Managing large-scale projects with different complexities and contexts across departments and locations can be challenging. Cloud-based project management tools have transformed how enterprises of all sizes manage and track complex projects.
With features like artificial intelligence, automated workflows, custom reports and visualisations, integrations, unified data management, and more, you can ease your project-associated burden and gain real-time visibility into project progress.
Starhive stands out as a leading choice among the top cloud solutions, offering enterprises unmatched flexibility, scalability, and integration capabilities.
In this article, we explore how tools like Starhive can transform project management at the enterprise level.
We will discuss:
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Overview of cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
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What are the benefits of using cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management?
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Cloud solutions delivery models for enterprise-level project management
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5 best cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
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Challenges of using cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
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Essential tips for using cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
Overview of cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
Cloud-based enterprise-level project management solutions are sophisticated tools. These cloud software programs are hosted on remote servers, making them accessible from any location with internet access.
These tools serve three primary purposes, including:
- Serving as a virtual command centre for coordinating multiple projects across departments, goals, and objectives.
- Providing the ability to gauge the health and progress of any project, including tracking tasks, project timelines, cost, dependencies, assets, and more.
- Guaranteeing and encouraging accountability by making provisions for assigning tasks and corresponding KPI(s) to each task.
These three purposes translate to the following key features:
- Real-time task tracking
- Resource allocation
- Integrated workflows
- Customisable dashboards
- Mobile accessibility
- Seamless integration
- Automated reporting
What are the benefits of using cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management?
Enterprise-level cloud-based project management tools offer several benefits and advantages, including:
Remote accessibility
One primary advantage of cloud solutions over traditional on-premise options is access from anywhere worldwide. Project managers, team members, and executives can stay on top of their projects in real-time. They can also share files and assign new tasks, whether they’re at work, in transit, or on holiday.
Cost-effectiveness
With cloud solutions, you can avoid substantial upfront costs usually earmarked for servers, software licences, and deployment.
Additionally, enterprises avoid budgeting for hardware upgrades and infrastructure maintenance down the line, as the cloud provider handles these.
Furthermore, cloud services often offer more flexible subscription options, allowing users to pay for only what they use and need.
Scalability and flexibility
Cloud-based project management software is designed to grow alongside your needs. These tools can accommodate changing requirements. For example, you can always increase or decrease the number of users and other features like data storage.
This flexibility enables seamless budgeting and cost control, supports rapid growth, and optimises resource utilisation. It makes cloud solutions ideal for businesses of all sizes and evolving needs.
Enhances collaboration and communication
An after-effect of being accessible anywhere is that project management software facilitates real-time communication and updates, ensuring everyone is aligned on project goals as they ebb and flow.
Thanks to these cloud solutions, project leaders and team members in Europe and Asia can share files, provide feedback on tasks, and seamlessly align their workflows in real-time.
Integration with other tools
You can also integrate cloud project management software with other tools in your tech stack, reducing data entry errors, streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, eliminating information silos, and enhancing collaboration for successful project delivery.
These tools typically come with pre-built connectors to popular apps, allowing you to synchronise data, automate tasks, and access diverse functionalities from a single platform.
Reporting and analytics
While both cloud and on-premise project management tools have reporting and analytics, the former provides real-time insights, powering quicker decision-making.
Interactive dashboards, automated reports, customisable metrics, and KPIs enable teams to track progress, measure performance, and monitor project health.
Instantaneous updates available
Cloud-based project management software ensures new updates are available instantaneously to your business, eliminating version lag and downtime. Often, you don’t need to do anything to enjoy the latest features, except in cases where the new update is only available to a tier of customers.
Cloud solutions delivery models for enterprise-level project management
Cloud solutions essentially provide information technology assets like applications and system software for enterprises over the internet. The different cloud computing service models describe how enterprises consume or use these assets.
The three cloud solution delivery models for enterprise-level project management are:
SaaS, or software as a service
In a SaaS model, enterprises are provided with ready-to-use application software that is accessible over the internet. This is the most common form of delivery model. Think of this model as how you just show up at a restaurant and are served a full meal of your choice without any input from you.
PaaS, or platform as a service
In this delivery model, the vendor provides a full cloud computing infrastructure for you to develop, run, and manage your own applications. However, the vendor is still responsible for things like backups and server provisioning.
IaaS, or infrastructure as a service
IaaS cloud service providers offer virtualised computing resources such as servers, storage, networking, and operating systems. The user or enterprise manages applications, data, operating system configuration, cloud security, and middleware.
What are the types of enterprise cloud architecture?
The three types of enterprise cloud architecture include:
Public cloud
A public cloud is any cloud computing environment with multiple tenants. In this case, a third-party cloud service provider owns the IT resources, which are shared among several organisations.
In addition to shared infrastructure and multi-tenancy, other characteristics of the public cloud include:
- Self-service provisioning (the ability to configure the cloud environment using automated processes and portals without really getting under the hood)
- Scalability and elasticity
- Pay-per-use pricing
- Open access
A public cloud is like renting an apartment. You share all public amenities with other tenants in the building. There’s also usually a facility manager who handles things like maintenance and paying relevant fees.
Private cloud
In a private cloud, resources are owned and operated by a single enterprise. The organisation can manage and maintain the resources in-house or outsource to a third-party provider.
The upside to private cloud environments includes better data security and governance, greater control and customisation, and generally reduced risk.
Hybrid cloud
This refers to setups that combine a private environment, whether private cloud or on-premise traditional IT setup, with at least one public cloud. A hybrid cloud provides flexibility, allowing enterprises to choose the most optimal setup for their workloads per time.
5 best cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
Five of the leading enterprise-level, cloud-based project management tools include:
1. Starhive
Starhive is different from your typical cloud-based project management tool. It is a no-code platform that provides a canvas for you to create your perfect project management tool that meets your unique needs.
At the heart of Starhive is the ability to bring all your data into one single database along with your tasks, projects, and goals. Projects need supporting data, from digital and physical assets to SOPs (standard operating procedures) and much more. This data can be related to your projects so every task has all the supplementary information it needs to be completed fast.
From there, the rest is about designing your workflows and project management life cycle, tracking tasks, and building custom reports and dashboards.
Features
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- Use-case agnostic - can be used for project management and beyond
- Simple to use
- Workflows and automations
- Dashboards, reporting, and analytics
- AI assistance
- Data importer
- Powerful API
- Pre-built integrations
Pros
- Starhive is simple and intuitive to use: You can start building your own custom project management app in a few hours.
- Enhanced productivity: With features like automation and AI, there’s a helping hand to increase efficiency and save time.
- Affordable pricing: Starhive offers exceptional value for its price, making it a budget-friendly choice for project management. With competitive pricing and a generous free plan, Starhive is well-suited to enterprises of all sizes seeking tailor-made features without breaking the bank.
- Business data focused: Starhive’s data-driven approach to project management ensures that every team and project has access to the accurate, relevant information they need to succeed.
- Ultimate flexibility: Starhive offers unparalleled flexibility, empowering users to model and structure their project hierarchy and supporting data to suit their unique needs. With customisable workflows, adaptable templates, and powerful automations, you can organise and manage your projects your way.
Cons
- Starhive is still an evolving app with a limited number of integrations.
Pricing
- Free: Available for up to 10 users
- Standard: $5 per user per month (billed annually)
- Professional: $9 per user per month (billed annually)
- Enterprise pricing: Contact us for more details
2. Wrike
Wrike offers a flexible platform for managing complex projects, leveraging AI-powered workflows and real-time reporting. Wrike is the perfect project management tool for enterprises with multiple departments and project categories.
Features
- Workflow management
- Process automation
- Integrations with various tools
- Risk monitoring
- Resource management
- Project scheduling
- Project management templates
Pros
- Equipped with an agile teamwork template for projects based on the agile methodology
- Customisable dashboards for tailored views
- Robust resource allocation and management tool
- Perform actions in bulk with the drag-and-drop feature
Cons
- Has a steep learning curve and can be overwhelming for smaller teams or those new to project management
- Relatively higher prices, especially for smaller teams
- Project portfolio management is only available from the business plan upwards
Pricing
- Free: Available for an unlimited number of users
- Team: $9.80 per user per month
- Business: $24.80 per user per month
- Enterprise: Contact sales for more details
- Pinnacle: Contact sales for more details
3. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is a cloud-based project management tool with an impressive suite of features for enterprises of all sizes. A major selling point is that it integrates seamlessly with other Zoho applications, making it a popular choice for businesses already in the Zoho ecosystem.
Features
- Team management tools like Gantt charts, setting up dependencies, reminders, and issue management
- Customisation tools like templates and custom functions
- Cloud collaboration tools like chat, mentions, and document sharing
- Custom workflows and automation
- Time management options like invoicing and timesheet
Pros
- Affordable pricing options, especially for businesses using other Zoho products
- User-friendly interface
- Paid plans do not have a minimum number of users
- Requires minimal onboarding
Cons
- Limited reporting features
- Few third-party integrations
Pricing
- Free: Up to 3 users
- Premium: $4 per user per month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: $9 per user per month (billed annually)
4. Teamwork
If you perform many client projects, Teamwork is perhaps the most appropriate project management tool for you. With some of its features, Teamwork can also be described as a client services management tool.
Features
- Resource and client workload management
- Time and budget management tools like time tracking and invoices
- Collaboration tools like proofs, comments, and document sharing
- Advanced features like Gantt filtering and burndown reports
- Workload planner
Pros
- User-friendly automation setup
- Easy task transfers
- Easily accessible across mobile and web browser
- Clean and user-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited automation tasks per month
- Some confusing features, like defining dates and deadlines per tasks
- There’s space for improvement in the workload management feature
- A bit pricey
Pricing
- Free: Up to 5 users
- Deliver: $10.99 per user per month (billed annually)
- Grow: $19.99 per user per month (billed annually)
- Scale: $54.99 per user per month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Contact them for pricing information
5. ClickUp
ClickUp is a multi-purpose cloud-based software with various use cases, including project management, product development, operations, marketing, human resources, and sales. Its value proposition is that it incorporates different project methodologies right off the bat.
Features
- Task management with subtasks and dependencies
- Kanban boards, Gantt charts, list views, and mind maps
- Time tracking and resource management
- Document collaboration and file sharing
- Custom workflows and automation
- Integrations with popular business apps
Pros
- Customisable views and multiple view options
- Highly flexible
- Real-time collaboration and communication
Cons
- Buggy mobile app
- Not the most intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Performance issues on some functions like complex workflows and loading timelines
Pricing
- Free
- Unlimited: $7 per user per month (billed annually)
- Business: $12 per user per month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Contact sales
Also read: The top five ClickUp alternatives in 2024.
Challenges of using cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
Using cloud-based project management tools has many tremendous benefits, as discussed earlier. However, it’s also fraught with risks and challenges, such as:
Security and compliance
With cloud-based solutions, you’ll be storing sensitive project data, including financial information, intellectual property, and personal details of employees and clients in off-premise locations.
There are always data security and privacy risks. Under the shared responsibility model, you are responsible for securing things like user access, and the vendor is responsible for guaranteeing the security of its platforms.
Training internal staff
Irrespective of how intuitive and easy-to-use an app is, training staff to get the best out of the new tool is always necessary. This requires additional resources and patience to get employees up to speed.
Cost and budget
Cost and budget management are common challenges when adopting cloud solutions, especially for large organisations with complex project requirements.
As projects scale, you may need to add more users, storage, and, perhaps, custom features, which can increase your expenditure.
Integration and compatibility
Enterprises often rely on various tools and legacy systems to manage their operations and projects. Ensuring that a new cloud-based project management platform integrates seamlessly with these existing tools can sometimes take time and effort. Integrations can also trigger specific issues, like inconsistent data formats.
Governance and quality
Another challenge is maintaining control and ensuring consistent standards across various teams and departments as they work in a cloud environment. A lack of consistent standards can make it harder to measure project progress or track resource allocations across departments.
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Essential tips for using cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
Here are a few tips and best practices to help you harness maximum value from project management cloud solutions:
Define clear objectives
Clearly outline the specific outcomes you want with the cloud-based project management tool. This will help you select the right tool that aligns with your business needs and the project’s demand.
Leverage AI and automation
AI and automation are pretty commonplace in many tools these days. Use these tools’ AI and automation features to limit or eliminate recurring tasks to save time and reduce manual errors.
Define clear roles and permissions
Under the shared responsibility model, part of your duty is defining who has access to what in your work environment. Assigning the right roles and access ensures that only authorised team members can access sensitive data.
Provide adequate training
Offer comprehensive training to your team to make the transition smoother and ensure they maximise the tool’s value.
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Regularly review and update processes
After a successful implementation, it’s imperative to continuously evaluate your workflows and make adjustments as your project needs evolve.
Takeaway: Utilise effective cloud solutions for enterprise-level project management
Project management solutions have become indispensable assets in today’s almost cloud-first strategy environment. These tools provide benefits like remote accessibility for on-the-go monitoring and collaboration, improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and greater flexibility.
However, selecting the right cloud-based solution is essential for extracting the most value. To this end, Starhive shines as the best option for enterprises.
Its unique, data-driven approach empowers you to create tailored project management solutions with all the supporting data you need in the same tool to save your team time and energy looking for it elsewhere. With unparalleled flexibility, you can build the perfect project management solution without the effort of creating your own software from scratch.
See how Starhive can help your team today.
