There are lots of useful answers about estimating the cost of a project. Are there any recommendations for tools/techniques for keeping a log of these estimations?

Question

Let me clarify this a bit more. I started giving estimations about projects/tasks. I write everything down in a spreadsheet. I know that soon this spreadsheet won't help much (searching, recommending similar project estimations etc...)

Do you have any recommendations for any tools I can use for keeping a track of all these estimations? Is there a tool out there that for example will give me related project estimations like stackoverflow gives me related questions when I type one question.

Answer 1

At work we use Smartsheet, as a programmer I don't like it, but it is the manager's preference for keeping track of project time estimations.

Answer 2

There was a interesting post on this a while back, from Mr Spolsky himself : http://www.joelonsoftware.com/items/2007/10/26.html

Maybe that will point you in the right direction.

Answer 3

For a start, you might get quick results by simply using an issue tracker with customizable fields (like mantis or gforge). You can add "original estimate" and "required time" fields and by using those fields, you get the basic building blocks for continuous improvement of the implementation process by learning from both correct and mistaken estimates.

These trackers are generally searchable so you should be able to search for, say, "create report" and get a few previous issues about report creation. You can then customize your estimate based on the similarities and differences of the previous issues.

For bonus points, you could set it up so that the "required time" field get's updated from a time tracker, but it's optional.

Answer 4

You could use Contrux Estimate found here. It's a free tool, a bit oldie, but can help you build your historical database.