Project Managers lack the tools for effective resource management

Survey reveals more than half still use basic spreadsheets to manage resources

A recent poll has shown that four out of five project management professionals see resource management as one of their most important business processes, but only 29 per cent have adequate systems in place to support them.  More than a half (52%) still rely on basic spreadsheets or simple databases, while nearly a fifth (19%) have no system in place at all to help manage this key function. 

The survey, conducted by project management software provider Maconomy at the Project Challenge Show in London, questioned attendees from some of the leading public and private sector organisations across the UK. Although resource management is evidently a primary consideration for professional services firms, the results suggest that many are unable to do this efficiently. 

Neil Davidson, Managing Director at Maconomy UK comments: "With the current economic climate as it is, professional service firms are facing increasing pressure on a number of fronts: they have to deliver continuous results with lower margins; retain customers in a  highly competitive market and, not least, develop and retain the talent in their company.  With company value residing so heavily in the skills and knowledge of individual project managers, effective resource management can make the difference between profit, break-even or loss."

A clear and comprehensive view of overall business health is essential to daily operations as well as future growth plans. The right planning tools can help businesses gain true visibility of their resources, skills and capacity.  Therefore, existing investments are maximized, wastage and extra spend is eliminated.  With professional resource planning software an organisation is efficient and streamlined and well-placed to manage existing major projects and flexible enough to take on future work when it arrives.

Other key areas of interest from the survey were:

- 53 per cent of respondents saw getting visibility of available skills and resources as the biggest challenge in managing capacity and resources across their business.

- Only 16 per cent of firms had a dedicated resource manager. Project managers were rated as the most likely job role to be responsible for capacity and resource management in an organisation - in addition to their primary role.