Item: Smartsheet
Rating: 9
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Smartsheet has been widely used for research project management across different disciplines in my university. As an engineering student, I have been introduced to this software when assisting with managing research projects for PIs. This software makes project management effective through simply aligning project tasks, schedule, and outcome with a clear workflow platform.

Pros and Cons

Since it is cloud-based, all project participants are able to view and manage the project scheduling and process in Smartsheet.
Smartsheet allows import and export Excel sheets. While managing a construction project, Smartsheet provides useful workflow template to do so.
Smartsheet mobile allows users to view and edit files portable

While making changes in Smartsheet through the web, it may take a while to save all the changes on file. I guess this can be solved by downloading the software, but since I am using it via a university license, web Smartsheet requires high Internet connection quality.
It requires license to proceed, and free version of Smartsheet is only valid for limited time, which rarely cover the entire project duration.

Return on Investment

By creating Gantt charts and critical paths for tasks, Smartsheet makes users easier and more effective to schedule, manage and view project progress over its entire project duration.
Smartsheet keeps all project partners on the same page by sharing the task lists and Gantt charts and attaching files from different sources.

Alternatives Considered

Microsoft Project and Tableau Desktop

With built-in templates, Smartsheet makes it easier to start with project management. This tool is very useful for collaboration, project management, and communication. If you can use MS Excel, you can easily master this software. Tableau needs more training to master and utilize since it involves some analysis skills, although many functions are built on Excel.

Support Rating

Smartsheet has an overall great capability for project management and collaboration. For beginners, it is not difficult to transition from Microsoft Excel to Smartsheet. The overpriced license is the only reason I gave one point off. Although Smartsheet offers a free trial version, it only allows using a short period of time (7 days). To complete management for a project, users will need to purchase the license which is expensive.

Key Insights

Do you think Smartsheet delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Smartsheet's feature set?

Yes

Did Smartsheet live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Smartsheet go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Smartsheet again?

Other Software Used

Tableau Desktop, Evernote, Microsoft Teams

Likelihood to Recommend

In the management for a construction project, Smartsheet provides a workflow chart along with each task duration, which clearly illustrates the project scheduling and work plan.

Easy to start with this spreadsheet-like interface software for project management

Overall Satisfaction with Smartsheet