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4 Underused Tools to Streamline Project Management

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Project management is both a challenging and rewarding line of work. And to finish the challenge and win the reward at the end, you will need the right tools.

But here’s the thing: when you ask someone to recommend you the best project management techniques and tools, their response will likely be very basic. Some are going to advise you to use project management platforms, while others are going to suggest something very obvious like a Gantt Chart.

In this article, however, we will only discuss the rare tools that no one usually talks about. If you’re a project management consultant, business owner, project manager, or simply interested in project management, this article is for you.

So, let’s dive into it.

1. Augmented Reality (AR)

(Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash)

Did you ever consider using augmented reality in project management? Well, it may be one heck of a tool if used in the right project. AR can give you a competitive edge in projects where visualization is key, for example, construction or engineering projects. This is one of those project management tools that may not be prevalent yet, but there’s a high chance it will be in the future. According to research, the augmented reality market is set to reach $88.4 billion by 2026.

So, how does AR help in project management? Let's find out.

Better visualization

You see, instead of relying on a two-dimensional plan on paper or even a 3D model, you can incorporate AR to digitally view your finished project. Picture this, you’re working on an engineering project, the aim of which is to create a new electric car. The frame of the car has already been constructed, and now, using an AR device, you and your clients can visualize how the finished product will look by simply placing the device right in front of the car frame. How convenient!

Better monitoring

When the entire finished project is right in front of you already, even though in an augmented form, you can easily monitor everything. For instance, if something is not going according to plan, it’ll be far easier for you to detect it using AR as compared to a diagram on paper.

Improved teamwork

In construction and engineering projects, AR can not only make planning and monitoring easy for the project manager, but it could also help the entire team to be on the same page. This is because viewing what the final product looks like multiple times through AR will help the whole team stay on track.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In projects where visualization is key, such as construction or engineering projects, Augmented reality (AR) can be a crucial tool.
Artificial intelligence is another key tool in project management. According to Gartner, by 2030, 80% of project management tasks will be handled by artificial intelligence
AI can help project managers with risk management, planning, and resource allocation.
Virtual Reality (VR), like AR, can be an important tool in project management. It could be used for remote monitoring of projects and effective collaboration with the team.
Online consulting platforms can skyrocket your freelance project management career by connecting you with high-paying clients.

2. Artificial Intelligence

photo about man play chess with machine AI

(Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels)

Well, how can we not be part of the AI hype in this article, right? Since everybody is figuring out how to make the most of AI, you should also find ways to employ AI in your project. According to Gartner, 80% of project management tasks will be handled by artificial intelligence by 2030. The change is coming. So, how can you be a part of it? Let’s find out.

Intelligent Planning

Since we’re talking about artificial ‘intelligence’, let’s understand how AI can be used to plan intelligently. If you feed AI historical data about resources, deliverables, milestones, and timelines from a previous project, it can analyze patterns and help you create a better plan. AI can also do scenario planning for certain situations, for example, if ten team members quit or the project budget is decreased. This can help you pivot quickly if you face any unforeseen circumstances.

Resource allocation

Instead of relying on boring spreadsheets or project management software, you can use AI to make your job a lot simpler. For example, AI can analyze the project load, deliverables, timeline, and skills of each team member. Using this information, AI can allocate tasks in such a way that the project is finished on time and produces high-quality output.

Risk management

This may as well be the best use of AI in project management. Being a project manager means that you’ll be expected to anticipate risks beforehand and have a plan in place to manage, mitigate, or eliminate them. Guess what, AI can do this for you and even include the risks that you may not have considered in the risk management plan. Not only will this make you more efficient, but your anxiety and stress may also remain low when you have a highly competent AI assistant on your side.

Besides this, AI can also help you with cost optimization, predictive analysis, forecasting, and reporting. So, why manage the whole project alone when you can join hands with AI?

3. Virtual Reality (VR)

(Photo by fauxels on Pexels)

Well, we already discussed AR before. Now, it’s time we understand how VR can be a life-changing tool in project management. But first, let’s clarify the difference between the two. You see, in augmented reality (AR), you simply ‘augment’ the reality. Meaning that you add more to the reality, as shown in the image under the Augment Reality section of this article. You can see the user is holding an AR device over an actual area and viewing a finished version of the project. Virtual reality (VR), however, is completely virtual. So, let’s discuss how VR fits into project management.

Precise visualization

Yes, just like AR, even VR can be used to visualize the final product better. Of course, it’s far better to have a realistic visualization of the product or various stages of the product, than rely on an old-school 2D image. VR visualization can help project managers and the team to inspect the project from all angles and significantly reduce the chances of omissions or errors.

Visiting project sites remotely

Imagine this: You’re working on three different projects in different locations and you have to keep an eye on each one. It can be so stressful, right? This is when VR can come to your rescue. You can remotely visit project locations through your VR device. This can be a lifesaver, again, in construction and engineering projects. Being able to check progress, detect hazards, and conduct inspections remotely can truly make project management way more efficient.

Improved collaboration

This can be an extension of the previous point. VR can be used to collaborate with remote team members easily, given that each of the members has a VR device. So, one team member could be at an airport, the other one in their house, and one more in the office—and all three of them can work on the project simultaneously. Project managers can also use VR to train team members and give presentations to clients. Truly, this technology is a game changer for project managers.

4. Online Consulting Platforms

The final tool on our list is, drum roll, please….

Online consulting platforms.

As a freelance project management consultant, it can be difficult to find exciting, high-paying projects regularly. Not only that, but you also have to work on the projects at hand, have regular meetings with clients, manage your self-employment accounting, and search for new clients at the same time. Well, that’s a lot to juggle at once, isn’t it?

This is when online consulting platforms like Consultport come into play. If you’re a freelance project management consultant, we can connect you with our pre-selected clients who are actively looking for freelance consultants. Here are some reasons to join our talent pool:

Attractive rates

Being a freelance consultant in the Consultport talent pool means that you can choose high-value projects and set your own rates. That’s right, you have the freedom to set the price that reflects your experience and expertise. With Consultport, you can charge your worth and not settle for less.

Exciting projects

As a freelance consultant in Consultport’s talent pool, you’ll have access to a wide range of projects from different industries and sectors. Do you love Agile projects? Well, we’ve got plenty of those projects. And if you’re into AI, blockchain, private equity, finance, marketing, or business strategy, then you can find projects in these areas too.

Flexibility

Well, flexibility is the reason why many people choose the freelance consulting life. Here at Consultport, you’ll have the freedom to choose your preferred region to work. Our clients are based in different locations, so if you want to move to a particular location for freelance work, we may be able to connect with a client in that location.

Continuous support

If you’re with Consultport, you are not alone. We will provide you with support right from the beginning to the end of our engagement. Who says you have to do freelancing all alone? Come join us if you’re keen to have a reliable partner on your side during your freelancing career.

Now, you may be thinking: How do I join Consultport’s talent pool?

Well, we only choose consultants who fit our criteria. Our criteria are as follows:

As a management consultant, you must have 2+ years of experience at a top-tier management consulting firm.
And for digital experts, 5+ years in a leading digital firm and/or deep expertise in digital transformation.
And finally, if you’re an industry expert who has worked in a senior position at a blue-chip company for 10+ years, we’d like to talk to you.

If this sounds exciting, then get in touch with us now. Your next freelance project could be an email away, so why wait?

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