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MAXQDA The All-in-one Literature Review Software

MAXQDA is the best choice for a comprehensive literature review. It works with a wide range of data types and offers powerful tools for literature review, such as reference management, qualitative, vocabulary, text analysis tools, and more.

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As your all-in-one literature review software, MAXQDA can be used to manage your entire research project. Easily import data from texts, interviews, focus groups, PDFs, web pages, spreadsheets, articles, e-books, and even social media data. Connect the reference management system of your choice with MAXQDA to easily import bibliographic data. Organize your data in groups, link relevant quotes to each other, keep track of your literature summaries, and share and compare work with your team members. Your project file stays flexible and you can expand and refine your category system as you go to suit your research.

Developed by and for researchers – since 1989

Having used several qualitative data analysis software programs, there is no doubt in my mind that MAXQDA has advantages over all the others. In addition to its remarkable analytical features for harnessing data, MAXQDA’s stellar customer service, online tutorials, and global learning community make it a user friendly and top-notch product.

Sally S. Cohen – NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing

Literature Review is Faster and Smarter with MAXQDA

Easily import your literature review data

With a literature review software like MAXQDA, you can easily import bibliographic data from reference management programs for your literature review. MAXQDA can work with all reference management programs that can export their databases in RIS-format which is a standard format for bibliographic information. Like MAXQDA, these reference managers use project files, containing all collected bibliographic information, such as author, title, links to websites, keywords, abstracts, and other information. In addition, you can easily import the corresponding full texts. Upon import, all documents will be automatically pre-coded to facilitate your literature review at a later stage.

Capture your ideas while analyzing your literature

Great ideas will often occur to you while you’re doing your literature review. Using MAXQDA as your literature review software, you can create memos to store your ideas, such as research questions and objectives, or you can use memos for paraphrasing passages into your own words. By attaching memos like post-it notes to text passages, texts, document groups, images, audio/video clips, and of course codes, you can easily retrieve them at a later stage. Particularly useful for literature reviews are free memos written during the course of work from which passages can be copied and inserted into the final text.

Find concepts important to your generated literature review

When generating a literature review you might need to analyze a large amount of text. Luckily MAXQDA as the #1 literature review software offers Text Search tools that allow you to explore your documents without reading or coding them first. Automatically search for keywords (or dictionaries of keywords), such as important concepts for your literature review, and automatically code them with just a few clicks. Document variables that were automatically created during the import of your bibliographic information can be used for searching and retrieving certain text segments. MAXQDA’s powerful Coding Query allows you to analyze the combination of activated codes in different ways.

Aggregate your literature review

When conducting a literature review you can easily get lost. But with MAXQDA as your literature review software, you will never lose track of the bigger picture. Among other tools, MAXQDA’s overview and summary tables are especially useful for aggregating your literature review results. MAXQDA offers overview tables for almost everything, codes, memos, coded segments, links, and so on. With MAXQDA literature review tools you can create compressed summaries of sources that can be effectively compared and represented, and with just one click you can easily export your overview and summary tables and integrate them into your literature review report.

Powerful and easy-to-use literature review tools

Quantitative aspects can also be relevant when conducting a literature review analysis. Using MAXQDA as your literature review software enables you to employ a vast range of procedures for the quantitative evaluation of your material. You can sort sources according to document variables, compare amounts with frequency tables and charts, and much more. Make sure you don’t miss the word frequency tools of MAXQDA’s add-on module for quantitative content analysis. Included are tools for visual text exploration, content analysis, vocabulary analysis, dictionary-based analysis, and more that facilitate the quantitative analysis of terms and their semantic contexts.

Visualize your literature review

As an all-in-one literature review software, MAXQDA offers a variety of visual tools that are tailor-made for qualitative research and literature reviews. Create stunning visualizations to analyze your material. Of course, you can export your visualizations in various formats to enrich your literature review analysis report. Work with word clouds to explore the central themes of a text and key terms that are used, create charts to easily compare the occurrences of concepts and important keywords, or make use of the graphical representation possibilities of MAXMaps, which in particular permit the creation of concept maps. Thanks to the interactive connection between your visualizations with your MAXQDA data, you’ll never lose sight of the big picture.

AI Assist: literature review software meets AI

AI Assist – your virtual research assistant – supports your literature review with various tools. AI Assist simplifies your work by automatically analyzing and summarizing elements of your research project and by generating suggestions for subcodes. No matter which AI tool you use – you can customize your results to suit your needs.

Free tutorials and guides on literature review

MAXQDA offers a variety of free learning resources for literature review, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to learn how to use the software. From free video tutorials and webinars to step-by-step guides and sample projects, these resources provide a wealth of information to help you understand the features and functionality of MAXQDA for literature review. For beginners, the software’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive help center make it easy to get started with your data analysis, while advanced users will appreciate the detailed guides and tutorials that cover more complex features and techniques. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced researcher, MAXQDA’s free learning resources will help you get the most out of your literature review.

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Get your maxqda license, compare the features of maxqda and maxqda analytics pro, faq: literature review software.

Literature review software is a tool designed to help researchers efficiently manage and analyze the existing body of literature relevant to their research topic. MAXQDA, a versatile qualitative data analysis tool, can be instrumental in this process.

Literature review software, like MAXQDA, typically includes features such as data import and organization, coding and categorization, advanced search capabilities, data visualization tools, and collaboration features. These features facilitate the systematic review and analysis of relevant literature.

Literature review software, including MAXQDA, can assist in qualitative data interpretation by enabling researchers to organize, code, and categorize relevant literature. This organized data can then be analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and themes, helping researchers draw meaningful insights from the literature they’ve reviewed.

Yes, literature review software like MAXQDA is suitable for researchers of all levels of experience. It offers user-friendly interfaces and extensive support resources, making it accessible to beginners while providing advanced features that cater to the needs of experienced researchers.

Getting started with literature review software, such as MAXQDA, typically involves downloading and installing the software, importing your relevant literature, and exploring the available features. Many software providers offer tutorials and documentation to help users get started quickly.

For students, MAXQDA can be an excellent literature review software choice. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive feature set, and educational discounts make it a valuable tool for students conducting literature reviews as part of their academic research.

MAXQDA is available for both Windows and Mac users, making it a suitable choice for Mac users looking for literature review software. It offers a consistent and feature-rich experience on Mac operating systems.

When it comes to literature review software, MAXQDA is widely regarded as one of the best choices. Its robust feature set, user-friendly interface, and versatility make it a top pick for researchers conducting literature reviews.

Yes, literature reviews can be conducted without software. However, using literature review software like MAXQDA can significantly streamline and enhance the process by providing tools for efficient data management, analysis, and visualization.

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• Cui L Wang W (2023) Factors Affecting the Adoption of Digital Technology by Farmers in China: A Systematic Literature Review Sustainability 10.3390/su152014824 15 :20 (14824) Online publication date: 12-Oct-2023 https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014824
• Yépez-Ponce D Salcedo J Rosero-Montalvo P Sanchis J (2023) Mobile robotics in smart farming: current trends and applications Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence 10.3389/frai.2023.1213330 6 Online publication date: 31-Aug-2023 https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2023.1213330
• Abbasi R Martinez P Ahmad R (2022) The digitization of agricultural industry – a systematic literature review on agriculture 4.0 Smart Agricultural Technology 10.1016/j.atech.2022.100042 2 (100042) Online publication date: Dec-2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atech.2022.100042
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Agile Project Management and Project Success: A Literature Review

• Conference paper
• First Online: 27 June 2018
• Cite this conference paper

• Thomas Bergmann 17 &
• Waldemar Karwowski 17  

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 783))

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• International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics

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Agile project management (APM) has recently emerged as a new and different way of managing projects. Some experts are already voicing the opinion that APM will become the project management of the 21st century. However, so far APM has not impacted project management as much as it should have. Its focus was mainly on IT projects. The literature on APM is still in its early stages, and more research needs to be done in areas other than software development. Therefore, the present paper provides a review of the existing literature in the agile project management domain. It compares traditional to modern project management, specifically APM, and discusses the influence of project complexity factors. Further, it reviews different frameworks of project success and critical success factors. Finally, it recommends APM dimensions irrespective of project types, which potentially could impact the success of a project.

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Thomas Bergmann & Waldemar Karwowski

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Salman Nazir

Hungarian-Netherlands School of Educational Management, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary

Tibor Barath

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Bergmann, T., Karwowski, W. (2019). Agile Project Management and Project Success: A Literature Review. In: Kantola, J.I., Nazir, S., Barath, T. (eds) Advances in Human Factors, Business Management and Society. AHFE 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 783. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-94709-9_39

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Buyer’s Guide To Literature Review Software

About this guide.

Our team has been developing literature review software for the world’s leading research organizations for over 15 years. Though the software has evolved dramatically over that period, the questions we are asked about the features and benefits of review software haven’t changed much.

In this guide, we present a comprehensive list of things to consider when evaluating a literature review software solution.

This guide will:

• Explain what literature review software does and how it is used
• Discuss where literature review software fits within the overall review process
• Provide a checklist of features to help you with the evaluation process

Who should read this guide?

If you are doing literature reviews today, you already know that they are increasingly required for regulatory compliance and safety monitoring. You also probably know that, while reviews sound simple on the surface, they are big projects that can consume significant amounts of time and resources. Doing reviews well can be a challenge.

This guide can benefit you if:

You are struggling with the amount of time it takes to conduct a review

If you are involved in the preparation of literature reviews for Clinical Evaluation Reports (CERs), Performance Evaluation Reports (PER), or if you track literature for safety monitoring, you need to be able to enforce standardized review processes and methods across your organization. Since your work could be subject to an audit, you need to be prepared.

You need to reduce the time it takes to conduct a review

You’re concerned about manual errors compromising the quality of your review

Did I make a transcription error? Did we forget to review that paper by Nosyk? Has any of my data changed? Worries like these can keep a researcher up at night and can seriously impact the quality and integrity of your review.

You’re not sure which literature review software is the best fit for you

What does literature review software do.

Today’s literature review software automates the many manual tasks involved in conducting a review. Literature reviews are process intensive and data heavy, and not so long ago they typically involved circulating paper copies of articles and screening forms to the review team who captured their work on spreadsheets.

Most reviewers currently use some form of technology to help manage the information and data in their review projects. In fact, a recent survey showed that the vast majority of reviewers still use spreadsheets at some stage of their review process.

Of course, it is possible to produce results using spreadsheets, or even paper forms. That said, each of these methods has a number of drawbacks that can have significant impact on both the quality and the volume of research produced.

Just Say No To Spreadsheets

When using spreadsheets for review tasks such as screening, data extraction, or storing references, you may find yourself dealing with some or all of the following:

• A reviewing “bottleneck” because each stage of the review must be completed before the next one is started
• Manual data entry errors that can be difficult or even impossible to catch
• Excessive manual work in checking for disagreements and creating reports
• Questions about the validity of your results due to lost files or undocumented processes

Where does literature review software fit in the process?

Literature review software is designed to reduce the manual work involved in conducting reviews and maintain a complete record of the work that’s been done on your review projects.

But how does it do this?

Once you’ve defined your research question and completed your search of relevant databases, you can typically import your search results into your literature review software and start your screening and data extraction processes.

Similar to the paper forms used in the past, literature review software uses electronic forms to record the answers to inclusion/exclusion questions. Some forms can be configured for data extraction. One of the main advantages that electronic forms provide is that they collect all your review data in one place, eliminating the need to manually cut and paste collate individual responses for processing and analysis. 

“Why input data twice when it only needs to be done once?”

Digital forms can be reused an unlimited number of times. Depending on the form and the reviewer, they can usually be completed faster than writing or typing since they can incorporate easy-to-use answer formats like checkboxes or radio buttons. They can also validate your data and even perform calculations before you submit it, giving you cleaner results and fewer errors.

Screening and data extraction are the most common review tasks facilitated by literature review software, but there are often other valuable features such as direct connection to popular databases such as PubMed, automated report generation, and reviewer roles and permissions management.

With regulatory bodies calling for continuous monitoring and assessment of safety data, having your entire review project and all its references, full text articles and audit trail stored within your literature review software can be a huge time saver when it comes time for updates.

As literature reviews have become a fundamental component of the risk management system for many organizations, they are increasingly scrutinized for thoroughness, standardized processes, and data integrity. By maintaining complete, accurate records of every reviewer action and decision, and allowing you to establish and enforce repeatable processes, literature review software makes it easier to deliver regulatory compliant, audit-ready literature reviews on time and on budget.

Top 5 Ways Systematic Review Software Can Help You

#1 compliance.

If there’s one thing that almost every reviewer wishes for, it’s more time. In our Survey of Literature Reviews, approximately one quarter of the respondents mentioned their greatest review challenge is the time involved in completing a review – to conduct searches, remove duplicates and irrelevant articles, complete screening, extract data, and prepare reports. In a recent survey of our user community, reviewers reported that literature review software reduced the time required to produce reviews by 40%-60%.

#3 Automation

No one wants to discover a mistake in their review right before – or worse, during – an audit.

Duplicate references, transcription errors, and data entry errors can skew, or even invalidate, your results. Literature review software can provide built-in automation and validation tools that dramatically reduce the potential for errors in your reviews.

#4 Compatibility

Although literature review software can help with many tasks throughout the review lifecycle, your process likely includes other tools for searching and storing references and data. You also likely need to use the information from your completed review in reports and submissions. Your literature review software should allow you to import and export your data in all the most common file formats, such as CSV, Excel, Word, PDF, RIS, and ENLX.

#5 Collaboration

Literature review software packages today are typically cloud-based and can be used from any browser on any device. With a centralized, shared data set, your team can collaborate in real time, regardless of location.

Your Literature Review Software Checklist

Deciding to adopt literature review software is more than just a monetary investment – it’s a commitment to a new way of doing things. And just like any significant purchase, it’s always a good idea to do your research first.

Make sure you conduct a thorough assessment of each of the available options to choose the software that is the best fit for your needs. Below is a list of features that may be offered by systematic review software packages.

This requirement applies to my assessement

Automatic reference updates to prevent the review from becoming out-of-date

Compatible with standard reference file types (RIS, CSV, and ENLX)

Direct integration with reference databases

Keyword highlighting for faster screening

Full-Text Retrieval

Data extraction, project management.

Real-time updates on project progress to inform stakeholders and facilitate planning

Live customer support, professional services offerings and training

Enterprise-Grade Software (High availability and redundancy,  scalable to handle hundreds of thousands of references per project, secure and regulatory compliant )

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Project Management Methodologies: A Review of the Literature

Related Papers

Project Management

Waelxaah Dan Nyongesa

Previously project management methods progressed a less intricate representatives comprising of smaller and more effortlessly controlled projects. Nonetheless, the modern world project is vast and complex and significantly entail more significant risk. Generally, large and complex projects include several delivery units, vendors, and subcontractors where the delivery of these activities demand an effective management and control approach.

International Journal of Information Technology Project Management

David Ackah (PhD)

The project management domain includes many well-defined methodologies such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge: PMBoK (Project Management Institute, 2008). On the other hand, project failures rate is quite high (Woolridge, Hale, Hale, & Sharpe, 2009). An interesting question is: Does using these methods improve project performances? This paper reports on a study that was performed to investigate the added value of using a project management methodology versus an intuitive managing approach. The results indicate that the project performances improved by using a systematic approach.

Hazem Abdulla

This study assessed the impact of project management methodologies (PMMs) on project success in the oil and gas industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It also explored the different project methodologies used along with their strengths and weaknesses. Quantitative approach with the support of qualitative interviews was used to achieve the objectives of this research. A total of 95 survey responses were received and 17 interviews were conducted. Projects in the oil and gas industry are more about safety than speed, and hence, the use of comprehensive methodologies and applying the relevant methodology elements are important for oil and gas projects. Furthermore, the companies in the oil and gas industry in Bahrain have to pay more attention to their project management methodologies and get it evolved and improved over time to achieve higher project success rates.

Annals of "Spiru Haret". Economic Series

Ungureanu Paul Adrian

Undoubtedly, a methodology properly defined and strictly followed for project management provides a firm guarantee that the work will be done on time, in budget and according to specifications. A project management methodology in simple terms is a “must-have” to avoid failure and reduce risks, because is one of the critical success factors, such basic skills of the management team. This is the simple way to guide the team through the design and execution phases, processes and tasks throughout the life cycle of project management. Project management methodology is a strictly defined combination on practices regarding logic, methods and processes that determine how best to plan, develop and control a project along the continuous process of its implementation and successful completion. In project management there are various approaches and methods that can be used in different types of project management. All types of project methodologies can be divided into traditional and modern app...

This paper studies the business process known as project management. This process has exhibited a remarkable growth in business interest over the last 15 years, as demonstrated by a 1000% increase in membership in the Project Management Institute since 1996. This growth is largely attributable to the emergence of many new diverse business applications that can be successfully managed as projects. The new applications for project management include IT implementations, research and development, new product and service development, corporate change management, and software development. The characteristics of modern projects are typically very different from those of traditional projects such as construction and engineering, which necessitates the development of new project management techniques. We discuss these recent practical developments. The history of project management methodology is reviewed, from CPM and PERT to the influential modern directions of critical chain project management and agile methods. We identify one important application area for future methodological change as new product and service development. A list of specific research topics within project management is discussed. The conclusions suggest the existence of significant research opportunities within project management.

Procedia Engineering

Alfredo Rivera

Christina Chin

Firend Al. Rasch

One common and essential characteristic of a project, is that it is a temporary endeavor, to achieve certain outcomes (deliverables) and to help achieve organizational/stakeholders’ objectives, with defined beginning and end. Methodologies applied in projects, tends to directly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of project outcomes. Consequently, affecting the cost, quality, scope, time and outcomes. Mistakes happens regardless of the methodology applied. The first rule in project management is that “Nothing goes as you plan” (Firend, Al. R., 2019). Methodology is defined as “strictly defined combination of logically related practices, methods, and processes that determine how best to plan, develop, control and deliver a project throughout the continuous implementation processes until successful completion and termination.” (MyManagementGuide). There are numerous definitions of methodology in project management. However, there is a shared fundamental principle across all definitions. That is, methodology in project management helps project managers direct the project, and keep it in track. Methodology help organizations to achieve outcomes that aligned with strategic objectives. This is especially true when considering that projects are expensive, changing and time consuming in nature.

Journal of Project Management Practice

Zulkiflee Abdul Samad

The project management discipline has been developed worldwide through the practice and theories implemented in various types of projects. Prominent organizational bodies have outlined ways to practice project management. This study aims to highlight the differences between standards, guides and methods developed by these bodies and to evaluate their contribution to the project management profession. The differences were discussed through four aspects: approach, life cycle, procurement and stakeholders. Interpretation of the goals and objectives, transparency, accountability and ethics require further deliberation.

Journal of engineering, project, and production management

Dr. Mukhtar AL-Hashimi

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What Is A Kanban Board? The Ultimate Guide

Updated: Feb 1, 2024, 3:12pm

A Kanban board is a tool that provides a visual system for teams to manage project tasks, workflows and communication. Kanban boards can help streamline assignments and avoid overload since project managers can reference exactly where each step in the process currently resides quickly.

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History of the Kanban Board

In Japanese, “kanban” means “visual sign” or “visual card,” and the concept was originated by Toyota in the 1940s. The purpose of the design was to help improve manufacturing efficiency and create a transparent work process.

Kanban boards have evolved since then and are now useful tools for teams of all sizes in a variety of industries. Many current models utilize completely digital board platforms designed for quick collaboration, while others prefer a whiteboard with shared, handwritten notes.

No matter what method is used to create a Kanban board, they all contain the same key components. Each is designed to provide a visual workflow that keeps the project timeline on track and follows the same core methodology.

6 Core Practices of Kanban

• Visualize the workflow: Use the different parts of the board to display the work in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Limit work in progress: Creating cards for tasks allows you to physically see how much work you’re taking on and ensure you don’t add too much at once.
• Manage workflows: Assign tasks to specific team members based on their availability and expertise.
• Implement explicit policies: Set up clear guidelines for how work should be completed, so that all team members have a clear understanding of how work proceeds from one step to the next.
• Allow room for feedback: There is always the potential that someone may identify a flaw or come up with a solution that another team member may have been unaware of. Provide time for knowledge-sharing and feedback sessions.
• Always search for improvement: Team members may identify redundancies in the process or have ideas on how to improve. Hear them out and adjust to keep things moving smoothly.

Parts of a Kanban Board

A Kanban board represents an overall project and typically breaks it up into three main parts:

• Requested tasks
• In progress tasks
• Completed tasks

The core features of a Kanban board are the cards that visually represent work tasks and the columns that differentiate the project stages.

Kanban Cards

Each project task lives on a card, which contains information such as a description, deadline and assigned team member. The cards may be different colors or shapes to help visualize who is responsible or to identify them as parts of a larger whole.

Kanban Columns

Columns on the Kanban board break up the different workflow stages. The cards move through the columns to indicate where a task is in the production process.

Work in Progress Limits

The limiting of tasks in the “work in progress” column allows teams to concentrate and work more efficiently, without as much distraction. Teams only actively work on cards that are in this column; the rest are either completed or waiting to begin.

How Does a Kanban Board Work?

Kanban boards visualize each process step as it moves through the workflow. The ultimate goal is to identify (and avoid) any potential bottlenecks to keep the project on track.

Step 1: Columns

Kanban boards traditionally have three task columns: to-do, in progress and done. You can use these suggestions or create different column names that better represent your project. Additional columns may be added as needed and could include objectives like development or testing.

Step 2: Cards

The cards make up all the tasks required to complete a project. Each card should contain a task description and due date. Cards are designed to promote a balanced workflow, so adding details to each step is an important component.

Step 3: Apply Cards to Columns

Each card task should be assigned to a team member, along with any supporting documents or information. They should then be applied to the first column, whether that is named To-Do or another title.

Step 4: Move Cards Through the Workflow

To maintain a smooth project workflow, cards should be moved to their appropriate columns as tasks are completed. This allows every team member to see exactly where each step is in the process, as well as watch for any potential backlogs or bottlenecks.

Types of Kanban Boards

Kanban boards today are often digital platforms, allowing all team members to view the status of each project element quickly and easily. A digital board also provides for easier collaboration and notification, particularly when teams are working remotely.

Some of the leading software options for project management include Kanbanize , Kanban Tool and Trello .

However, for smaller projects and teams, implementing this software may not be necessary. A large whiteboard, some markers and a variety of sticky notes can work just as effectively, so long as everyone has access to it.

Benefits of a Kanban Board

Flexibility.

Utilizing the Kanban board method for every project allows each team member the flexibility they need to complete their assigned tasks. The visual nature of the board permits everyone to see what needs to be accomplished and when.

Reduce Downtime

With the improved workflow stemming from the Kanban board use, downtime is significantly reduced. The team’s delivery of work and the delivery processes are faster and more balanced.

Increase Efficiency

Kanban boards emphasize frequent communication and strong dialogue among team members, often leading to increased efficiency. In addition, the underlying backbone of the board system is to promote and practice continuous improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the best project management software for kanban.

To determine the  best project management software , we ranked several tools based on ease of use, cost to your organization, each company’s customer support, as well as special features.

Wrike was our top choice. It earned the top spot because it works for companies and teams of all sizes. Airbnb, Google and Dell all trust Wrike to aid their project managers. Wrike also allows teams to create custom workflows, set timelines with interactive charts and reporting and build a visual representation that shows the progress of every project in real-time.

Other highly ranked project management tools include Asana, Monday and HighGear.

How do Kanban boards promote “pull” systems?

Many teams function with a system where tasks are pushed off to others, often as quickly as possible. Kanban boards promote “pull” systems, where tasks are performed more collaboratively and maintain a fair workload.

How are Kanban boards different from Scrum boards?

While Kanban and Scrum boards both offer visual workflows, Scrum boards are very rigid and focus on incremental deliveries. Kanban boards are more fluid and allow for flexibility as needed.

Who should use a Kanban board?

While they were created originally for the manufacturing industry, Kanban boards today are useful tools in a variety of businesses. This includes hospitals, factories, publishers, nonprofit organizations and anyone else searching for an effective way to visually share and manage tasks.

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Laura is a freelance writer specializing in small business, ecommerce and lifestyle content. As a small business owner, she is passionate about supporting other entrepreneurs and sharing information that will help them thrive. Her work has been featured on Angi, Scary Mommy and Cubby.

Cassie is a deputy editor collaborating with teams around the world while living in the beautiful hills of Kentucky. Focusing on bringing growth to small businesses, she is passionate about economic development and has held positions on the boards of directors of two non-profit organizations seeking to revitalize her former railroad town. Prior to joining the team at Forbes Advisor, Cassie was a content operations manager and copywriting manager.

21 Best Office Timeline Alternatives Reviewed In 2024

Our reviewers evaluate software independently. Clicks may earn a commission, which supports testing. Learn how we stay transparent & our review methodology.

As a project manager, I’ve reviewed and tested various project management tools to find the best alternatives to Office Timeline, ensuring your project goals and expectations are communicated clearly across teams.

Best Office Timeline Alternatives Shortlist

Here’s my pick of the 10 best software from the 21 tools reviewed.

• 1. Trello — Best for visual project management
• 2. Asana — Best for workflow automation
• 3. ProofHub — Best for proofing and file approval
• 4. Basecamp — Best for team collaboration tools
• 5. GanttProject — Best for Microsoft Project compatibility
• 6. Gantt.io — Best for simple drag-and-drop interface
• 7. Preceden — Best for layer-based timeline views
• 8. Timeline Maker Pro — Best for auto-scheduling features
• 9. Tiki-Toki — Best for 3D timeline visualization
• 10. GanttPRO — Best for interactive Gantt charts

Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.

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Finding the right tool for creating professional timelines is vital for effective project management and communication. While Office Timeline is a popular choice, several alternatives offer unique features and capabilities that might better suit your needs.

To help you find the best Office Timeline alternatives, I tested and reviewed several timeline software. Using my extensive experience in project management, I compared the results to determine the top solutions on the market. Whether you need enhanced customization, collaborative features, or integration with other software, these tools provide compelling options for any project.

What is Office Timeline?

Office Timeline is a user-friendly add-in for Microsoft PowerPoint that allows users to create visually appealing project timelines and Gantt charts. It simplifies the process of transforming complex project data into easy-to-understand visuals for reports, meetings, and presentations.

Why Look for an Office Timeline Alternative

Although Office Timeline is a valuable tool, there are several reasons you might be looking for an alternative. For example, you might find you and your team: 

• Need More Features: Office Timeline might lack the advanced features necessary for managing complex project timelines. Exploring alternatives could provide the additional capabilities you need.
• Prefer Different Integrations: If you rely on tools outside of Microsoft Office, you might seek software that offers broader integration options. As a result, an alternative could better fit your workflow.
• Require Advanced Collaboration: Office Timeline's collaboration features may fall short of your team's requirements, leading you to find a tool that offers better collaborative capabilities.
• Desire Greater Flexibility: For more customization in your timelines, Office Timeline might be too limited. An alternative solution could offer the flexibility to tailor your timelines to your specific needs.
• Need Better Value: Office Timeline's pricing might not suit your budget or offer the value you expect. Looking at other options could provide a better balance between cost and features.

Exploring alternatives to Office Timeline can unlock new possibilities for your project management and presentation needs. By considering these alternatives, you can find a solution that perfectly aligns with your unique requirements and preferences.

Why Trust Our Software Reviews

We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2012. As digital project managers, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. 

We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different project management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our software review methodology .

Best Office Timeline Alternatives Summary

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

Hub Planner

Best Office Timeline Alternatives Reviews

Below, I’ll provide a detailed analysis and overview of each alternative to Office Timeline. Each review will outline the advantages and disadvantages, features, and ideal scenarios for each tool.

Best for visual project management

• 14-day free trial
• From $5/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available

Trello is a tool that facilitates team collaboration on projects. It’s best for visual project management due to its intuitive boards, lists, and cards for a clear visual status of projects.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Trello offers a highly visual and intuitive interface for managing projects and timelines through customizable boards, lists, and cards. Its flexibility and ease of use make it ideal for teams to collaborate in real-time, track project progress, and manage tasks efficiently, without the need for extensive setup or training.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include customizable boards, lists, cards, and other views such as Timeline and Calendar. 

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, Evernote, GitHub, Mailchimp, Salesforce, and Zapier.

• Check out Trello on their website
• Explore best alternatives to Trello

Pros and cons

• Extensive integration options
• Multiple views for project tracking
• Intuitive and customizable interface
• May lack advanced project management features for some users
• Paid plans may be costly for larger teams

Best for workflow automation

• 30-day free trial
• From $10.99/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available

Asana is a versatile platform designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work. It’s best for workflow automation due to its comprehensive features that streamline project management and collaboration.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Asana offers advanced workflow automation capabilities that can significantly improve project management efficiency. Its ability to automate routine tasks and processes makes it a standout alternative to Office Timeline, especially for teams looking to minimize manual work and focus on strategic tasks.

Features include task management, project timelines (Gantt charts), custom fields for detailed tracking, project templates for easy setup, task dependencies, milestones to mark significant project stages, workload management for resource allocation, and automation rules to streamline workflows.

Integrations include Slack, Google Calendar, Microsoft Teams, Dropbox, Zapier, Salesforce, Jira, GitHub, Google Drive, and Mailchimp.

• Check out Asana on their website
• Read my in-depth review of Asana
• Extensive integration options with other tools
• Customizable project views including list, board, and timeline
• Comprehensive workflow automation features
• Limited offline access
• It can be overwhelming for new users due to its many features

Best for proofing and file approval

• From $45/month (billed annually)

ProofHub is a project management tool that simplifies team collaboration and project execution. It’s best for proofing and file approval due to its integrated markup tools that streamline the review process.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: ProofHub offers advanced project management features without charging per user, making it a cost-effective alternative to Office Timeline. Its proofing and file approval capabilities stand out for teams that require efficient feedback and sign-off processes.

Features include task management with to-do lists and Kanban boards, Gantt chart project planning, time tracking, custom workflows, and file sharing. It also offers proofing tools for feedback and approvals, real-time collaboration with chat and discussions, project templates, and calendar integration. 

Integrations include Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, and OneDrive.

• Check out ProofHub on their website
• Comprehensive set of project management and collaboration features
• Unlimited users are allowed on both plans
• Flat pricing model with no per-user fee
• May be higher cost for small teams
• Limited customer support

Best for team collaboration tools

• From $15/user/month

Basecamp is a project management and team collaboration tool that simplifies communication and coordination. It’s best for its detailed collaboration tools that facilitate project tracking, file sharing, and communication.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Basecamp provides a centralized platform for team collaboration, which is essential for managing timelines and projects effectively. Its focus on team interaction and project transparency makes it a top alternative to Office Timeline.

Features include to-do lists for task management, message boards for team discussions, schedules and calendars for project planning, document and file storage, real-time group chat via Campfire, automated check-ins to track progress, project templates for quick setup, client access for collaboration, task assignments and due dates, notifications and reminders, and comprehensive reports to monitor project status.

Integrations include Jira, Zendesk, HubSpot, Trello, Asana, Wrike, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, Google Sheets, and Slack.

• Check out Basecamp on their website
• Read my in-depth review of Basecamp
• Explore best alternatives to Basecamp
• Visual project tracking with Hill Charts
• Real-time group chat for quick questions and answers
• Centralized communication replaces project emails
• Annual billing may not be preferred by all users
• Limited customization options for project views

GanttProject

Best for Microsoft Project compatibility

• Free download available
• From $5 (one-time payment)

GanttProject is a free desktop project management application recognized for its compatibility with Microsoft Project, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a free alternative with similar functionalities.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: GanttProject offers features without the associated costs of many other project management tools. Its compatibility with Microsoft Project files allows for a smooth transition for those accustomed to Microsoft's software, making it a standout as an Office Timeline alternative.

Features include Gantt chart creation, task and milestone tracking, resource management with workload visualization, dependency management, and critical path analysis.

Integrations include PDQ Connect, Marketplace, and Airframe. 

• Check out GanttProject on their website
• Simple and intuitive user interface
• Compatible with Microsoft Project files
• Free and open-source software
• May not be suitable for very large or complex projects
• Outdated user interface

Best for simple drag-and-drop interface

• From $8/user/month + free plan available

Gantt.io is a tool that simplifies the creation of Gantt charts with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It's best for those who need a straightforward solution for charting project timelines.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Gantt.io provides teams with a user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to create and manage Gantt charts. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a strong alternative to Office Timeline, especially for users who prioritize ease of use over complex features.

Features include interactive Gantt charts, drag-and-drop functionality, multi-user editing, customizable templates, time-travel to view project history, and high-resolution export options.

Integrations include Google Ads and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Check out Gantt.io on their website
• High-resolution and SVG exports
• Unlimited number of Gantt charts
• Simple drag-and-drop interface
• No real-time collaboration
• Limited to 30 elements per chart on the free plan

Best for layer-based timeline views

• From $10/user/month (billed annually) + free plan available

Preceden is a timeline maker designed for various applications, from project management to education. Its layer-based timeline views enable users to manage and visualize complex data efficiently.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Preceden’s distinctive layer-based views facilitate the organization of timelines with multiple activities. This capability is particularly beneficial for complex project management, positioning it as a noteworthy alternative to Office Timeline.

Features include unlimited timeline creation, unlimited event addition, and export options, including links, PDFs, images, HTML embeds, PowerPoint presentations, and spreadsheets. 

Integrations include Microsoft Powerpoint and Microsoft Excel.

• Check out Preceden on their website
• Multiple export options for sharing and presentations
• AI-generated timelines for quick setup
• Layer-based views for complex timelines
• No offline access
• Moderate learning curve

Timeline Maker Pro

Best for auto-scheduling features

• From $149 (one time purchase, billed annually)

Timeline Maker Pro is a strong timeline creation tool. It stands out for its auto-scheduling features, which streamline the process of organizing events on a timeline.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Timeline Maker Pro’s unique auto-scheduling capabilities helps teams automatically arrange events in a logical order. This feature is useful for creating timelines that require precise sequencing and scheduling, making it a strong alternative to Office Timeline.

Features include one-click timeline creation, intuitive event entry through a spreadsheet-style interface, customizable themes, various timeline formats like bar charts, Gantt charts, and flag charts, and options for printing, publishing, and sharing timelines in multiple formats.

Integrations include Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

• Check out Timeline Maker Pro on their website
• No annual license subscription fees
• One-click timeline chart creation with multiple styles
• Auto-scheduling features for efficient timeline organization
• Primarily designed for Windows platforms
• Limited collaboration features

Best for 3D timeline visualization

• 14-day free trial + free plan available
• From $150/user (billed annually)

Tiki-Toki is a web-based timeline creation software that allows users to create interactive and visually appealing timelines. It’s suitable for various applications, from educational purposes to business presentations, and supports easy sharing and embedding of timelines on websites.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: Tiki-Toki’s unique 3D timeline view offers a dynamic and visually engaging way to present historical data or project timelines. This makes it a compelling alternative to Office Timeline for those who want to add a new dimension to their presentations.

Features include interactive timeline creation, support for images, videos, and audio, multiple view options including 2D and 3D views, extensive customization options, embedding timelines on websites, sharing capabilities, category-based event filtering, collaboration tools for team projects, a variety of timeline templates, and easy integration with social media platforms.

Integrations include YouTube and Vimeo.

• Check out Tiki-Toki on their website
• Web-based with no downloads required
• Interactive multimedia timelines with images, videos, and audio
• Unique 3D timeline visualization
• Customization options may be limited compared to other tools
• Pricing may not be suitable for all budgets

Best for interactive Gantt charts

• From $7.99/user/month (billed annually)

GanttPRO is an online project management tool that leverages Gantt charts for planning and collaboration. It's interactive Gantt charts allow team members to work together synchronously, enhancing overall collaboration.

Why it's a good Office Timeline alternative: GanttPRO emphasizes collaboration and real-time updates, which are essential for dynamic project environments. Its ability to facilitate immediate communication and adjustments among team members makes it a strong alternative to Office Timeline.

Features include interactive Gantt chart creation, task and milestone tracking, project templates, resource management, custom fields and colors, budget tracking, time tracking, and project baselines for progress comparison.

Integrations include Slack, Google Drive, Jira, and Microsoft Teams.

• Check out GanttPRO on their website
• Read my in-depth review of GanttPRO
• Native integrations with popular tools
• Comprehensive project management features
• Real-time collaboration on Gantt charts
• Some advanced features may have a learning curve
• A minimum of 5 seats is required for the starting price

Other Office Timeline Alternatives

Below is a list of additional Office Timeline alternatives that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.

Best for increased resource visibility

Best for collaborative work management

Best for real-time project planning

Best for Agile software development teams

Best for spreadsheet-like project views

Best for professional services automation

Best for integration with other Zoho apps

Best for resource management

Best for streamlined budget tracking

Best for task versatility

Related Project Management Software Reviews 

If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:

• Project Management Software
• Resource Management Software
• Workflow Automation Software
• Time Tracking Software
• Task Management Software
• Collaboration Tools
• Gantt Chart Maker
• Productivity Tools
• Project Tracking Software
• Project Scheduling Software

Office Timeline Alternatives Selection Criteria

The criteria for choosing an Office Timeline alternative should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:

Core Functionality: 25% of Total Weighting Score 

• Ability to create detailed and visually appealing timelines
• Features for adding, editing, and tracking tasks within the timeline
• Tools to mark and monitor significant project milestones
• Functionality to assign and manage resources effectively
• Features for generating progress reports and updates

Additional Standout Features: 25% of Total Weighting Score

• Offer simultaneous editing and live updates
• Features like critical path analysis provide deeper insights
• Unique templates to allow for highly personalized timelines
• Integrate seamlessly with other project management software
• Automated task scheduling enhances efficiency by adjusting timelines based on task dependencies.

Usability: 10% of Total Weighting Score

• A user-friendly design that minimizes the learning curve
• Simple task and timeline adjustments using drag-and-drop features
• Easy access across different devices and operating systems
• Flexible settings to tailor the tool to individual user preferences
• Interactive elements that enhance user engagement, such as clickable milestones and task links

Onboarding: 10% of Total Weighting Score

• Availability of comprehensive and easy-to-follow training videos
• Guided tours that help users familiarize themselves with the tool's features
• Pre-built templates to kickstart timeline creation
• Regularly scheduled webinars for in-depth learning
• Responsive chatbots that provide instant support and guidance

Customer Support: 10% of Total Weighting Score

• 24/7 customer support availability
• Quick response times for resolving issues
• Extensive online resources, including FAQs and documentation
• Access to dedicated support representatives for personalized assistance
• Active user communities for peer support and knowledge sharing

Value For Money: 10% of Total Weighting Score

• Competitive and flexible pricing plans that cater to different budget sizes
• High value in terms of features offered for the price
• Availability of a free trial period to evaluate the tool before purchase
• Discounts for long-term commitments or bulk purchases
• Clear and fair refund policies for unsatisfied customers

Customer Reviews: 10% of Total Weighting Score

• High overall satisfaction ratings from users
• Positive feedback regarding specific features and functionalities
• Consistent praise for ease of use and intuitive design
• Customer Service: Strong customer service reviews highlighting responsiveness and helpfulness
• Reviews that emphasize the tool’s reliability and performance

Key Features of Office Timeline Alternatives

Here are some key features of Office Timeline that your alternative software should be able to replicate or improve upon to be a good fit:

• Create Swimlanes: Turning complex data into easy-to-read project roadmaps helps to visualize different aspects of a project in a clear and organized manner. This feature allows you to manage multiple projects or teams efficiently by distinguishing between various workflows within a single timeline.
• Unlimited Collaboration: Sharing timelines with anyone, anywhere, and collaborating in real-time ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page. This feature facilitates seamless communication and updates, enhancing teamwork and project alignment regardless of geographical locations.
• Multiple Timescales: Displaying up to three timescales on your timeline for detailed scheduling provides a more strategic view of project phases. This feature allows for precise planning and tracking of tasks over different periods, making it easier to manage long-term projects and deadlines.
• Import Project Data: Importing up to 150 items from tools like Jira, Project, Excel, or Smartsheet streamlines the integration of existing project data into new timelines. This feature saves time and reduces the risk of data entry errors by leveraging already available information from various project management tools.
• Timeline and Swimlane Templates: Accessing a gallery of professional templates for quick creation simplifies the timeline-building process. This feature offers a variety of pre-designed templates, enabling users to produce polished and effective timelines without starting from scratch.
• Customization Options: Personalizing timelines with shapes, colors, sizes, fonts, and date formats enhances the visual appeal and clarity of your project plans. This feature allows you to tailor timelines to meet specific aesthetic and branding needs, ensuring that presentations are both informative and visually engaging.
• Unrestricted Downloads: Downloading complete PowerPoint timelines for presentations provides flexibility and convenience. This feature allows you to incorporate detailed timelines directly into your presentations, making it easier to share and communicate project plans during meetings.
• Visual Project Management: Building detailed timelines quickly with various status indicators and task details improves project oversight. This feature provides visual cues that highlight the status of different tasks, helping project managers to monitor progress and address issues promptly.
• Technical Support: Receiving assistance and unlimited free updates with a subscription ensures that users have access to the latest features and reliable help. This feature guarantees ongoing support and enhancements, making the software a sustainable and long-term solution for project management.
• Data Integration: Importing data from project planning tools for automatic PowerPoint timeline creation automates and simplifies the timeline creation process. This feature ensures that your timelines are up-to-date and accurately reflect project details by pulling data directly from other planning tools.

From creating detailed swimlanes and customizing timelines to enabling real-time collaboration and seamless data integration, these features collectively support efficient and effective project planning. By leveraging these advanced functionalities, teams can improve communication, streamline workflows, and deliver compelling project presentations.

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Best Construction Accounting Software of 2024

Hillary Crawford is a small-business writer at NerdWallet, with a special focus on business software products. Her previous roles include news writer and associate West Coast editor at Bustle Digital Group, where she helped shape news and tech coverage. Her work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Yahoo Finance and Entrepreneur, in addition to other publications. She is based in Traverse City, Michigan.

Karrin Sehmbi is a lead content management specialist on the small-business team. She has more than a decade of editorial experience in the fields of educational publishing, content marketing and medical news. She has also held roles as a teacher and tutor. Karrin is based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sally Lauckner is an editor on NerdWallet's small-business team. She has over 15 years of experience in print and online journalism. Before joining NerdWallet in 2020, Sally was the editorial director at Fundera, where she built and led a team focused on small-business content and specializing in business financing. Her prior experience includes two years as a senior editor at SmartAsset, where she edited a wide range of personal finance content, and five years at the AOL Huffington Post Media Group, where she held a variety of editorial roles. She is based in New York City.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Managing construction projects requires the ability to quickly respond to changes in material costs and accurately scope projects and labor. It also involves accounting for multiple types of expenses and assigning them to jobs accordingly. Throw in equipment cost allocation and things get even more complicated. The best accounting software will make it easy to record the cost of goods sold, get the most out of your equipment and monitor project costs so you don’t go over budget.

Why trust NerdWallet

250+ small-business products reviewed and rated by our team of experts.

95+ years of combined experience covering small business and personal finance.

75+ categories of best business software selections.

Objective and comprehensive ratings rubric for accounting software. ( Learn more about our star ratings .)

NerdWallet's small-business software content, including ratings, recommendations and reviews, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in business software, including accounting, payment processing and payroll. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur, ABC News, Yahoo Finance and other national and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity to ensure accuracy and fairness in our coverage.

The Best Construction Accounting Software

QuickBooks Online

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $60, $90, $200.  

$30 per month for the Simple Start plan.

$60 per month for the Essentials plan.

$90 per month for the Plus plan.

$200 per month for the Advanced plan.

» MORE: Explore all QuickBooks plans and pricing

Why we like it: QuickBooks already holds a strong name in accounting software. The capabilities built into its Plus and Advanced plans, specifically, are well-suited to construction accounting and project management. Particularly relevant features include invoicing, customizable reporting and job costing as well as direct integrations with industry-specific software such as Buildertrend and Housecall Pro. If you’re looking for a no-frills, dependable construction accounting software solution at a comparatively reasonable price point, QuickBooks Online may be a great fit for your business. Read our full QuickBooks Online review .

» MORE: See the top alternatives to QuickBooks

Sage 100 Contractor

Quote-based.  

Quote-based.

Why we like it: Sage 100 Contractor is the construction accounting and project management product that falls within the large ecosystem of Sage Business Cloud software. It can help you manage all aspects of your construction business — from monitoring job progress completion and profitability to creating accurate estimates and managing change orders. Because Sage has an intricate network of software products, it’s not always clear which features are part of which product and therefore when add-ons and integrations are required. Be sure to get clarity on this when you contact Sage for a quote and more detailed product information.

» MORE: Best business software solutions

Per user. Additional pricing tiers per user (per month): $70.  

$35 per month per user for the Standard plan.

$70 per month per user for the Enterprise plan.

Why we like it: Striven software includes not only a built-in accounting tool that has all the standard accounting functions such as reporting (including customizable reports), invoicing, audit trails and accountant access, but also offers features for project and inventory management, job costing, scheduling and more. Striven also has both customer and vendor portals for quicker and easier collaboration with clients and vendors. Each portal is included in your software package free of charge for up to 100 customers and 100 vendors; for more than 100, there is an additional monthly fee. Note that Striven currently lacks a mobile app, which may be a make-or-break deciding factor for some construction businesses. The software is, however, responsive on mobile and other devices, so you can access your information on the go.

QuickBooks Enterprise

Additional pricing tiers (per year): $1,922; $2,363; $4,668. Adding users or cloud access costs extra.  

$1,481 per year for the Silver plan.

$1,922 per year for the Gold plan.

$2,363 per year for the Platinum plan.

$4,668 per year for the Diamond plan.

Why we like it: If you’re outgrowing the small business category and find yourself in need of more powerful software with robust reporting tools and can handle the price tag to go along with that, then QuickBooks Enterprise could be a solution worth exploring. Similar to QuickBooks Online for Contractors, QuickBooks markets an industry-specific edition of its Enterprise product, which contains many features relevant to construction and field service management. Read our full QuickBooks Enterprise review .

» MORE: Best accounting software for medium-size businesses

Buildertrend

Additional pricing tiers (per month): $799, $1,099.  

$499 per month for the Essential plan.

$799 per month for the Advanced Plan.

$1,099 per month for the Complete plan.

Why we like it: The monthly price is certainly steeper than some of the other products on this list. But if you’re in the market for more than just a construction accounting product, Buildertrend will likely fill all your business needs within a single software solution — no need to purchase separate software products and try to integrate them. It can help you manage finances, projects, sales, materials and customers. Particularly noteworthy is Buildertrend’s highly rated mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices, which keeps your entire team connected and working efficiently at all times of day and from all locations — even when internet connection and cell service are spotty.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best small-business apps

How to choose construction accounting software

In addition to your standard profit and loss statement and balance sheet, here are some other reports and features to look for when shopping for construction accounting software:

Job costing: Job costing lets you assign expenses to each individual job. Without job costing, you have no way of knowing which jobs — or which types of jobs — are most profitable for your construction company.

Project management: Project management is more than just knowing what phase each job is in, even though that in itself is extremely important. Proper project management helps you appropriately allocate resources to the various jobs your construction company has going on at any given time. It also allows you to forecast your needs for projects in bid.

Budget and completion analysis: Budget and completion analysis lets you see how your construction projects are proceeding from a budget standpoint. In order to maximize your profitability on a job, you want to deliver it under budget and on time. Without this analysis in your construction accounting software program, you can be left guessing on whether or not this will happen.

Change order tracking: A construction project without change orders is rare. If you can’t track your change orders, you could easily leave money on the table or have to make costly changes to work that is improperly done.

Also consider whether you prefer an all-in-one construction management product, like Buildertrend, or a more focused accounting product, like QuickBooks Online, that can integrate with hundreds of other business apps to build the precise solution you need.

Methodology

NerdWallet independently reviews accounting software products before determining our top picks. We collect the data for our software ratings from products’ public-facing websites and from company representatives. Information is gathered on a regular basis and reviewed by our editorial team for consistency and accuracy.

NerdWallet’s accounting software ratings favor products that are easy to use, reasonably priced, have a robust feature set and can grow with your business. The best accounting software received top marks when evaluated across 10 categories and more than 30 subcategories. Learn more about how we rate small-business accounting software .

These ratings are meant to provide clarity in the decision-making process, but what’s best for your business will depend on its size, growth trajectory and which features you need most. We encourage you to research and compare multiple accounting software products before choosing one.

NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines .