A project schedule in tools like MS Project or Vertabase is different than in project collaboration tools like Basecamp.

The main idea behind a schedule in project management software like Vertabase is to create a detailed workflow for a project.  The schedule is the roadmap of the project and its successful completion.  It creates visibility and gives people the tools to do their work.

For example, documents and discussions that people need to work on on the project can all be connected directly to project schedules or even to specific tasks. 

Also, project budgets and time estimates can all be connected to the project schedule (though access to this information can be easily controlled).  In fact, actual time can be posted directly to tasks on a schedule.

Here are three benefits of using project schedules.

1. It centralizes project information in one spot in the software -this makes a huge difference when you are working on a large number of projects.
2. Timelines of multiple schedules can be aggregated and seen from a single report.
3. You can see tasks across all projects -no matter how many projects are going on. 

Further, a project schedule captures all the knowledge that goes into getting a project done so you can:

• Re-use schedules as project templates;
• Improve on your processes  so you can do things better and;
• Create more accurate estimates on projects in the future since the history is saved and accessible as a whole.

Their are numerous project management case studies available on the kind of impact using schedules can have on a company or department.

Question: What are the benefits of project management software for a marketing company or for an ad agency to use project management software?

Answer: Managing workflow on marketing projects can lead to greater profitability for a marketing company or ad agency.

Now, this can be difficult when you have many resources working on a large volume of projects.  But by having a clear picture of everyone’s work allocation and easily sharing and communicating tasks on projects you can start to get an accurate handle on the workload. Further, by mapping those tasks across a project schedule, then getting a total company view across all project schedules, you can get a complete picture of your current and future workflow. With this picture, you can make strategic decisions and plan accordingly to use your resources more effectively -and be more profitable.

Think Marketing in British Columbia, Canada implemented Vertabase project management software and was able to really improve the way people use their time.

“This software helps me understand how busy any individual is at any given time. Now, everyone on the team knows they are accountable for how they manage their time! In turn, improved productivity results in superior profitability. It’s that simple,” says Adam Less, Creative Director and Managing Partner.

Vertabase offers project management software that can improve productivity at marketing companies and ad agencies.

I’ll have the pleasure of speaking to the Mid-Michigan ColdFusion Users Group on January 8th at 7pm. 

The topic will be software development and design -specifically addressing the importance of adoption and factors that can improve adoption.  This will include a discussion on the use of AJAX, Flash in an interface and how to choose and design specific functionality.

Here are the directions to the user group meeting.

Please feel free to stop on by.