Higher level project management (portfolio management) software?

Question

Probably not the best wording for that question but...

I understand there are things like MS Project to manage tasks within a project, however I'm looking for something one level higher. I need to be able to manage projects and available resources themselves, rather than just tasks within a project.

For instance

ProjectA 1/1/2009-1/14/2009  ResourceA, ResourceB, ResourceC
ProjectB 1/5/2009-1/12/2009 ResourceD, ResourceE
ProjectC 1/15/2009-2/20/2009 ResourceB, ResourceC

So basically I would be able to add a new project, see what resources are available, estimate when we can start and complete it all by looking at the software. (Then I could show management they're waiting until 2099 if they don't hire some more people. ;) )

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

http://daptiv.com/

A client uses it, but I can't comment on how much of a success it has been for them.

Another (better?) term for this is probably "Portfolio Management".

Answer 2

We use something called Clarity, and another product called OpenWorkbench where I work.

Answer 3

Microsoft Project Server has a portfolio management facility. I haven't used it, but I understand it works.

Answer 4

It is possible to do exactly that with MS projects, just think about your company as a big project, and each projects as tasks on which ressources are assigned. Still I wouldn't recommend MS project because it doesn't scale well, but if you only want to make a gantt chart in order to support your point, it will do a good job.

In my experience, people managing multiple projects use custom excel sheet and it usually do the job well. Exemple: Timeline in the first columns, one column per ressource per projects, drop down for actual ressource.

Answer 5

Hi Telos, It's possible with Microsoft project pro. Infact it's the best project manager software in industry. MS Project Professional and server together offer project and portfolio management. Can download trial version or buy MS project professional online.

Answer 6

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