Smartsheet has become a staple part of our Strategy & Change team’s toolkit. David Lindsay, Senior Consultant, Strategy & Change based in our Edinburgh office, tells us why.
In today’s corporate world, where the ticking clock is as relentless as the demands for efficiency, Smartsheet emerges as a beacon of order in the chaos. Picture this; a platform so versatile that it can morph from a project tracker to a collaborative workspace, all the while being as intuitive as your favourite smartphone app. That’s Smartsheet for you – the Swiss Army knife of project management tools.
In other words; Smartsheet is a cloud-based platform primarily designed for work management, project management and collaboration. It combines the familiar interface of a spreadsheet with powerful tools for tracking projects, automating workflows, and reporting on work. But calling them spreadsheets is like calling the Mona Lisa a doodle. These are spreadsheets on steroids. They are dynamic, they are heavily customisable, and they are smarter than your average grid. With dropdown menus, checkboxes, and hierarchies, they turn the fundamental tasks of data entry and planning into a walk in the park.
Features
Smartsheet offers a variety of features designed to enhance productivity and collaboration. These features are adaptable to various industries like IT, HR, Marketing, and more, so while Project Management teams may be the obvious area to implement Smartsheets do not be put off if that is not the area you work in as these features will benefit the whole organisation.
Sample Gantt view
The primary features can be broken down into the following 6 key areas:
Programme, Portfolio, Project & Task Management
- Task Tracking: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress.
- Gantt Charts: Visualise project timelines and dependencies.
- Resource Management: Allocate resources and manage workloads.
- Programme Management & cross-project dependencies: link, track, and roll-up all business / enterprise-wide projects.
Collaboration
- Shared Workspaces: Collaborate in real-time with team members.
- File Sharing: Attach and share documents directly within tasks.
- Comments and Discussions: Communicate and provide feedback directly within the platform.
Automation
- Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks and processes to save time.
- Alerts and Reminders: Set up notifications for important deadlines and updates.
- Approval Processes: Streamline approval workflows for faster decision-making.
Reporting and Analytics
- Customisable Reports: Generate reports tailored to your organisations’ structure and needs.
- Dashboards: Create visual dashboards to monitor key metrics.
- Real-Time Data: Access up-to-date information for better informed and quicker decision-making.
Integration
- Third-Party Apps: Integrate with popular tools like Microsoft Office and directly into Microsoft Teams.
- API Access: Customise and extend Smartsheet’s functionality with API integrations.
Security and Compliance
- Data Security: Robust security measures to protect your data.
- Compliance: Adherence to industry standards and regulations.
And for the road warriors out there, Smartsheet’s mobile app keeps you connected to your projects, whether you are in the back of a cab or at 30,000 feet. It is like having a command centre in your pocket, only without the bulky buttons and beeping noises.
Sample dashboard and mobile view
Considerations
Once implemented and users have become familiar with its features and capabilities, Smartsheet is an incredibly valuable tool. The benefits of Smartsheet outweigh the initial training requirements, and any perceived complexity of getting started. Once up-to-speed users will quickly forget any initial challenges and will wonder how they managed to deliver their work with their old PPM or work management tool!
Here at Prosperity 24/7, as a Silver Solution Partner, we can support you through the full end-to-end onboarding journey, to help ensure that the value of Smartsheet is realised as quickly as possible. We offer comprehensive training, customised solutions, and guidance to simplify the use of Smartsheet, making sure that all users understand the ‘art of the possible.’ We provide all the support required making it easier for users to navigate and utilise its extensive features. There are several plan options available that can grow with your business, which we can discuss with you to find the best option for you and your firm, both now and in the future.
In conclusion, Smartsheet is aimed at a wide range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises and would be particularly useful for teams and organisations that need to manage multiple projects simultaneously and require a flexible, customisable tool.
Smartsheet is not just a tool; it is a revolution wrapped in a cloud-based solution. It is the answer to the prayers of teams everywhere, who long for more hours in the day and less chaos in their lives. So, if you want to be the office hero, the maestro of management, the sultan of spreadsheets, give Smartsheet a whirl. Your projects (and your sanity) will thank you. And remember, in the world of project management, Smartsheet is not just smart; it is genius.
While Smartsheet is an incredibly powerful and valuable tool, it is only part of the solution. To truly deliver successful projects and realise the benefits, it is imperative that you involve the right people and partners, with the relevant skillset and experience. At Prosperity 24/7, we have excellent people with vast experience and a proven record of accomplishments who can help you and your company go from strength to strength.
