From project tracking to automating tasks, there are numerous ways that no-code platforms can change the game when it comes to managing projects. 

Project management is one use-case that exists no matter the department you’re working in, the sector or industry you’re in, or what your work actually entails. It’s one of those indisputable facts of life: There are always going to be projects that need managing. But in an era of hybrid work, it can be hard to keep the process streamlined and everyone in the loop. Not to mention a method of managing projects that’s flexible to changes as requirements evolve. Building custom software, via no-code platforms, can tackle numerous different needs and turn project management into the smooth, easy and efficient task you know it should be. 

WTF are no-code project management platforms?

The struggles of project management are real – we probably don’t need to tell you that. No-code tools are there to help you with project management every step of the way, and they’re pretty easy to get your head around. They might provide visually compelling project tracking boards and timelines (like Trello); features for instant collaboration, updates and feedback; ways to automate repetitive or manual tasks and integration with the key tools you’re already using. 

They’re an alternative to buying a clunky and ineffective off-the-shelf solution that doesn’t fit the needs of your business or trying to build something from scratch. 

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What problems can they solve?

• Better plan and track projects. No-code project management platforms can create tracking tools and customisable steps of a project to help you keep things running smoothly. This ranges from Gantt charts, to risk registers, to holistic project dashboards. Intuitive interfaces and visual representation of tasks make it easy for anyone in the team to monitor your progress and stay on schedule. 

• Transform the way you communicate. When you’re all working on a project together, communication is vital. No-code platforms often come with features for collaboration and communication: whether that’s real-time commenting, document sharing or task assigning. 

• Get rid of repetitive, manual tasks. You can set up automation capabilities to take care of repetitive and manual tasks – like sending notifications when tasks are completed or deadlines are coming up. That saves time, reduces errors and keeps things moving smoothly. 

• They make it easier to collect input and feedback. You can use no-code forms to collect feedback, survey stakeholders, or even action change requests and project acceptance. It’s not just your team who can benefit.

Who really needs to know?

• Project Coordinators/Managers

Sounds fairly obvious, doesn’t it? Those running things will benefit greatly from tools that allow them to track deadlines, dependencies, progress/speed and budgets more easily. For project coordinators, these tools can also be used for repetitive tasks such as sending reminders/notifications and updating project schedules. This decreases the administrative burden and allows for more strategic work.

• Operations Managers

Automation can be used for boring tasks like scheduling, approval workflows, and task assignments. Planning tools can also help with process management and improvement, checking on day-to-day activities, and monitoring. All of this allows operators to streamline workflows, reduce administrative costs, and increase efficiency.

• Product Managers

No-code tools can be used for product-related activities such as market resources and launch planning. The flexibility and customisation most no-code tools offer can help speed up cycles needed to bring new products and features to market, meaning everything gets done faster.

What’s the nuance?

• Consider what other tools and systems your project management app needs to talk to

The most effective project management solutions are going to be able to see all the project-related data in one spot and eliminate the need for manual data entry, box checking and status updates in multiple systems. An e-signature tool is a great example–if it’s automatically uploaded to the project tracker documents, your team will be able to see the updated project status immediately. 

• Consider who is going to build, manage and maintain the system

Tools don’t build themselves. You can retain some third party resources to help design and implement the tooling if you want, but once it’s live you should still have an in-house expert to tweak and maintain all the processes as needed. Just because you don’t need an engineer or coder to own this system, it doesn’t mean it runs itself.

Which no-code tools are right for me?

Beginner

Trello is a visual collaboration tool that allows you to structure tasks and move them through stages or statuses, while also commenting and collaborating with other team members. 

The automation tool Zapier is useful for any task management and assignment, reporting, sending weekly reports, and so much more.

Intermediate

ClickUp is specifically for project management. It has a comprehensive feature set, including task management, project planning, time tracking, resource management, collaboration, and reporting. Airtable is a productivity tool at its heart and is often described as “Google Sheets on steroids”. It can be used for task management/tracking, project planning, resource management and reporting. 

Expert

Jira is one of the gold-standard tools for software development and it can also be leveraged for project management within your org. It offers a high degree of customisation and excels at issue/task tracking. Then there’s Coda.io – which feels like what would happen if Notion and Airtable had a baby. It’s an extremely flexible and powerful tool that can be used as the system where your projects are tracked, managed, automated, and collaborated on.