Verified purchaser
Perfectly Average
The running joke at this point is that there is ALWAYS going to be a project management tool on AppSumo, either while, or shortly after another one.
Well, we're here again!
As someone who has tried out a lot of different PM tools, including the majority that have come through here, I would say that SmartTask is perfectly average. I don't know what I was expecting, but its functionality is very straightforward and par for the course in regards to what you expect in this space - it has recurring tasks, custom fields, yada yada yada...not going to waste my breath on the usual features.
When using the platform, it felt a bit...clunky. Pages and tasks were a bit slow to load and navigating felt...underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, if you're really hurting for a PM tool - check it out - however, I think you're better off using a free alternative (especially if you have a smaller team, or fly solo) such as Notion. When comparing this to things like Plutio and Nifty, it doesn't really come close. Plutio offers a lot more in flexibility, agility and execution (such as invoices) and Nifty has a really amazing feel and look to it that makes every use and experience pleasurable and enjoyable; I can't help but to go back for more.
Some people might really enjoy the "CRM" aspect of it where you can also log calls and have analytics based on that, but I think it detracts from the focus of the platform (seems to be the trend these days...). We have CRMs, we don't need another CRM or for development time to be split between beefing up the "CRM" or the Project Management features. Some might also like the automated check-ins to ask users a question on a specific project whenever you choose, such as daily or weekly, to get an update. I feel this could be easily replaced by a simple communication platform though, or regular/structured team meetings where the response can be more flushed out, not confined and binary.
Overall, SmartTask, for me, still has a long way to go before it can really rival others. Like I stated previously, if you're hurting for a PM tool, pick it up and try it - but if you're like me and have a catalog of PM tools purchased through here, this is more than likely one of those that you can "skip and go next" by simply waiting for yet another project management tool. Plutio and Nifty were diamonds in the rough for sure.
Shyamal_SmartTask
May 9, 2024Hi, thanks a lot for posting a review "so fast" ;)
I believe you have some valid points. Let me address each one:
"There are plethora of PM tools out there and at the best SmartTask has similar features":
- Here are our unique features:
--- Custom Views and Charts:
Apply whatever filter you want and save itfor future access. What adds cherry on the top is the possibility of creating Custom Charts. (Visualize your data the way you want.) Very few tools have this feature.
--- Portfolio View:
When you have multiple projects going on, its a hustle going to each project to see the progress. With SmartTask you can create a Portfolio View to view all of the projects in one view. (Moreover, you can create your own Custom columns in Portfolio view too.)
--- Workload VIew:
When you have a team working together you can make sure no one is under-utilized or overworked with our workloade view.
--- Automated Check-ins:
Why waste your time in status meetings? Imagine having a report directly in your mail, if there is some discrepancy you can ofcourse call that person up.
We have weekly check-ins asking our sales team about hot leads and digital marketing team about number of guest posts that have been approved that week. (Its just easy, instead of me asking them every time.)
--- Time Tracking with Costing and Billable rates:
Have client projects? Want to make sure you are billing them correctly. Utilize SmartTask's Costing and Billable rate feature. You get such type of project report. https://images.prismic.io/smarttask/888de253-da25-43a4-9753-7fc3522a5918_Project+Summary.png
Not to forget you can create whatever charts you want with our Time Tracking Custom Charts.
--- Auto-Scheduling tasks and predicted completion dates:
When you are a project manager handling multiple tasks. You want to make sure your projects are scheduled correctly. Utilize our auto-scheduling feature to automatically schedule all tasks.
You can also predict project completion dates.
--- CRM
This in my view is what everyone today needs to have combined with their Task Management / Project Management tool.
Prevents mis-communication between operations and the sales team. (Avoid - order information conveyed late, sales team doesn't have tabs on current status on the project, etc.)
Ah! I can add more unique features but that would meaning overshooting the text limit.
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"When using the platform, it felt a bit...clunky. Pages and tasks were a bit slow to load and navigating felt...underwhelming"
- I would sincerely disagree. Here's a video showing you how responsive it is. May be you tried in IE, :D just kidding. Video Link: https://www.loom.com/share/baee0a8a175b4854829a5cff
I will leave the comparisons to see how we compare with Plutio and NiftyPM:
https://www.smarttask.io/alternatives/niftypm-alternative
https://www.smarttask.io/alternatives/plutio-alternative