Every business needs to be flexible and Agile in order to keep up with the fast-changing market conditions. They should be prepared to make changes to meet the growing demands and have a structured plan that outlines the processes. In order to make sure critical initiatives are taken on time and within the set budget teams need to assign responsibilities. These are the challenges addressed by Agile methodologies and are gaining popularity in every industry. Kanban software is one way to get a fresh perspective on an existing concept. It becomes easier to implement Agile methodology and promote agility with these tools.
What is Kanban
Kanban is a project workflow that is designed to help manage projects or relevant tasks in an efficient manner. Users can focus on one task at a time through the system. It was developed by a Japanese industrial engineer working at the Toyota manufacturing plant. Kanban helps improve efficiency and eliminates the time spent by team members switching from one task to the next.
This article lists some of the best Kanban project management software options in the market.
Trello
Trello is an online Kanban software that was created for project management. It is a popular web-based tool used to organize projects using Kanban boards. The interface is a basic Kanban board that helps users visualize their tasks and action items. Trello is known for having a simple interface and can be used for personal organization too. The basic version is free but growing businesses can upgrade to the paid subscription for advanced features and security. The Kanban board usually divides tasks into three columns i.e. “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Complete”.
Teams can use it to track all processes and move cards to different columns according to their status. Trello boards use lists and cards as building blocks for organizing work. It is easy to manage every single task and track them across different teams. Users can add descriptions, checklists, due dates, attachments, and comments to each card.
Trello makes real-time collaboration possible and helps team members visualize simple or complex processes. This Kanban software pricing is appropriate for a small team with a few projects but is not recommended for larger corporations. It has limited features which can make it difficult to manage complex projects.
Pros
- Web-based app which is lightweight and easily accessible
- Easy to use with a simple interface
- Efficient task management with Kanban boards
- Integrates with several other software and apps
Cons
- Lack of professional features for project management
- Basic analytics tool
- Cannot support larger tasks
Asana
Asana project management software is a flexible solution created to help teams manage tasks and simplify workflows. It has a web and mobile app version that facilitates collaboration on multiple projects. The Kanban software uses boards to track the status of each action item. It provides in-depth visibility into each aspect of the project with the help of columns. Each column represents a different phase and tasks can be sorted according to their priority level.
It is easier to customize the Kanban board according to the team and their specifications. There is also a timeline option which makes it convenient to plan every piece of the puzzle. Simplified workflows are possible with the automation options and the drag and drop function makes it easier to move tasks between different stages. Asana has time management and productivity functions that help streamline requests.
The team can monitor updates in real-time and get alerts on the task assignment date. Making revisions is also possible on this flexible Kanban project management software. However, it does not allow users to assign the same task to multiple people. Asana is designed to increase transparency and accountability across all organizations. It is the best option for simpler projects but can be harder to scale for bigger tasks.
Pros
- Simplified tracking of tasks
- Automate recurring tasks
- Synchronize data across all devices
Cons
- No option for time tracking and external integration is required
Monday.com
Monday.com is an intuitive Kanban software option for work automation. It has a table-based interface with useful features that support displaying work in a list view. There are ways to attach multiple files and add comments to each task as well. It has a simplified board that can be customized to add multiple columns and workflows. There are options to add different rows and define them according to the task priority, status, and assignment.
There are several task management features with customization options for the user’s convenience. They can add frequently asked questions and answers to the task as well. It also allows users to list reasons for working on a task which helps them focus on goals.
Pros
- Kanban software with customizable boards
- Automated alerts and notifications
- Timesheets and tracking
- Can be synchronized across all desktop, laptop, and mobile devices
Cons
- Basic Kanban view does not include any advanced features
- No option to view task dependencies
Wrike
Wrike is a robust project management tool that is used to streamline internal project tasks. It helps improve collaboration between different team members and offers a greater degree of flexibility. The Kanban software pricing is focused on project management and is not only used for project management purpose. Different departments and organizations can rely on it for support because it helps visualize tasks with its simple interface.
The user view can be customized by adding different columns and filters. This software is useful for less technically proficient users and provides features for innovation.
Pros
- Ability to manage small or large projects
- Quick and easy to learn
- Simple task management in the form of to-do lists
Cons
- Limited views for Kanban board
- Complicated for individual users
Conclusion
Handling tasks without proper planning or technology can be detrimental to productivity. Kanban software can help teams of all sizes manage projects and organize their tasks. It can be used as a standalone tool or integrated with other applications for wider use. The system can help implement any type of work or task management strategy which means tasks are easier to empower.
