Slack, a chat tool, is a more convenient way to communicate than e-mail. In addition, Slack is also useful for “project management” by using functions other than chatting and integrating it with other tools.
However, many people may be concerned about using Slack, saying, “I don’t know how to manage a specific project,” or “I’m not sure if Slack can cover all aspects of project management”.
In this issue, we will focus on “how to manage projects with Slack” and “recommended collaboration tools” for below people.
- “I want to manage members’ tasks in Slack to keep the project running smoothly.”
- “I want the necessary functions to facilitate your project without overloading.”
- “I want to manage projects by integrating Slack with the best tools.”
This article will help you understand not only how to manage projects on Slack, but also the best tools to integrate with Slack.
Contents
Advantages and disadvantages of managing projects in Slack
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of managing projects on Slack, if you want to know the benefits and risks of managing projects on Slack.
Advantages
Project management with Slack offers the following three advantages
- Smoother communication.
- Can be linked with external tools
- You can create dedicated channels.
Since Slack is a chat tool, sharing project information is smoother than with email. For example, you can promptly communicate progress and problems without setting a subject line or Cc, which promotes smooth communication.
If you integrate Slack with external tools, you can unify notifications about your project in Slack. This solves the need to cross multiple tools.
Slack allows you to create a channel (group chat) for each project, so there is no need to worry about the topic of each project getting mixed up. Also, chatting solves the “hassle of opening a file every time you want to check the content,” which is often the case with e-mail.
As described above, smooth project management can be achieved by using Slack as a communication tool and supplementing the missing functions with external tools. However, be careful not to link too many external tools or create too many channels, as this will make things more complicated.
Disadvantages
While project management in Slack has its advantages, it also comes with the following three disadvantages
- Information flows easily.
- Free plans cannot be viewed for more than 90 days
- Not suitable for managing documents
Due to the nature of Slack as a chat tool, messages flow easily. This can lead to omissions of important information, or make it time-consuming to search for the information you need.
With Slack’s free plan, you can only view messages for the past 90 days. Therefore, for projects longer than 3 months, the initial communication will be lost.
Since Slack is a chat tool, it is suitable for exchanging messages, but it is not suitable for managing and storing meeting minutes and proposals.
As described above, while Slack is useful for sharing information, important information is lost. Therefore, you should work with a tool like Stock, which allows you to save messages shared in Slack with a simple operation.
How to manage projects using only Slack?
Here are three ways to manage projects using only Slack. By practicing the following methods, anyone will be able to collaborate without mistakes.
(1) Create a channel dedicated to your project
To create a project-specific channel, follow these steps.
1. first, hover the cursor over [Channel] in the left menu. Then the options will appear, click [Create] ⇒ [Create Channel].
2. After entering a channel name, click [Next].
3. Select whether you want the channel to be “Public” or “Private” and click [Next] to create a new channel. You can also add members later.
You can set up a channel dedicated to a specific project and manage it without mixing it up with other chats.
(2) Manage minutes with the post function
Project minutes, reports, and other documents can be created and shared smoothly with Slack’s Post function. The usage of the Post function is as follows.
1. open the channel of the project for which you want to take minutes.
2. click the plus icon in the lower left corner and select “Create Post”.
3. Enter the minutes directly as shown below.
4. Share” the post to the channel.
5. The post will then be shared to the chat field as shown below.
As described above, Slack’s post function allows you to create and share documents in a way similar to Word or Google Docs. However, it cannot be used for applications such as “Gantt charts” or “lists” that can be created in Excel or spreadsheets.
(3) Manage tasks by bookmarking and pinning
Slack does not have a task management function, but you can manage tasks by “bookmarking” or “pinning” them. The following is how to use each of these functions.
＜How to use the bookmark function＞
1. place the cursor on the message and click the symbol shown below. 2.
2.Click “Later” from “Other” in the upper left corner of the screen to see the bookmarked messages as shown in the figure below.
＜How to use pinning＞
1. Open the menu from the message and select “Pin to Channel”.
2. Click on “Pinned Items” to view the pinned messages.
As described above, “bookmark or pin a message with a task and unpin it when it is completed” is an effective way to manage tasks for individuals and teams.
5 best project management tools can be integrated with Slack
Below are 5 best project management tools that can be integrated with Slack.
A “system that allows easy access to the information you want at any time” is essential for smooth project execution. However, due to the nature of Slack, messages tend to flow easily, so project management should be carried out in conjunction with a “tool that can easily stock information”.
However, if the operation of the tool is complicated, it will take time for internal members to understand the functions and usage, and operation cannot start immediately. Therefore, “a tool that is simple enough that anyone can operate it on the same day” is required.
In conclusion, the tool Stock that can be used by anyone who are not familiar with IT and can store all kinds of information is the only one that should be linked to Slack.
Stock’s “Note” can store documents that have been flowing through Slack, and can be further divided into “Folder” by customer or project. In addition, “Task” and “Message” are tied to the notes, so you can keep all project-related information in one place.
Stock | The easiest tool to manage project information
The simplest tool to stock information "Stock"
https://www.stock-app.info/en/
Stock is the simplest tool to stock information. Stock solves the problem, "there is no easy way to stock information within the company".
With Stock, anyone can easily store all kinds of information, including text information such as requirements, images, and files, using the Note feature.
In addition, by using the "Task" and "Message" functions, you can communicate with each topic described in the Note, so that information is not dispersed here and there and work can always be carried out in an organized manner.
＜Why do we recommend Stock?＞
- A tool for companies that are not familiar with ITYou don't need to have any IT expertise to get started.
- Simple and usable by anyoneStock is so simple that anyone can use it without any unnecessary features.
- Amazingly easy information storing and task managementIt is amazingly easy to store information such as shared information within a company, and intuitive task management is also possible.
＜Stock's pricing＞
- Free plan ：Free
- Business plan ：$5 / User / Month
- Enterprise plan ：$10 / User / Month
Asana| A project management tool using Gantt chart
Features of Asana
- You can freely choose the task management method
- Can be linked to a wide variety of tools
Tasks can be managed vertically using the “list method,” horizontally using the “Kanban method,” or in a bar chart format using the “Gantt Chart.
Asana can be linked to a wide variety of applications such as Google Drive, Slack, and Dropbox.
Actual image of Asana
- Various view to manage tasks
Asana provides various view for managing tasks, and you can change it easily.
Note of Asana
- It takes time to settle in due to its multifunctional nature.
Due to its multifunctionality, it may take time for non-IT companies to establish Asana.
Pricing of Asana
- Personal: Free
- Starter: $13.49/month (monthly payment)
- Advanced: $30.49/month (monthly payment)
- Asana Enterprise: You need inquiry
What you can do with Asana
When Slack and Asana are linked, the due dates of tasks managed in Asana will be notified to Slack. You can also register Asana tasks in Slack.
Trello | A Kanban-style task management tool
Features of Trello
- Easy-to-use operation
- Visualization of tasks
Tasks can be moved by drag-and-drop, making it easy to use even for beginners.
Arranging tasks into lists such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed” visualizes the progress of a project.
Actual image of Trello
As shown in the image above, tasks can be managed by arranging them in a card format, with the status of “To Do,” “On going”, and “Completed” indicated for each progress. In addition, Trello is equipped with a search function, which is useful when you want to search for tasks by keyword, member, or due date.
Note of Trello
- No communication function
Trello does not have a communication function within a team, so you will need another tool.
Pricing of Trello
- FREE: $0
- STANDARD: $6 USD/user/month (monthly payment)
- PREMIUM: $12.50 USD/user/month (monthly payment)
- ENTERPRISE: ~$17.50 USD/user/month (annually payment)
What you can do with Trello integration
If you integrate Slack and Trello, you can register Trello tasks in Slack and receive notifications. However, since Trello does not have a communication function, it is necessary to distinguish between Slack for communication and Trello for task management.
Wrike | A tool for project management with a wide range of functions
Features of Wrike
- Cross-project task management
- Compatible with iOS and Android
Even if you are working on multiple projects at the same time, you can manage tasks across projects. This solves the need to go back and forth between workspaces.
The app is available for iOS and Android, making it convenient to use while on the move.
Actual image of Wrike
- Time tracking function
- Too many options to use
Wrike has a time tracking function, which is useful if you want to keep track of how much time you have spent on a particular task.
While there are many things you can do with Wrike, there are so many options that it is difficult to know which function to use.
Note of Wrike
- Cross-checkers cannot be set
- The free plan does not have an analysis function.
One of our users says, “I wish it were possible to set in advance who will cross-check tasks when they are completed.
If you want to use the analysis function, you need to sign up for a paid plan.
Pricing of Wrike
- Free: $0/month
- Team: $9.80/user/month
- Business: $24.80/user/month
- Enterprise: Inquire for details.
What you can do with Wrike
By linking Slack and Wrike, tasks created in Slack will automatically be reflected in Wrike. In addition, you can receive notifications of tasks registered in Wrike in Slack.
Todoist | A tool to organize tasks in a to-do list
Features of Todoist
- Folders can be prioritized
- Tasks can be managed in a hierarchy
Projects can be categorized into folders, and priorities can be assigned by coloring within the folders.
Sub-tasks associated with tasks can also be organized in a hierarchy.
Actual image of Todoist
As shown in the figure below, tasks can be displayed in a list format.
It also has a shortcut function, so those who do not use a mouse can use Todoist without burden.
Notes of Todoist
- Mainly a to-do list, so project management is difficult.Since the main purpose of Todoist is to manage tasks as a to-do list, it is not possible to manage an entire project.
Pricing of Todoist
- Free: 0 yen
- Pro: $5/user/month (monthly payment)
- Business: $8/user/month (monthly payment)
What you can do with Todoist
When you integrate Slack and Todoist, you can take “Create, Assign, Complete” actions in Todoist from Slack, making it easier to manage task status.
Best project management tool comparison chart
Below is a comparison chart of 5 best project management tools. The features, cautions, and prices of each are summarized for your reference if you are a busy person.
| Stock [most recommended] | Asana | Trello | Wrike | Todoist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Features | The easiest way to manage project information | Gantt chart-based management tool | Kanban style task management tool | Project management tool with a wide range of functions | Tools to organize tasks with to-do lists |
| Points to note | Main function is to manage and share information | Takes time to settle in due to its multiple functions | No communication function | Free plans do not have analysis functions | To-do list is the main function |
| Pricing | Free of charge Paid plans are available from 5yen/month per person. | Free plans are available. Paid plan is 1,475 yen/month (monthly payment) – | Free plan available Paid plans are available from $6 USD/user/month (monthly payment) | Free plans available Paid plans are $9.80/user/month and up. | Free plans are available. Paid plans are available from ¥588/user/month (monthly payment) |
| Official website | For more information about Stock, click here. |
If a tool is selected solely because it is “well-known,” it may be difficult to operate and may not be widely used within the company. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the tool is easy enough to use so that you can get used to it immediately after its introduction.
How to manage projects with Slack and a summary of recommended collaboration tools
We have focused on “How to manage projects using Slack” and “Best collaboration tools using with Slack”.
With Slack, you can manage projects by using existing functions in a creative way. However, because Slack is primarily a chat-based exchange, information about projects flows through other messages.
Therefore, to make project management smoother, it must be externally linked with “a tool that can reliably leave information behind. However, since its use will not take root unless all members are familiar with it, it is important that it be “simple enough to use even if you are not familiar with IT.
In conclusion, “Stock” is the best choice for integration with Slack because it is simple and does not lack in necessary functions, and it can easily store project information.
Free registration takes only a minute, so using Stock and realize efficient project management.
