When you hear “Salesforce,” you probably think of the tool that helps you or your team manage customer relationships, and not Project Management, let alone Salesforce Project Management Tools.
Managing projects probably isn’t something that comes to mind when we say Salesforce. However, while Salesforce focuses primarily on customer relationship management, in reality, it can do much more.
Not sure how to make use of Salesforce for project management? We go over three ways below.
The Basic Approach: Salesforce Project Management Tools within Salesforce
First things first, is the most basic approach: managing your projects within Salesforce. You can track tasks as well as manage communication and collaboration with the help of built-in Salesforce features. This can be particularly helpful if you’re running projects with a small project team and don’t have the budget for extra project management tools.
Some features that can make managing your projects easier include:
- Salesforce Tasks, which you can use to track task progress.
- Collaborate with your team and share project documents using Salesforce Chatter.
- Generate project reports and view key insights with Reports and Dashboards.
Managing projects within Salesforce may be sufficient for small teams that don’t have an existing project management tool. However, as your projects become more complex, Salesforce’s built-in features may be limiting. Let’s take a look at the intermediate approach to see if that’s a good fit for you.
The Intermediate Approach: 3rd Party Project Management Tools
As your team grows and your projects get bigger and more complex, you may need a more robust project management tool that goes beyond Salesforce’s in-built features. Third-party project management tools offer impressive functionality outside of Salesforce.
For instance, some third-party tools enable project managers to automate project planning and scheduling. Instead of creating new project plans every time they start a new project, managers can quickly clone past templates. Also, project managers can use their software to conveniently create a management plan and prioritize tasks with the highest ROI.
Third-party tools sound like the real deal, right? Unfortunately, you may still face a few hurdles with these external tools while using Salesforce.
One, complete integration with your Salesforce dashboard may prove difficult as these tools are hosted outside the Salesforce universe. You will, therefore, require custom integrations to access the apps within your Salesforce dashboard.
Custom integration is a complicated process that often requires input from your Salesforce admins. Sometimes you may even have to hire external consultants, significantly increasing your overall software implementation budget and onboarding time. Furthermore, you may have to spend more money to upgrade to higher plans on both platforms for integration to work.
Finally, non-native apps store data outside of Salesforce, which leaves your organization vulnerable to data security threats. Additionally, sharing data between Salesforce and your external tool is limited. Data sharing is also not real-time, as it takes time to transfer and sync data between the two applications.
The Advanced “Supercharged” Approach: Salesforce + Native Salesforce Project Management Tools
To avoid the third-party app integration headache and still be able to seamlessly run your projects within Salesforce, use native project management apps available on AppExchange. This is the advanced approach that will supercharge your project management capabilities.
Native apps have been built specifically for Salesforce. They can integrate with the Salesforce platform with ease. This makes it easier to integrate all your data and insights into one centralized hub, without the need for manual data entry that other third-party project management tools may sometimes require..
Native apps on AppExchange, such as Mission Control, are developed using the Salesforce Lightning Platform.. All data is stored within your Salesforce platform, not externally— making it much more secure. Native apps also provide real-time data access as they transfer data and initiate processes via Salesforce Application Programming Interface (APIs).
Let’s take a look at why a native Salesforce project management tool may be the best option for you.
Top 5 Benefits of Native Salesforce Project Management Tools
Salesforce-native apps are the best option for any project manager looking for reliable Salesforce project management tools that’s easy to install and maintains high data security. A few more benefits of native Salesforce apps include:
1. Easy to navigate
You’re probably already using other various platforms and you don’t have the time to learn how to use another one. With native apps, you don’t have to worry about this since the native apps have an interface similar to that of the Salesforce platform. Your team will be able to quickly add, remove or update tasks on your native app just as they do on Salesforce.
2. Seamless integration
Native apps integrate seamlessly with Salesforce since they’re hosted in the Salesforce cloud. You can start using your native app as soon as you install it. This speed of implementation allows teams to stay on track with their projects.
Native apps also enjoy automatic compatibility with the new Salesforce releases and new functionality, enabling you to use the latest innovative features without having to pay more.
3. Real-time data access
To be able to run successful projects, project managers need to have access to all project data. The faster they can access it, the quicker they can share it and use it to make strategic decisions. As mentioned before, native apps share APIs with the Salesforce platform, thus being able to update and share data in real-time. In addition, since all information is stored within Salesforce, managers can generate reports and access data anytime, anywhere. Making Native apps as close to Salesforce Project Management Tools as possible.
4. Enhanced security
Saleforce takes data security seriously and ensures that all native apps pass its security requirements before publishing them for use. You can, therefore, rest assured that all your data will always be safe.
Furthermore, native apps share the Salesforce API, which allows the apps to communicate quickly and safely with each other. You can quickly pull data from Reports and send it to your native app without compromising its security.
5. Efficient project management
When you integrate Salesforce project management native apps into your Salesforce CRM, data flows smoothly between all project stakeholders. The native app provides enhanced collaboration tools that facilitate faster team communication and collaboration.
The native apps also supplement the Task feature with additional capabilities that allow you to do more such as managing task dependencies and add workflow rules or triggers. What’s more, there are other in-built features such as Gantt charts and Kanban boards that enable project managers to plan and track project progress efficiently.
Get Started with advanced Salesforce Project Management Tools Today
To start using any of the native Salesforce apps, find it at Salesforce’s own AppExchange. This is also where you will find us! Mission Control is a Salesforce native app and leading project management solution.
To find Mission Control on AppExchange:
- Log in to Salesforce AppExchange using your Salesforce credentials
- Type “Mission Control” on the search tile
- Click on “Get It Now”
- Install the app to Salesforce
Mission Control’s native project management software has various features designed to help you manage your projects more effectively, with a huge range of Salesforce Project Management Tools at your finger tips.
For example, Role Utilization will help keep your team organized. Manage and organize your team members in Salesforce by role, skills, and the team they belong to. Role Utilization also allows you to indicate when particular team members are on holiday or not available for projects. This ensures that you plan accordingly to prevent project delays.
Timesheets are another great feature that enables you to track milestones, task actions and keep a time log of time spent on project tasks. This helps keep teams focused on project work and ensures the project progresses as planned.
Another example is the Resource Scheduler. It enables you to allocate and utilize your resources effectively and ensure they’re not overworked or underworked. The Gantt chart and Kanban will also help to enhance your resource planning and management.
Powered by Salesforce, Mission Control has the features you need for high-level project management. Request a demo to see how Mission Control can help your organization with your project management needs.
