How do you measure and monitor the performance and impact of your project management tool?

2 Choose your data sources and methods

Once you have your objectives and indicators, you need to decide how you will collect and verify the data. Depending on your project management tool, you might have access to different data sources and methods, such as reports, dashboards, surveys, interviews, feedback forms, or audits. You should choose the ones that are relevant, reliable, and feasible for your program. You should also consider the frequency, format, and scope of your data collection and verification. How often will you measure and monitor your project management tool? How will you present and store the data? How will you ensure the data quality and validity?

3 Analyze and interpret the data

After you have collected and verified the data, you need to analyze and interpret it. You should use appropriate tools and techniques, such as charts, graphs, tables, statistics, or qualitative methods, to visualize and summarize the data. You should also compare the data with your objectives and indicators, as well as with benchmarks, standards, or best practices. You should look for patterns, trends, gaps, or anomalies in the data. What does the data tell you about the performance and impact of your project management tool? How does it align with your expectations and assumptions? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your project management tool?

4 Communicate and act on the findings

The final step is to communicate and act on the findings of your measurement and monitoring. You should share the results and insights with your team, stakeholders, and other relevant parties. You should use clear, concise, and compelling language and visuals to convey the main messages and recommendations. You should also solicit feedback and suggestions from your audience. How do they perceive and value the performance and impact of your project management tool? What are their opinions and concerns? What are their ideas for improvement? Based on the findings and feedback, you should also take action to enhance, adjust, or scale your project management tool. What are the best practices or lessons learned from your measurement and monitoring? What are the opportunities or challenges for your project management tool? What are the next steps or actions for your program?

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?