprise-class project management solution that offers
the power and flexibility to complete medium-to-large
and/or multiple projects on time and on budget. : https://www.deltek.com/en/products/project-and-portfolio-management/open-plan
- Training in Australia: Connexion Systems Pty Ltd: https://www.connexion.com.au/
Dia Diagram Editor - FREE - Network diagram drawing tool (structured diagrams) for Windows, Mac and Linux: http://dia-installer.de/
Gantter.com - Manage deadlines by tracking every aspect of a project’s progress. The power of a leading scheduling software with the convenience of the cloud: https://www.gantter.com
Ibex Gantt - Web-based project scheduling with dynamic auto-scheduling and multi-user real-time collaboration (sign-in required): http://www.ibex.software/
InEight Schedule - AI - Streamlines the delivery of realistic project plans quickly by using artificial intelligence that provides smart suggestions based on your organization’s historical project knowledge and human intelligence to easily validate project plans through team member feedback: https://ineight.com/solutions/project-planning-scheduling/
jxProject - FREE - A free scheduling tool with resource optimization and durations down to minutes: http://www.jxproject.com/
Logic+ - Uses logic, plus 28 other attributes, for faster, more accurate insights, transcending conventional project management software. Import files from various project management software applications including Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and Asta. for enhanced connectivity, dispute resolution, delay analysis and claims: https://www.lewiswoolcott.com/logic-plus-critical-path-analysis/
Merlin Project: Project management software for Mac OS X and iOS/iPadOS: https://www.projectwizards.net/en/merlin-project
Micro Planner X-Pert - Micro Planning International. X-Pert supports Activity-on-Arrow (ADM) and Precedence (PDM) networking. The tool offers sophisticated resource analysis, progress tracking and Earned Value capabilities via a user friendly graphical interface: http://www.microplanning.io
Microsoft Project - The ubiquitous project management tool found in every office. Project for the Web is includes most of the functionality you might need as an informal projects manager, such as event planning, task assignment, dependencies and an overall view of progress. Additional features through Project Online provide more reporting capabilities and automation can be applied. https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/microsoft-365/project/compare-microsoft-project-management-software.
NetPoint™ - PMA Technologies' intuitive Graphical Planning Method™ (GPM) application that provides an activity network-based process for simplified and collaborative planning and scheduling to give clarity to all stakeholders by creating an effective communication tool: https://pmatechnologies.com/
OFFOLIO - AI - SaaS technology automates the generation of planning data (production & projects) covering the end-to-end process (from automation of initial scenarios, to project data learning from execution): https://www.offolio.com/
Open Workbench - FREE
- A free, mature, open source scheduling tool:
https://open-workbench.en.softonic.com/
Oracle's Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio
Management - provides a range of software for every
aspect of project management including project planning
and scheduling, risk analysis, contract administration:
https://www.oracle.com/au/applications/primavera/products/project-portfolio-management/
Oracle's Primavera Cloud - Connect owners and
delivery teams to shared planning, scheduling, resources,
and risk management: https://www.oracle.com/vn/construction-engineering/primavera-cloud-project-management/
- Support in Australia, Prescience Technology:
https://www.prescience.com.au/managed-services/primavera/
OVERGantt - See OverView.
OverView - Combines the best attributes of whiteboards, bar charts, swim lanes, and network diagrams into a navigable project flow diagram using the concept of end-first (or right-to-left) development of a project plan with visual representations of project tasks, resources and a critical path: https://overvue.vision/
Phoenix Project Manager - Simple and feature rich critical path method (CPM) scheduling system with high quality graphics and network diagrams: https://www.phoenixcpm.com/
PROJECT in a box - FREE - A comprehensive project planning tool anyone can use: http://www.projectinabox.org.uk/planner/
ProjectLibre - The open source replacement of Microsoft Project (formally OpenProj). Desktop and cloud versions: http://www.projectlibre.org/
RationalPlan - A range of project scheduling tools incorporating dynamic Gantt charts, timesheets, critical path management, work-driven tasks and more. Free viewer, single and multi project versions: https://www.rationalplan.com
Safran Project - Enterprise project and risk management, including scheduling, risk analysis, cost management and a separate reporting system in a single desktop client: https://www.safran.com/
Spider Project - Integrated scope,
schedule, cost, resource, and risk management software for
projects, programs and portfolios. Spider uses a
multi-pass approach to optimize resource leveling: http://www.spiderproject.com/
TimeCostCurves.com A sophisticated scheduling
engine that buys you time and solves the time / cost
problem by calculating the time-cost curve for a project
allowing you to either adjust the overall project duration
to minimize the total cost, or identify the cost needed to
accelerate completion: https://timecostcurves.com/
Note: This idea was part of the original
development of CPM in 1957 -
click through to see
more on the history.
Tom's Planner - AI - An AI Assisted tool that generates complete project plans based on a short project description within a minute. And using the same AI, you can further expand and tweak the plan to your liking: https://www.tomsplanner.com/
Viziya WorkAlign Scheduler - Uses an asset-centric approach to maintenance planning and scheduling to enhance each step in the work management process based on asset criticality: https://www.viziya.com/products/scheduler/
Work
Performance Management. The Easy
WPM Workbook is a simple spreadsheet
that performs the calculations needed to apply WPM to
normal projects. It is recommended for use on Agile and
Distributed projects, as well as straightforward
engineering projects up to $20 million and other projects
up to $10 million. See more on
WPM.
Click through to see more on developing an effective schedule.
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
Schedule Training and Support Resources
Eastwood Harris - Primavera and Microsoft training books: https://www.eh.com.au/
Easy CPM is designed to work with any competent CPM scheduling software.
Easy CPM is
a course-in-a-book that provides practical training and
guidance to individuals and organizations involved in
developing or using CPM schedules based on the Critical
Path Method (CPM). It is designed to act as both a
reference, and practice guide, for people implementing CPM
scheduling after they have learned to use the CPM
scheduling software of their choice.
See more, free preview and buy ($35, immediate download).
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
Barchart, Gantt Chart & Diagramming Tools
Aphex
- FREE (starter)
- A multiplayer / multi-level scheduling software
for construction (and other) project delivery teams with
powerful reporting, Power BI integration, and the Aphex
Field app: https://www.aphex.co/
BigGantt - a project management app for Jira
includes a Gantt chart, and work breakdown structure: https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/
1213016/biggantt-gantt-chart-for-jira
ClickUp Gantt - FREE An online Gantt chart embedded within a complex team management app: https://clickup.com/teams/project-management
Creately - FREE (first 5 Diagrams) - More than 50 types of diagrams including networks, barcharts, quality charts, etc. Web-based real-time collaboration, plus plugins/integration with a wide range of tools: https://creately.com
GamePlan - Visual planning work space. You simply draw the project workflow, GamePlan automatically creates a Gantt chart that shows the resource-leveled project schedule. Tracking keeps your Gantt chart up to date: https://www.gameplan.global/
GanttPRO - Online project management solution based on interactive Gantt charts for planning and controlling multiple projects at once: https://ganttpro.com/
GanttProject - FREE - A free tool for drawing bar charts, flexible open source application: https://www.ganttproject.biz/
Gliffy - FREE - online tools for creating network diagrams(free version is limited): https://www.gliffy.com/
inTakt - A location based detailed planning tool that plans trade work by location (eg floor) and the by area (eg, room): https://www.intakt.app/
L.O.S.T. - Line of sight technology, a simple template that makes Project Management quick and easy: https://lostechnology.sellfy.store/
Mermaid - FREE - AI - Text-based diagramming app to simplify creating a wide range of charts and diagrams from markdown-style code: Flowchart, Sequence Diagram, Entity Relationship Diagram, User Journey, Gantt, Pie Chart, Requirement Diagram, Mindmap, Timeline, and more: https://www.mermaidchart.com/
Milestones Professional - Build schedules using a huge assortment of presentation-ready bars and symbols: https://kidasa.com/
MindMaster - A versatile and user-friendly mind mapping tool from Edraw that can work on multi-platforms: https://www.edrawsoft.com/en/mindmaster/
MindView - Mind mapping software that allows you to visually brainstorm, organize and create WBS Diagrams, Bar Charts and project time-lines: https://www.matchware.com/
Office TIMELINE - Intuitive add-in to PowerPoint that makes timelines and Gantt charts using imported data from Microsoft Project and Excel: https://www.officetimeline.com
OnePager - Build standardized (or customized), PowerPoint-ready project presentations including Gantt charts and timelines, from Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Planisware, Wrike, Asana, Excel, and more: https://www.onepager.com/
Plannex Excel tool - FREE - Excel file that enhances the visibility of the schedule in excel by coloring and grouping the WBS and the activity as you can see in primavera: https://plannexcg.com/plannex-tool/
SmartDraw - a diagramming tool used to make flowcharts, organization charts, mind maps, project charts, and other business visuals: https://www.smartdraw.com/
vPlanner - Offers a series of modules that offer
the most comprehensive support for advanced production
management, takt planning, and best-in-class
workflow-driven integration with conventional CPM
scheduling systems: https://vplannerapp.io/
Click through to see more on the origins of bar charts.
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
Line of Balance and Time/Chainage Tools
LBMS: Location-Based Management Solutions. The principle of location-based management in construction (LoB) provides improved planning, scheduling and control of projects by using units of location to manage complex project information: http://www.lbms.com.au/
MAGNET Project - (previously DynaRoad) A tool
specifically designed for earthworks projects featuring
mass haul optimization, advanced resource based
scheduling, and site monitoring: https://www.topconpositioning.com/gb/magnet-software-suite
Australian support see: https://www.positionpartners.com.au/
Tilos - Trimble Tilos is a Linear Scheduling
Methodology (LSM) software for time-location planning, a
fully compatible CPM linear schedule solution :
https://constructionsoftware.trimble.com/products/tilos/
Turbo Chart - Generates Time location charts using your existing schedule by including location and display coding to your activities. Works with Primavera, MS Project, Safran, Asta Powerproject, and any spreadsheet ready data. 14 day free trial: http://www.turbo-chart.com/
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
Viewers and Data Access Tools
Microsoft Power BI - an interactive data visualization software product with a primary focus on business intelligence. Create project dashboards and other visualizations: https://powerbi.microsoft.com/
Phase Manager - a unique software tool that can create a phase document directly from your existing documentation: https://www.petroglyphprojects.com/phase-manager-phase-documentation-software/ and https://www.phasemanager.com/en/
Portfolio Project - from Portfolio Planner; reads project schedules in various formats and combines them into one barchart. Predecessors and successors can be traced: https://www.portfolio-planner.eu/
ProjectControls.online - Import MSP or P6 files to receive Excel based reports for, single schedule analysis, comparison analysis and ENTERPRISE cashflow, and performance reports: https://projectcontrols.online
Project Watch - System data and analytics for Oracle Primavera systems administrators: http://scheduleanalyzer.com/pwatch_brochure.htm
Schedule Prospector - FREE
- Tool for Primavera P6 schedules in XER file format, to
automate tedious and repetitive tasks such as scheduling
health assessments, diagnostics, and auto-generated
dashboards. Convert XER files to Excel spreadsheets for
import to Power BI and other tools: https://www.scheduleprospector.com/
ScheduleReader - Low cost viewer for XER, XML & XLS schedules: https://www.schedulereader.com/
ScheduleCleaner - A desktop application that removes or anonymize data deemed confidential within P6 .XER project files: https://schedulecleaner.com/
SiteWalker - Export a .xer file from Primavera P6
and load into SiteWalker to give access to your entire
team. View the schedule or a unique map interface on any
device. Update status, add notes, and prove it with
pictures. Save time by importing updates back into
Primavera P6 seamlessly with an .xer file: https://get.sitewalkerapp.com.
Steelray - Viewers for Primavera and MS Project, schedule analysis, and exporter to UN/CEFACT XML and IPMR2: https://www.steelray.com
TimeCostCurves.com - An extension to Microsoft
Project that solves the time-cost problem calculating the
optimum time for the lowest overall project cost (Free
trial version available).
The MS Project file contains three extension Apps:
- a_TCC to produce the TimeCostCurve Chart
- b_AOA to produce an Activity-On-Arrow Chart
- c_3D to produce a Project Model Animation with
time
https://timecostcurves.com/
XER Schedule Toolkit - A cloud based all-in-one, third party toolkit that allows planners, schedulers and the wider project team to view, analyze and share Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and Asta Powerproject files: https://xertoolkit.com/
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
Schedule Quality & Analysis Tools
BOV - Built On Vision enhances your existing Oracle Primavera or Microsoft Project software, to analyze, forcast and report on quality, modules include cost, resource, and schedule: https://www.builtonvision.com/
Chrono™ - A MS Project add-in that provides an all-in-one integrated system for integrated master schedule development including an automated DCMA 14 point scorecard, schedule risk analysis, and earned schedule management: https://rtconfidence.com/
CPM Schedule Analyzer - A powerful tool designed to help project managers assess their schedules, including Schedule Comparison, Schedule Analysis, Progress Analysis, Logic Reports, Lookahead Schedules, and Critical Activities / Longest Path. Developed by IPB Tech Solutions LLC: https://ipbtechsolutions.com/
Deltek Acumen Fuse - Provides the analysis and benchmarking necessary to comply with government and industry standards: https://www.deltek.com/en-au/products/project-and-portfolio-management/acumen/modules/acumen-fuse
nPlan Schedule Integrity Checker - AI - Part of the nPlan data-driven schedule risk analysis and assurance suite. nPlan's AI forecasts project outcomes using historical data, making risk assurance easier, faster, and more reliable by using machine learning to analyze the schedule and predict outcomes: https://www.nplan.io/
ProjectCleaner - A desktop application that removes or anonymize data deemed confidential within .MPP project files: https://schedulecleaner.co
ProjectPro - Add-ins to MS Project: https://projectprocorp.com/collections/software
- PathsPro finds the Resource-Critical
Path in a resource-constrained schedule, and if the
Critical Paths
in your schedules are incomplete or
incomprehensible.
- Forecast Scheduling App automates 65 of
the 86 checks from the textbook Forecast Scheduling
with
Microsoft Project and can
also perform the 14-point checklist from DCMA.
Schedule Analyzer™ & eForensic - A complete set of tools to assist the professional Scheduler and Claims Analyst in performing their job: http://scheduleanalyzer.com/index.htm
Schedule Cracker - Analyzes and assesses Primavera
and MS Project schedules, detects scheduling anomalies,
compares schedules for changes, identifies project trends,
and checks compliance with standard assessment
requirements: https://schedulecracker.com/
Also Claim Cracker, designed to be an owner's
advocate, especially government agencies, to help protect
against false delay claims.
Schedule Inspector™ - An add-in to Microsoft Project® (2007 and above). It analyzes project schedules based on DCMA and AACE 57R-09 best practice metrics and quickly highlights any potential issues: https://www.barbecana.com/schedule-inspector/
Schedule MD™ - Analyze P6 (.xer) and NetPoint files to improve results based on compliance with PMA’s Core Traits of a Reliable Schedule protocol and the DCMA 14-Point Assessment: https://pmatechnologies.com/schedule-md/
Schedule Validator- Schedule validation and analytics for the construction industry. The Enterprise Dashboard summarizes project status across your organization. See which projects are slipping or have Critical Path slippage.: https://www.schedulevalidator.com/
ScheduleReader - DCMA14 Schedule Assessment
included in the 'viewer' with fourteen metrics calculated
in the report: https://www.schedulereader.com/
SmartPM™ - Analyzes P6 and MS Project schedule files, assesses schedule quality, integrity, critical path delay causes, compression, and feasibility – in addition to forecasting realistic completion dates: https://smartpmtech.com/
Steelray Project Analyzer - Will evaluate your project schedule for quality and performance in minutes and produce understandable results: https://www.steelray.com/ProjectAnalyzer/Analyzer.php
Click through to see more on Schedule Quality.
Key:
-
AI -
The application includes some elements of
Artificial Intelligence, click
to see more.
- FREE - Some
options are free for a period of time (some tools are
completely free)
