6 Reasons Why Projects Fail, Even When Using PM Software

Project management software is a valuable tool to team leaders everywhere. It is not, however, designed to do all of your work for you. A large number of project managers have issues with project management software and achieving the types of success that they need. By understanding the common types of issues that people in leadership positions face, you can learn from the past and not be doomed to repeat it. To help you, we have compiled a list of reasons why projects fail, even when using a pm software.

6 Reasons Why Projects Fail

1. Lack of Communication

One of the main reasons projects fail even with project management software has to do with a lack of communication. If everyone isn’t on the same page, the team members won’t be able to work towards the same goal.

2. Using Project Management Software Incorrectly 

Project management software is an invaluable tool – if you don’t know how to use it. You should be using project management software to help design a plan that will allow you to come in on time and on budget and not just assume that it will do all of your work for you. It won’t.

3. The Plan (Or Lack Thereof) 

Another major reason why projects fail has to do with how poorly managed they often are. If you don’t have a solid plan, you’re probably working with undefined objectives, unclear goals and an overall lack of management commitment. All of these are a true recipe for disaster.

4. Unrealistic Expectations

Another common reason why projects fail even when using project management software has to do with unrealistic expectations. Even the best project management software in the world won’t help you if your time frames and tasks are essentially impossible given the resources that you have at your disposal.

5. Poor Estimates

Performing poor estimates at the start of a project is another major contributor to project management. If you aren’t accurately estimating before work begins in earnest, you’re probably providing yourself insufficient resources like too few team members or not enough funding.

6. Team Weaknesses

Perhaps the biggest reason why projects fail even when using project management software has to do with team weaknesses. Remember that teams need to work together towards a unified goal. The old saying that “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” is undoubtedly true – if you have a member on your team who really shouldn’t be there, they will be less a true advocate for project completion and more of a liability.

So long as you understand why projects fail even when using project management software, you can do your part to circumnavigate those issues and learn from the mistakes of others. A large number of elements like project management training, consulting and even staff augmentation can all go a long way towards increasing both the success rates of projects as well as overall user friendliness.

Key Takeaways:

• Improper planning and estimating at the start of a project is a detriment.
• A lack of communication can derail a project at many points.
• Team weaknesses are also major contributors to the failure of projects of all types.

When you use a combination of a project management software and manpower, you will be well on your way to reaching your goals. There are many benefits that a project portfolio manager can find when using Oracle’s Primavera PPM solutions. Feel free to click the link below to learn more about this great PPM product.