# Best Project Portfolio Management Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing

> Find the best Project Portfolio Management Software for your organization. Compare top Project Portfolio Management Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos.

Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison

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Project Portfolio Management Software

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# Best Project Portfolio Management Software of 2026

Updated July 1, 2026

On this page

1.  FrontRunners
2.  Popular Comparisons
3.  Buyers Guide
4.  Related Software

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233 results

### Compare Products

Showing 1 - 25 of 233 products

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**Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals.  
  
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**Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest.  
  
**Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z.

[Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/)

Smartsheet is a work execution platform and collaboration tool with a familiar spreadsheet-like interface that helps teams plan,...[Read more about Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/)

**4.5**

([3524 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/reviews/))

**41**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Outlook

Okta

+61 more

+60 more

+59 more

Smartsheet's Best Rated Features

5.0Charting

See All

Smartsheet's Worst Rated Features

Expense Tracking

See All

[Project Insight](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-insight-profile/)

Project Insight: Strategic Project and Portfolio Management for Growing Companies Project Insight is project and portfolio mana...[Read more about Project Insight](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-insight-profile/)

**4.5**

([93 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-insight-profile/reviews/))

**36**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Microsoft 365

+35 more

+34 more

+33 more

Project Insight's Best Rated Features

5.0Customizable Branding

See All

Project Insight's Worst Rated Features

Purchase Order Management

See All

[Wrike](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/)

Wrike is the trusted work delivery platform where AI extends what people can accomplish. By centralizing all work in one governe...[Read more about Wrike](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/)

**4.4**

([3018 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/reviews/))

**36**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Marketo Engage

Campaign Monitor by Marigold

+125 more

+124 more

+123 more

Wrike's Best Rated Features

5.0IT Reporting

See All

Wrike's Worst Rated Features

Spreadsheet View

See All

[Planview ProjectAdvantage](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/390454-Planview-ProjectAdvantage/)

Planview ProjectAdvantage is a cloud-based project and portfolio management solution for enterprises that allows to strategicall...[Read more about Planview ProjectAdvantage](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/390454-Planview-ProjectAdvantage/)

**4.4**

([66 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/390454-Planview-ProjectAdvantage/reviews/))

**21**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

Jira

+9 more

+8 more

+7 more

Planview ProjectAdvantage's Best Rated Features

5.0Capacity Management

See All

Planview ProjectAdvantage's Worst Rated Features

Cost-to-Completion Tracking

See All

[Teamwork.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamwork-pm-profile/)

Combining powerful project management and easily streamlined operations - we’re the only platform built for managing client proj...[Read more about Teamwork.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamwork-pm-profile/)

**4.5**

([940 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamwork-pm-profile/reviews/))

**20**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Asana

Evernote Teams

+71 more

+70 more

+69 more

Teamwork.com's Best Rated Features

5.0Sub-Task Management

See All

Teamwork.com's Worst Rated Features

Task Tagging

See All

[NetSuite SuiteProjects Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openair-profile/)

NetSuite OpenAir offers buyers a collection of applications designed to support every stage of the professional services deliver...[Read more about NetSuite SuiteProjects Pro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openair-profile/)

**3.9**

([43 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openair-profile/reviews/))

**18**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Salesforce Sales Cloud

+0 more

+0 more

+0 more

NetSuite SuiteProjects Pro's Best Rated Features

5.0Gantt/Timeline View

See All

NetSuite SuiteProjects Pro's Worst Rated Features

Quotes/Estimates

See All

[Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/)

Quickbase is a work management and application platform designed to help organizations centralize and manage complex projects an...[Read more about Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/)

**4.4**

([331 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/reviews/))

**17**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Analytics 360

Microsoft Outlook

+46 more

+45 more

+44 more

Quickbase's Best Rated Features

5.0Territory Management

See All

Quickbase's Worst Rated Features

Bills of Material

See All

[Nimble Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/swiftalm-profile/)

Nimble - Collaborative Lean/ Agile Work Management Platform. Nimble comes with a unique combination of features to manage tradit...[Read more about Nimble Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/swiftalm-profile/)

**4.4**

([9 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/swiftalm-profile/#reviews))

**15**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Zapier

SnapLogic

+2 more

+1 more

+0 more

Nimble Enterprise's Best Rated Features

5.0Prioritization

See All

Nimble Enterprise's Worst Rated Features

Third-Party Integrations

See All

[Autodesk Forma](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/)

Autodesk Forma provides best-in-class solutions to unite office and field teams throughout the entire project lifecycle. Connect...[Read more about Autodesk Forma](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/)

**4.3**

([2207 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/reviews/))

**15**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox Business

Microsoft Excel

+71 more

+70 more

+69 more

Autodesk Forma's Best Rated Features

5.0Milestone Tracking

See All

Autodesk Forma's Worst Rated Features

Incident Management

See All

[Kantata](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kantata-profile/)

Kantata helps professional services organizations of 50 to 5,000+ employees ensure consistent excellence and profitability acros...[Read more about Kantata](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kantata-profile/)

**4.2**

([627 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kantata-profile/reviews/))

**15**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

QuickBooks Online

Dynamics 365

+24 more

+23 more

+22 more

Kantata's Best Rated Features

5.0Agile Methodologies

See All

Kantata's Worst Rated Features

Data Import/Export

See All

[Rocketlane](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-success/rocketlane-profile/)

Rocketlane is a next-gen PSA platform that unifies your projects, resources, and time into a single, powerful system. Run your e...[Read more about Rocketlane](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-success/rocketlane-profile/)

**4.7**

([127 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/customer-success/rocketlane-profile/reviews/))

**14**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Jira

Zapier

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

Rocketlane's Best Rated Features

5.0Electronic Forms

See All

Rocketlane's Worst Rated Features

Performance Metrics

See All

[Planisware Orchestra](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-orchestra-profile/)

A TURNKEY SOLUTION TO PROPEL YOUR PROJECT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL With over 20 years of experience deploying ...[Read more about Planisware Orchestra](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-orchestra-profile/)

**4.2**

([19 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-orchestra-profile/reviews/))

**10**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Jira

Microsoft SharePoint

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

Planisware Orchestra's Best Rated Features

5.0Progress Tracking

See All

Planisware Orchestra's Worst Rated Features

Third-Party Integrations

See All

[Planisware Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-profile/)

Planisware Enterprise is a global provider of solutions that break through traditional Project Portfolio Management (PPM) and St...[Read more about Planisware Enterprise](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-profile/)

**4.1**

([5 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/planisware-profile/#reviews))

**8**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Teams

SAP HANA Cloud

+14 more

+13 more

+12 more

Planisware Enterprise's Best Rated Features

4.0Project Planning

See All

Planisware Enterprise's Worst Rated Features

Requirements Management

See All

[Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/)

Sage Intacct operates within the Sage Business Cloud portfolio as a comprehensive cloud-based financial management software, exp...[Read more about Sage Intacct](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/)

**4.3**

([709 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/reviews/))

**7**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Expensify

Tallie

+115 more

+114 more

+113 more

Sage Intacct's Best Rated Features

5.0Vendor Management

See All

Sage Intacct's Worst Rated Features

Mobile App

See All

[Accelo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/accelo-profile/)

Accelo was built for professional services firms that need more than a record of what happened — they need to know what's coming...[Read more about Accelo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/accelo-profile/)

**4.5**

([176 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/accelo-profile/reviews/))

**4**

recommendations

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Microsoft Power BI

Expensify

+27 more

+26 more

+25 more

Accelo's Best Rated Features

5.0File Sharing

See All

Accelo's Worst Rated Features

AI Copilot

See All

[GanttPRO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/)

GanttPRO is a cloud-based project management solution for small to midsize companies, as well as individual users. The software ...[Read more about GanttPRO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/)

**4.8**

([549 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Drive

Slack

+4 more

+3 more

+2 more

GanttPRO's Best Rated Features

5.0Marketing Calendar

See All

GanttPRO's Worst Rated Features

API

See All

[Prism PPM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workotter-profile/)

Exciting news: WorkOtter is now Prism PPM! Prism PPM (formerly WorkOtter) is a project portfolio management (PPM) solution purpo...[Read more about Prism PPM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workotter-profile/)

**4.9**

([213 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workotter-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Dropbox Business

OneDrive

+12 more

+11 more

+10 more

Prism PPM's Best Rated Features

5.0Data Import/Export

See All

Prism PPM's Worst Rated Features

4.0Forecasting

See All

[Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/)

Miro is a visual workspace for innovation that enables distributed teams of any size to dream, design, and build the future toge...[Read more about Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/)

**4.7**

([1691 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

monday.com

Notion

+40 more

+39 more

+38 more

Miro's Best Rated Features

5.0Activity Dashboard

See All

Miro's Worst Rated Features

Project Time Tracking

See All

[Project.co](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-co-profile/)

Project.co is a cloud-based solution that helps small to large enterprises manage multiple elements of projects including paymen...[Read more about Project.co](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-co-profile/)

**4.9**

([209 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-co-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Stripe

Zapier

+5 more

+4 more

+3 more

Project.co's Best Rated Features

5.0Real-Time Notifications

See All

Project.co's Worst Rated Features

3.33Document Storage

See All

[Airtable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/)

Airtable is the AI-powered app platform that unifies data, maximizes collaboration, and powers smarter workflows — no code requi...[Read more about Airtable](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/)

**4.6**

([2237 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Drive

LinkedIn for Business

+32 more

+31 more

+30 more

Airtable's Best Rated Features

5.0Client/Property Matching

See All

Airtable's Worst Rated Features

Real-Time Updates

See All

[ClickUp](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/)

ClickUp is a productivity platform designed to unify work tools within a single workspace. It supports various teams and industr...[Read more about ClickUp](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/)

**4.6**

([4600 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

GitHub

JIRA Service Management

+79 more

+78 more

+77 more

ClickUp's Best Rated Features

5.0Guest Access

See All

ClickUp's Worst Rated Features

2.0Issue Auditing

See All

[Resource Guru](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/resource-guru-profile/)

Resource Guru is a resource management, planning, and scheduling solution that helps organizations manage teams, equipment, and ...[Read more about Resource Guru](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/resource-guru-profile/)

**4.7**

([540 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/resource-guru-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Google Calendar

Zapier

+6 more

+5 more

+4 more

Resource Guru's Best Rated Features

5.0Multi-Location

See All

Resource Guru's Worst Rated Features

Reporting & Statistics

See All

[Workzone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workzone-profile/)

Workzone is a project management platform, purpose-built for Marketing, Operations & IT teams, that need all the power of a PM t...[Read more about Workzone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workzone-profile/)

**4.8**

([217 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workzone-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Basecamp

QuickBooks Online

+41 more

+40 more

+39 more

Workzone's Best Rated Features

5.0Project Tracking

See All

Workzone's Worst Rated Features

Project Scheduling

See All

[Businessmap](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanbanize-profile/)

Businessmap (formerly Kanbanize) is the most flexible Lean project & portfolio management platform for complete strategy executi...[Read more about Businessmap](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanbanize-profile/)

**4.8**

([215 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanbanize-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

GitHub

+11 more

+10 more

+9 more

Businessmap's Best Rated Features

5.0Risk Management

See All

Businessmap's Worst Rated Features

Timesheet Management

See All

[Nifty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/nifty-profile/)

Nifty is a new-wave project management tool that reduces project development cycles and improves team productivity by combining ...[Read more about Nifty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/nifty-profile/)

**4.6**

([440 reviews](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/nifty-profile/reviews/))

Free trial

Free version

Integrations

Integrations

Slack

Dropbox Business

+28 more

+27 more

+26 more

Nifty's Best Rated Features

5.0Dependency Tracking

See All

Nifty's Worst Rated Features

Real Time Editing

See All

1

[2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison/?page=5)

...

[10](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ppm-comparison/?page=10)

## Popular Comparisons

[

Jira vs Trello

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/atlassian-jira-profile/vs/trello/)[

monday.com vs Asana

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/asana-profile/vs/monday-com/)[

Wrike vs ClickUp

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/vs/wrike/)[

Smartsheet vs Airtable

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/airtable-profile/vs/smartsheet/)[

Sage Intacct vs NetSuite

](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/intacct-accounting-profile/vs/netsuite-financials-accounting-software/)

## Your Guide to Top Project Portfolio Management Software, February 2025

Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Project Portfolio Management products in North America.

[Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/)

#### Explore FrontRunners

-   [Asana](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/asana-profile/)
-   [BigAgile](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/449624-BigAgile/)
-   [Birdview](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/birdview-psa-profile/)
-   [Businessmap](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kanbanize-profile/)
-   [Celoxis](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/celoxis-profile/)
-   [ClickUp](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/)
-   [Ganttic](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttic-profile/)
-   [GanttPRO](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/ganttpro-profile/)
-   [GoodDay](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/goodday-profile/)
-   [Jira](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/atlassian-jira-profile/)
-   [Kantata](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/kantata-profile/)
-   [Microsoft Project](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/microsoft-project-profile/)
-   [Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/)
-   [monday.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/)
-   [Nifty](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/nifty-profile/)
-   [OpenProject](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/openproject-profile/)
-   [Oracle Primavera Cloud](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/primaverp6eppm-profile/)
-   [Proggio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/proggio-profile/)
-   [Quickbase](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/quick-base-profile/)
-   [Scoro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/psa/scoro-profile/)
-   [Smartsheet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/)
-   [TeamDynamix](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/teamdynamix-profile/)
-   [Prism PPM](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/workotter-profile/)
-   [Wrike](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/)
-   [Zoho Projects](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/zoho-projects-profile/)

“Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use.

“Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money.

Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication.

## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox

### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you.

Project portfolio management software refers to a class of systems that provide support for organizations managing complex and often concurrent projects, i.e., a portfolio.

These systems help increase project awareness and visibility, allowing managers to allocate resources to current and future projects more effectively.

Over time, project portfolio management software offers a wealth of performance data. Decision-makers can better analyze the risk versus reward for different types of project initiatives. This allows leaders to make more informed decisions on the types of projects they choose to fund.

It can be difficult to know when, if ever, your organization should graduate to portfolio management from traditional project management. Adding to the confusion, many vendors straddle the divide and offer solutions that serve both needs.

While the benefits are many, project portfolio management systems are more advanced than [traditional project tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/). They require a significant investment of time and resources to implement and manage.

This buyer’s guide will help you better understand the differences between project portfolio management and project management. This way, you can make a more informed purchase decision about which is the right software to support your needs.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

[What Is Project Portfolio Management Software?](#WhatIsProjectPortfolioManagementSoftware)

[When to Invest in PPM Software?](#WhentoInvestinPPMSoftware)

[Core Functionality to Look for in PPM Software](#CoreFunctionalitytoLookforinPPMSoftware)

[What Type of Buyer Are You?](#WhatTypeofBuyerAreYou)

[Expected Benefits](#ExpectedBenefits)

## What Is Project Portfolio Management Software?

Project portfolio management (PPM) refers to a collective effort by an organization to centralize and coordinate project efforts across a portfolio of work. PPM software helps automate processes, streamlining the planning, managing and delivery of each project.

While [traditional project tools](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/) are designed to support teams at a project or department level, PPM software is designed to support project processes at an organizational level.

This means that while each system will have similar capabilities, such as [project planning](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-planning-comparison/#buyers-guide), PPM software will offer additional capabilities beyond what’s available in traditional PM tools.

For example, traditional planning allow managers to map out a project’s critical path and identify task dependencies and constraints. PPM software does this and more, allowing decision-makers to map out the dependencies and constraints between projects and identify potential scheduling issues, budget conflicts and overlapping objectives.

Ultimately, this allows leaders to better weigh one initiative against another so the business can eliminate waste and execute on the projects that deliver the greatest value.

## When to Invest in PPM Software?

According to Gartner, businesses follow a natural, [progressive development of project management processes](http://www.strategies-for-managing-change.com/support-files/gartnerprogramportfoliomaturitymodel.pdf) and strategy referred to as "project and portfolio management (PPM) maturity."

There are five levels, with level one being the least mature and level five being the most mature. Organizations gradually develop and refine their PM processes, moving away from manual PM methods and investing in tools to support their workflows. By doing this, their PPM maturity advances.

### PPM Maturity Levels

At a level one PPM maturity, businesses may be using basic scheduling and task management tools on a one-off project basis. As they move into level two, most businesses have invested in PM software that they consistently use as a centralized and collaborative project space.

**It’s not until businesses reach a level three PPM maturity that they should consider investing in PPM software.**

SMBs at a level three PPM maturity have most likely established a project management office (PMO) to help them oversee and institute PM processes at an organizational level. The PMO acts as a governing unit that evaluates project initiatives to ensure they align with organizational goals and strategy.

Prior to investing in PPM software, your organization should evaluate whether it has followed [portfolio management best practices](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/project-portfolio-management-processes/):

### Portfolio Management Best Practices

Following these steps, in this order, helps ensure structured processes are in place before implementing a solution and that there is a governing body in place to oversee the implementation. This gives your business the best chance of successfully adopting portfolio management and implementing PPM software.

## Core Functionality to Look for in PPM Software

As you evaluate PPM solutions, look for the following critical capabilities to ensure your organization has the portfolio support it needs:

**Project life cycle management**

Manage projects from initial concept to final delivery. Create risk-return profiles to compare initiatives so that all the projects within a portfolio align with strategic goals and deliver business value.

**Risk management**

[Identify known risks](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/project-risk-management-tools/), assign to staff for evaluation and monitoring and create risk management plans. Establish issue/change management protocols to deal with change requests and new issues that arise during project execution.

**Advanced** [resource management](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/resource-management-comparison/)

Assess employee skill levels and allocate resources across multiple projects based on skill sets and availability. [Practice resource capacity planning](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/resource-capacity-planning-best-practices/) and ensure that high-priority projects are staffed first.

**Dashboards**

Track project and portfolio progress against criteria such as budget, timeline and progress toward milestones and achievement of business objectives. Customize views according to specific user needs, e.g., executive, manager and/or customer.

**Reporting and analytics**

Monitor [key performance indicators](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/project-management-kpis/) and export data for a snapshot of current standing. Analyze data, and compare with previous reports to better understand organizational performance.

## What Type of Buyer Are You?

Not every small business will progress to a level of PPM maturity or project complexity that warrants an investment in PPM software. These tools are designed for organizations that need to effectively allocate and manage resources across multiple concurrent projects. These businesses will have [portfolio management processes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/resources/project-portfolio-management-processes/) already in place.

In short, if your small business is still running one-off projects and has not thought strategically about instituting portfolio management processes, you probably do not need PPM software. Instead, you’re likely better off with a [traditional project management solution](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/) that can help you streamline workflows and project processes at a project or department level.

Out of the thousands of software buyers who contact us each year, the following are the types of buyers who most often need more advanced PPM software:

**Industry-specific, speciality buyers:** Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in fast-paced fields can break from the traditional PPM maturity-mold when it comes to PPM software. These buyers struggle to match limited resources with high project demand and as such, PPM solutions can help them streamline their efforts.

Industries that often require more advanced PPM solutions include information technology (IT) services, software/technology and related fields, as well as marketing firms, professional services organizations, [construction](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/program-management-software-comparison/#buyers-guide) and engineering.

**Small and midsized businesses (SMBs):** SMBs at a level three PPM maturity can use PPM software to help coordinate project efforts across the portfolio. This can provide the level of visibility and oversight needed to successfully manage projects from conception to completion. At this stage, businesses might consider PPM solutions such as Mavenlink or Microsoft Project.

**Growing SMBs and enterprise organizations:** Growing SMBs and larger enterprise organizations are likely at a level three PPM maturity or higher. The size and complexity of their projects makes them good candidates for PPM software. PPM solutions to consider include [Clarizen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clarizen-profile/) and Workfront.

## Expected Benefits

Organizations needing support for their project portfolio can benefit from investing in PPM software in several ways. The following are a few examples of ways PPM software might help:

-   **More efficient resource allocation:** Awareness of current and future project requirements allow business leaders to more effectively allocate resources—employees, time and money—across the entire portfolio.
    
-   **Improve balance:** Understanding the resources required for various types of projects allows businesses to achieve a better balance between short-term and long-term projects which allows them to maintain optimal resource capacity.
    
-   **Increase value:** Using project evaluation criteria to weigh initiatives against the other projects in the portfolio helps businesses eliminate waste and execute on those initiatives that deliver the most value.
    

### Related Project Portfolio Management Software

-   [Gantt Chart Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/gantt-chart-comparison/)
-   [Nonprofit Project Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/3863-project-management-software-for-nonprofits/)
-   [Product Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/product-management-comparison/)
-   [Product Roadmap Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product-roadmap/)
-   [Productivity Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/)
-   [Project Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/)
-   [Project Planning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-planning-comparison/)
-   [Requirements Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/requirements-management/)
-   [Strategic Planning Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/strategic-planning-comparison/)