How to Build Project Management Software Like Basecamp, Only Better

If you’ve decided to create your own project management tool, it’s most likely because you’re sick and tired of looking for the perfect tool to make your project management process easier and more efficient that meets all your requirements. You’re not the only one who wants to develop a project management app that’s similar to Basecamp, but better. A lot of teams all over the world have this same thought buzzing in their heads.

But why not use Basecamp?Basecamp is a hugely popular – and ubiquitous – piece of project management software that doesn’t even need to be introduced. It has a reputation for being user-friendly, and is ideal for simple projects. It’s currently used by more than two million people.

So why do people like Basecamp so much? Project managers like Basecamp because it offers the following features:

To-do listsPersonal and team calendarsFile sharingProject archivingMilestone managementForum-like messaging (group discussions)Task assignmentProject templatesProject permissionsMobility...we have to stop here, because the full list of Basecamp features is long. But despite the many features it offers, Basecamp still lacks some bare necessities. Basecamp project management software still doesn’t offer:

Cost trackingTime trackingGantt chartsKanban boardsSubtasksTask dependenciesThis isn’t even a full list of necessary features that Basecamp doesn’t have. Keep in mind that Basecamp is intended to help you manage only certain types of projects. It doesn’t have to be good for each individual project manager and for each individual project.

The same story can be told about other project management software packages: one size doesn’t truly fit all. Trello, Jira, and Asana are used by millions – and loved (most of the time). But there are still some common complaints about these tools. Here are some of examples:

We’re ready to make concessions and adapt our workflow to the chosen software, but it doesn’t allow us to optimize (it’s not flexible);This software lacks features we do need but has a lot of features we don’t need;Our workflow is entirely unique, and there’s no tool that perfectly complements it.All companies are unique. They manage their projects in their own unique ways. No wonder it’s hard to find a universally suitable tool. But you can always build your own project management software that your own company can be completely satisfied with.

Originally published here How to Build Project Management Software Like Basecamp, Only Better

Sviatoslav Andrushko is a content manager at RubyGarage. Sviat adores writing about web development, web design, testing, and other IT-related topics.