Formerly ConnectWise Manage
Effective project management begins with a solid foundation. ConnectWise PSA offers a powerful platform that simplifies project setup and initiation. In this article, we’ll review the setup of a project and how utilizing PSA effectively can help ensure consistent project delivery.
Understanding Project Setup and Initiation
Project setup and initiation is when you define a project’s scope, objectives, tasks, and key milestones. ConnectWise PSA eases this process by providing a range of tools that enhance collaboration, ensure consistency, and set the stage for successful project execution.
Create a New Project
Log in to your ConnectWise PSA account and navigate to the Projects module.
Click on “New Project” to start creating a new project.
Define Project Details
Fill in essential project details, including the project name, client name, project manager, start and end dates, and estimated hours. Clear and accurate information at this stage sets the tone for the entire project lifecycle. Be sure to include any available notes about the project!
Define the Work Plan
Each project has its unique requirements, but templates can be useful for mostly standardized projects. Customize the project by adding phases, adding tasks, adjusting start and due dates, and assigning specific resources to project tickets. This tailoring ensures that the project aligns precisely with client needs and internal capabilities. Project tickets can be as generalized or specific as the project requires. MSP’s may find better success with projects if the tickets are more specific.
Pro tip: If the project work plan is well organized, you can save it as a template for use in future projects! This will reduce the amount of time it takes to configure a new project for similar work.
Set Project Milestones
Relating to the work plan, it is recommended to mark different phases or tickets as key milestones. Milestones serve as checkpoints throughout the project, guiding progress performance, and allowing for better tracking. ConnectWise PSA enables you to set dates, descriptions, and statuses for each milestone.
Allocate Resources
Assign resources to tasks based on their skill sets and availability. ConnectWise PSA provides a visual representation of your team’s schedules in the project dispatch portal, making it easier to distribute tasks effectively and prevent resource bottlenecks. This helps keep the project on time and helps the team understand what needs to be completed and when project tickets are due.
Establish Dependencies/Predecessor Tasks
If certain tasks are dependent on the completion of others, establish task dependencies within ConnectWise PSA. This ensures that tasks are completed in the correct order, preventing delays, and promoting a smooth workflow. (Note: The Dependencies/Predecessor option only appears if the “Include Dependencies” on the Work Plan check box is selected in the Project Details Pod of the Project tab.)
Collaborate and Communicate
Use ConnectWise PSA’s communication tools to keep all stakeholders informed. Notify team members about task assignments, deadlines, and any changes to the project plan. These updates can be configured in the Closed Loop options or can be communicated via ticket notes. Keeping stakeholders in the loop reduces misunderstandings, and issues, and promotes transparency.
Conclusion
Project setup and initiation lay the groundwork for successful project execution. ConnectWise PSA empowers MSPs by providing an intuitive platform to streamline this process. By leveraging projects, customizing details, defining objectives, allocating resources, and fostering collaboration, you set the stage for a project that meets client expectations and achieves business goals. Embrace the power of ConnectWise PSA’s project module to elevate your project practices and ensure success.
