In dev teams, time tracking and deadlines are key. They help in sprint planning and ensuring we're using past data (like historical time tracking) to nail down how long stuff really takes.
It's great for divvying up the work, too (hello, resource allocation!), ensuring we're using our time and people wisely. Plus, it keeps clients happy since they love it when projects roll out on time.
If you find it challenging to keep track of task durations and meet deadlines, consider using a Kanban-powered time-tracking tool.
Such a tool allows you to monitor the amount of time spent on tasks and provides visual representations of project timelines. By leveraging this data, you can take actionable steps toward completing your projects successfully.
Numerous dedicated time-tracking tools are available on the market. We settled on monday dev – a software development management platform developed by monday.com – after comparing a lot of them head to head.
This platform integrates seamlessly with our workflow since it incorporates built-in time-tracking functionality without requiring us to rely on additional tools.
monday dev offers three features that greatly facilitate our ability to track project timelines:
- The Time Tracking Column
- The Timeline Column
- Deadline Mode
In this guide, I am going to share how to utilize these features to manage projects' timeliness effectively and optimally allocate resources throughout their duration.
1. The Time Tracking Column
The Time Tracking Column helps track the time spent on each task. This feature allows users to start, pause, and log work hours with precision.
Adding this column is straightforward. Click on the "+" icon at the top right of your board, select "More columns", and choose "Time Tracking". Once added, initiating the timer is as simple as clicking 'play' on a task.
Some features of the Time Tracking Column that we love are:
- Manual time entries: Users can manually add time sessions, ensuring that every minute spent on a task is accounted for.
- Subitem time tracking: For tasks with smaller sub-steps, the Time Tracking Column can be added to subitems, providing a detailed view of time spent on each component of a task.
- Visual overviews: Aggregate the time tracked in subitems directly into the parent item for a clear visual summary.
You can toggle between displaying time in seconds or minutes based on your preference. You can employ the Formula Column to sum up time across tasks, providing a clear picture of time allocation and aiding in resource planning.
2. The Timeline Column
The Timeline Column offers a visual representation of project durations, allowing teams to see the start and end dates of tasks at a glance.
Adding the Timeline Column is a breeze. Click the '+' sign next to your last column and select 'Timeline'. Setting the dates for each item is intuitive, with a calendar picker facilitating the process.
- Battery-style display: Visualize how much time has passed and how much remains for each task, with the color of the battery indicating the progress.
- Week number visibility: Enable the display of week numbers when selecting dates, aiding in long-term planning.
- Group timeline summaries: Add a column summary to get an overview of the timeline range for an entire group of tasks.
You can utilize the platform’s automation to set up automatic date reminders. You can also tailor the format of dates and times to match your regional or personal preferences.
3. Deadline Mode
I particularly love this feature. Deadline Mode connects your Date or Timeline Columns with a Status column, providing a clear visual indicator of deadlines and task completion statuses.
You can activate Deadline Mode when your board has a Date or Timeline Column and at least one Status Column. Once you connect these columns, you're set to visualize deadlines more effectively.
- Visual deadline indicators: For Timeline Columns, visualize the progression towards deadlines with bars that fill up as the end date approaches. Completed tasks are clearly indicated, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
- Define 'Done' statuses: Customize your Status Column to define which labels signify task completion, streamlining project tracking and communication.
You can enhance deadline accuracy by adding specific times to your Date Column, ensuring everyone is aware of the exact due moment.
Also Combine My Work and Deadline Mode to provide team members with a centralized view of upcoming tasks and deadlines, boosting productivity and time management.
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Integrating a time-tracking tool (that helped us visualize time allocation) into our workflow has been transformative. Features like the Time Tracking Column, Timeline Column, and Deadline Mode have revolutionized our project management.
If you're navigating the complexities of project timelines, a Kanban-powered time-tracking tool could be your game-changer, just as it was for us.
Have you ever used a Kanban-powered time-tracking tool? I would love to know the features that you found most beneficial. Share in the comments below!
FAQ:
Q: How do work management & project management tools help manage deadlines?
A: Visual timelines, detailed time tracking (like subtask tracking in monday.com), and real-time progress updates empower dev teams to identify bottlenecks, adjust plans, and stay on top of deadlines.
Q: What are some potential drawbacks to consider before implementing a Kanban-powered time tracking tool?
A: Like any tool, there are potential drawbacks. Initial setup and training can require time and effort. Choosing the right tool for your team's needs is crucial, as a poor fit can lead to frustration and hinder adoption.
Q: How can I choose the right Kanban project management tool?
A: 1. Identify your team's needs and budget. 2. Research and compare features. 3. Try free trials. 4. Consider user-friendliness and team adoption. Choose a tool that empowers your dev team to excel!
Q: Are Kanban-powered time tracking tools just glorified timesheets?
A: Not at all! While they do track time spent on tasks, they offer much more. Visual timelines, subtask tracking, and progress updates provide valuable insights into project flow, resource allocation, and potential bottlenecks. This goes beyond simple timesheets, enabling proactive adjustments and improved project management.
Q: Does Kanban require a complete overhaul of my team's workflow?
A: No, the beauty of Kanban-powered tools lies in their flexibility. Many integrate seamlessly with existing workflows, minimizing disruption and allowing for a gradual adoption process. Customization options let you tailor the tool to your team's specific needs, ensuring a smooth transition without a complete overhaul.
Q: How can I convince my team that adopting Kanban project management software is worthwhile?
A: Start by highlighting the pain points your team currently faces, such as missed deadlines, unclear task ownership, or communication gaps. Showcase how the tool addresses these issues and demonstrate its potential to improve efficiency, transparency, and overall project success
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