Software is usually built for automation – to reduce repetitive manual efforts, increase efficiency and get things done faster. But sometimes usage of multiple software tools in same environment can be counterproductive as well.
Specifically in an enterprise setting, usage of many different software tools to run different processes can lead to reduced efficiency of doing things.
Increased Manual Efforts
Multiple software tools operating with related data often require data transfer within them. Without a direct robust linkage, this has to be done manually.
For example in project management, the schedule data usually resides in a Gantt chart and actual progress of activities is captured in excel sheets or other tools. Without a direct linkage, Project Manager needs to spend hours in updating Gantt chart as per the Excel.
Chances of Manual Error
Whenever data is transferred manually, there is a significant chance of human error. In certain cases errors can prove to be critical. For example if you manage your project cost control in Excel sheets, manually updating these sheets with data from accounting software, missing out a zero changes the picture by a magnitude!
Delay in Reporting
Only a completely integrated set of project management tools give you a complete and real time reporting of things on the ground. Every other system operates with a definite delay. Minimizing the delay by constant revisions has high costs.
There are times when management comes to know about a critical delay in schedule or slippage in budget after weeks of delay.
Lack of visibility
Without the seamless integration of different information silos in an enterprise, management is left partially blind. When something goes wrong – such as slippage in schedule or budget – it becomes very difficult to accurately pinpoint the actual reasons in quick time.
If the reasons for problems cannot be identified, they cannot be mitigated even in future.
Integration
The only way out of a messy pile of software is to streamline and integrate the processes of your team on a single platform.
We have created such a platform for the project intensive Engineering & Construction Industry. Project teams can use our different modules for managing their individual processes such as – document management, scheduling, progress tracking, procurement etc. All the modules are available on the same platform – WorkPack and available in a seamlessly integrated manner.
The result is a completely transparent system with reduced manual effort, real time visibility and complete trace-ability.
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