Dimension 1

Project Management Software Applications

This aspect addresses the extend of using project management functionality of software applications, and their consistent use across projects in the whole organization.

Everybody involved with projects is using software applications, often several of them. Usually there is an ERP system as the main business system, and also specific project management applications like MS Project (or MS EPM), Primavera, or other presumed "best-of-breed" software packages.

On a high level, the following aspects give some understanding of an organization's maturity:

ERP Project Management Functionality
Assuming that an organization uses ERP software in the first place, the more ERP project management functionality it uses, and the more consistently across various projects, the better.

Level of Integration of Non-ERP Applications with ERP Application
There is nothing inherently wrong with an organization using multiple project management applications, as long as they are not operated stand-alone. In such cases, productivity is diminished, the flow of information slows down or is insufficient, and the quality of management decision is reduced.

Extent of Use of Project Management Functionality
It is not enough knowing that a software application is used, but also to what degree specific functionality of it. Examples are budgeting, high-level or detailed cost planning, resource leveling, scheduling, progress and actual time reporting, and much more.

A more detailed analysis will address many more aspects about the applications and their functionality (see our Project Management Maturity Assessments). "We use SAP," or "we use Primavera" does not say much without specifics: Are you using PS, RPM, cProjects, IM, PM, Primavera Project Manager, Portfolio Manager, Microsoft Project, Microsoft EPM, or anything else? What functions and features, and to what degree are they integrated?

Dimension 2: Education >>