How Can You Use a Workstream to Improve Project Management?
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Email threads, Slack channels, spreadsheets, and Google Docs can only do so much for your project management needs. In fact, they probably just bog you down and make your life harder — not easier.
According to a recent study, only 35% of project managers are satisfied with the current level of project management maturity in their organizations. And over half don’t even have access to real-time project KPIs for tracking their progress.
That’s where workstream tools come in.
By understanding the importance of workstreams — and how to use workstream collaboration platforms — you can foster seamless collaboration across teams and adapt to meet your project management goals.
New to workstreams and all they have to offer?
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a workstream?
A workstream is a part of a project that’s dedicated to a specific team, goal, or phase. For example, you might have a workstream for product testing or marketing optimization or design tasks.
Setting up distinct workstreams for each goal can help project managers better track, adjust, and coordinate processes — especially if they span across teams and collaborators.
What is an example of a workstream?
First, a non-work example to make it simple. Say you’re planning a wedding. In this case, your project would be called “Wedding Planning,” and it might include workstreams for different outcomes like “Catering,” “Photography,” and “Invitations.”
The Catering workstream, for instance, might include the following steps:
- Meet with caterer
- Plan five-course meal
- Attend tasting session
- Finalize menu
It seems simple, but when so many different elements and stakeholders go into planning a wedding, it helps to parse each piece out into clear, trackable tasks.
Now, for a work-related example. Say your business is launching a new website. You might have workstreams like “Website Requirements,” “User Experience,” and “Hosting.” The Website Requirements workstream might include the following steps:
- Define website requirements
- Review UX design
- Review UI design
- Run marketing test
What are the benefits of using a workstream collaboration tool?
The right collaboration tool can help you automate the process of creating, managing, updating, and optimizing workstreams.
More specifically, the biggest benefits of a comprehensive workstream platform include:
- Update your progress in real time and intuitively adapt to unexpected changes
- Easily share data and information across teams
- Save valuable time and money by automating processes
- Reduce human errors, risks, and miscommunications
- Meet your project goals more quickly and efficiently
Streamline your work with workstreams
Still getting started with workstreams and looking to streamline your project management?
Proggio can help. Our adaptive project portfolio management (PPM) platform has its own patented workstream solution called ProjectMap™. With ProjectMap™, you can view and manage activities across teams in one clear, collaborative timeline. Proggio also gives you the tools to pull real-time insights and adapt instantaneously — so you can meet your goals faster.
Ready to take your project management to the next level with intuitive workstreams?
Book a demo to get started.
