Last week, we looked some of the benefits of resource management software at the such as greater transparency and the ability to allocate and track resources more effectively. But to really appreciate how this MRM software can help you better manage your marketing resources or it's best to review its features.
Here are some of the key features of resource management software that you should be looking out for when implementing such a solution.
1. Resource Planner
A built in resource planner takes the strain out of allocating and tracking resources. This easy-to-use tool means you can allocate tasks to any one of your resources that are set up in the system with just a few clicks. Simply match the right resource with the right task. Maintaining an excel spreadsheet for each new project to track resources is now a thing of the past. With its visual display and intuitive planning, it's no longer possible to double book a resource and overlook someone.
2. User-friendly Dashboard
This resource management software feature provides a visual overview of all resources across multiple projects. This enables management to quickly ascertain what resources are tasked and what the overall capacity of the creative team is.
3. Task Management
Resource management software enables departments heads to reassign tasks with a simple drag and drop, matching the available resource with the task. Assignees receive notification of any changes, which takes the leg work out of managing ad agency resources.
4. Online timesheets
Using a time log tool, users can capture the time they spend on tasks which is saved to an online timesheet. This feature allows managers to see how much time (including over time) is being spent on tasks and when jobs are completed. Management can opt to get an email notification when resources have logged their time or a task has been completed to stay current with work in progress. This feature also enables more accurate forecasting and budgeting for future jobs.
5. Document TemplatesDocument templates take the repetitive administration out of managing resources. You can use a template of the resources and tasks you've already outlined in the past for the next project, which dispenses with having to re-enter details.
6. Collaborative FeaturesYour resources can log in and see what their work day or week looks like so they know exactly what tasks they're working on. Additionally, users can set up meetings with each other within the resource management software so that they don't need to use a separate work calendar for this. Authorised stakeholders from other departments can also log in to see what the capacity of resources is before requesting new work.
7. Reporting tools
Reporting tools allow management to generate reports that provide them with a snapshot of what resources are being allocated to which task. Greater transparency enables managers to manage deadlines as well as budgetary requirements more easily.
Next week, we'll take a look at some of the risks of not utilising resource management software to plan and track your resources.
In the meantime, read about the benefits of resource management software here!!
