Basecamp
5pmWeb
TomsPlanner

I currently use and LOVE Basecamp as my project management tool. I came across 5pmweb on Mashable.com today and thought, why not. I know that other Virtual Assistants are always looking for project management tools and thought this would be a helpful review for them.
Here are some things I looked for when selecting my project management tool:

• Ability to have it web-based (easier access where ever you are and nothing to download).
• Ability to have different log ins for clients so they can see what I have done and so they can add projects for me without having to wait to talk to me.
• Ability to talk and leave notes with the projects.
• The ability to keep track of time.
• The ability for people on my team (when I get one) to log in and see what I have for them.

I found all this with Basecamp. I have moved through many different PM tools and found that Basecamp fits all my needs. One thing that I found and LOVE (it was a surprise) is the ability to save “to-do” lists and use them over and over. I can and do perform the same tasks over and over for one or many clients, and the ease of saving them once and just clicking to add them is in itself a GEM!

So, let’s get down to the comparison:

The Price (as most people want to know that usually FIRST):

Basecamp is a little more expensive but the trial is longer and with the higher price you get more space. Tomsplanner is free due to it being a beta version. Basecamp is unlimited users while with 5pmweb you have to watch to make sure your “team” will fit in the plan you want (so you may have to limit the number of team members that can actually use this if you want a smaller plan). Both Basecamp and 5pmweb have unlimited client space (that is a good thing if you are trying to build your client base).  There is a free version of Basecamp, if you don’t want the time tracking ability.

Basic Dashboard:

The Dashboards are different and Basecamp and 5pmweb look really simple to navigate through. With Tomsplanner, it took me a minute to find out where to put in the project information. With Basecamp and Tomsplanner you have the ability to upload your logo but with Tomsplanner, it has to be smaller than what I have on my computer. I would have to create a smaller one to upload it there. With 5pmweb, if you want your logo on your space, you have to email them. I think that is one thing that I don’t like. I don’t like having to email someone to do something, which I can do myself.

Projects:

When saving your projects, both Basecamp and 5pmweb allow you to save your projects online, but Tomsplanner makes you save it to your computer (in Excel) and then upload it when you get back into your space. For me, the whole part of having something web-based is so that I don’t have to use up space on my drive. Now for those of you who like to save information to your computer, you would probably like this option. With Tomsplanner, there is something called “Publish” and it allows you to publish the calendar online but it goes to a “Shared” place and if you don’t want someone just going into it, you have to password protect it.

I named it “testsample” so I could see how it published it. Originally I wanted to name it “test”, but it told me it was in use already. So out of curiosity, I went on the online and typed in the address it gave me for mine and just put “test” at the end and I was able to open that test project. Just a reminder, if you use this ALWAYS password protect it.

With both, Basecamp and 5pmweb, you can add in Clients and the projects. 5pmweb has a specific place you can add in Google Docs (VERY COOL), as many people are using them to collaborate with clients and team members. I like that with Basecamp you can upload a doc, and you can save a different version if you have edited it, and it allows you to see all the versions. Both have a spot for messages, as I would definitely see that as a need and the fact that both tie it to the project at hand is a great pro!

Time Tracking:

Tomsplanner does not have a “time tracking” device. With 5pmweb, it is part of the package with whichever pricing plan you go with but you have to download the widget. And with Basecamp, you have the option to get it with any package but the lowest plan and the free option. I personally was using Freshbooks before I started using Basecamp and my Freshbooks time tracking device integrates really nicely into Basecamp.

Log Ins:

Tomsplanner does not have a way for a client to log in and check or add projects to my lists. But Basecamp does and so does 5pmweb (it looks like, I added a fake client with another email that I have for client stuff and it has not reached that email yet). In the information to add the client to the system, I like that in Basecamp I can upload their branding and logos and with 5pmweb, you don’t have that ability. Well, maybe you can email them the logo and have them put it there. But if you had 25 clients and had to email them 26 logos (including yours), what a pain that would be.

Conclusion:

So they all have good and bad aspects. I think that Tomsplanner is more of just a planner. I would use it if I was just planning out a schedule or a timeline. It will interface nicely with MS Project, if you use that. I need something with more substance.

I like some of the components that 5pmweb has. And if you are using Basecamp and want to switch, it says that it will integrate nicely with Basecamp projects. The dashboard is easy to maneuver through and it is really easy to set up. The customer service must be great because as soon as I posted that I was going to do the comparison, they sent me a link to a page that will be helpful for anyone who may want to use them.
Basecamp is still the right tool for me, as it has what I want and need. I am one that if it works for me and my business, why go to something else because it may be new and a little less expensive. I love Basecamp and I will probably be a Basecamp user for a long time to come.

One last closing note: 5pmweb has the OfficeSpace game for your enjoyment.

What do you look for in project management? Do you use one of these? Let me know! I want to hear from you!