The typical project lifecycle framework encompasses the tools and protocols required to successfully manage and deliver project goals, taking a project from conception to completion.  

The Association for Project Management (APM) describes the three most common project lifecycles as linear (or waterfall) with phases executed in sequential order; iterative (or agile) with cycles refined according to user feedback before moving to the next cycle; and hybrid which usually incorporates elements of both linear and waterfall, depending on the project’s requirements. 

Common to every project lifecycle are five core stages: initiation or conceptualisation, planning, execution, monitoring, and termination or closure. Established project frameworks incorporate these stages, ensuring best practice, clarity and consistency, efficient resource allocation, time and cost management, and all-around effective communication of the project plan.

Project management lifecycles – no ‘one-size-fits-all’

Projects are simple or complex, big and small, and they don’t always fit into a fixed structure. So, it’s no surprise that numerous project management systems and business management software exist to address the varying requirements of projects and their teams. 

Some project management tools provide end-to-end project integration, including proposal software. Others have been developed with functionalities to meet the needs of a specific industry, offering the flexibility to navigate the nuances of successful work management and processes within that sector. 

What is project management software and why do you need it to manage your project lifecycles? 

If a competent project manager can plan and track the stages a project needs to go through from initiation to completion using an Excel spreadsheet or Google docs, why invest in project tracking software? Put simply, managers need specific tools and techniques to efficiently manage and deliver a project, simple or complex, on time, to the scope and within budget. Visual tools can be used to streamline the steps in each phase of project management.

The best project management software is a complete work management solution, supporting the project manager and team from the project proposal phase through to delivery. It streamlines workflows and facilitates communication and team collaboration. Time tracking tools monitor resources and hours. Finance tracking incorporates automated reporting and invoicing. File sharing means no versioning dramas. And project dashboards track progress and avoid scope creep and budget issues. 

Cloud-based project management software for next-level project planning

Now add the cloud to your work management solution. Cloud-based project management software has made the project lifecycle more streamlined and accountable than ever. 

Cloud-based systems improve team coordination, support remote working, and connect a mobile workforce across time zones. Data-sharing and access to real-time data increase accessibility and transparency, with notifications and alerts flagging potential issues as they arise. Existing software platforms, ERP, and finance systems with automated invoicing and real-time budget management can be seamlessly integrated. 

End-to-end project lifecycle control, real-time updates, increased productivity, improved profit margins, satisfied clients. The right project management software will deliver both efficiency and a competitive edge.

About us

Xergy Group’s Proteus work management solution is designed to work with your existing systems, and to scale and evolve as your business evolves. It was created by energy sector professionals, for the diversified energy sector, and delivers an end-to-end project management software platform compliant with ISO audit requirements and common project management frameworks.

How to get Proteus

Proteus’ work management software is a cloud-based system designed for businesses of all sizes to handle projects of unlimited complexity. Each Proteus feature is aimed at making bottom line improvements by improving utilisation, streamlining workflows, providing quick and efficient access to resources and reducing overheads. One of the unique advantages of Proteus is that we offer a free onboarding consultation service to ensure your company account is set up according to your company’s needs.

We recommend getting setup on a free trial. Proteus operates under a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. We offer Enterprise packages and flexible pricing solutions: contact our team to learn more.

We designed Proteus to be simple, and that means you can get up and running on Proteus without an IT team or support from a programmer. You will want to spend a bit of time configuring the admin console so that you have everything set up to suit your company structure, but it’s very intuitive and you don’t need a PhD in IT. However, we want you to get the best out of what is a brilliantly powerful tool, so don’t hesitate to ask for our support. We have a team of product experts who are ready to help you with the configuration process, so get in touch today.

Want to know more? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get updates and to stay in the know.