Software documentation is not only used to help new developers quickly onboard and implement a software system; it allows for current users or developers to revisit a certain code base or screen design. Having a project be well documented benefits developers, users as well as the organization that employs them. Having high quality documentation ensures that projects are implemented with ease and are simple to maintain over time.
The most important aspect of any software development project is the documentation that is involved. In an ideal environment, a software development team would already have the documentation available with them during the early stages of software development, but in many instances this is not true. With free or open source documentation tools you can have pre-written documentation that is ready to go when you need it in order to complete your project.
Software documentation is essential when it comes to development and the entire software creation process. Having the right documentation available makes the communication flow easier. Great documentation can make your life a whole lot easier, because you can identify and fix issues with ease. Not having the right documentation can result in a failure or just make your life difficult.
When developing software, the goal is to create a quality product that works. However, it takes more than just the right code to create something like that. Documentation refers to all forms of communication between people involved in a project, but also external parties that have any kind of interest in it. It’s as important to create high-quality documentation as it is to work on the code itself and this article will tell you how.
Top 5 Project Document Management Software
1. PDFelement Pro for Mac
The PDFelement Pro is an excellent PDF editor that has proven to be of extreme use in terms of project document management. Making the conversion and creation of PDF files an easy task, providing effective PDF file edit and sharing possibilities, as well as allowing an easy customization of PDF forms, this software tool can simplify engineering document management, allowing users to handle project creation in a faster, easier and more effective manner. The affordability and power of this tool make it a good choice for organizations. These are the most relevant features that make this particular software product a reliable PDF editor option for project managers:
Main Features:
- Editing PDF pages, texts and images easily
- Conversion of PDF to HTML, Excel, Word and others
- Creating PDF files from templates, text files, webpages, images, existing PDF
- Redacting PDF documents
- Converting and editing scanned PDF
2. Document Locator Project document management software
When it comes to the management of engineering and construction project documents, this software tool is known for offering excellent support. The system’s capabilities have been designed to support the automation of project folder creation, the monetization of activity, document reviews and several other tasks relevant to the completion of a project. In Document Locator, users have the possibility to capture and log information in RFQ’s, RFI processes, and submittals, as well as change orders, leading to customizable workflows. By providing greater accountability and control, as well as efficient approval and reviews processes, the system increases productivity across the engineering organization and the following features are the ones that make document management for projects a simplified task:
- Facilitates consistent document organization with autofolder technology
- Off-site access to information through a secure web tool
- All project files can be stored in a single unified system, including documents, emails, images, drawings
- Folders and files can appear as shared network drives
3. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is another app that facilitates project management, increasing effectiveness and lowering project completion time. The system allows constant access to the latest versions of project documents, giving the team of an organization the chance to work together. The online tools offered by this app can improve productivity and ensure the success of any project. What seem complex task can be now organized into manageable units with the support provided by Zoho Projects software. Numerous businesses who desire to make their document management responsibilities easier to control, have chosen to resort to this system, which comes with these several useful features:
- Universal access to all project documents, spreadsheets and presentation – feature that permits a team work improvement
- Refined project control with recurring tasks, subtasks and dependencies
- Built-in integration that generates invoices from timesheets automatically
- Keeping track of project document management tasks
4. WorkFlowMax
This system allows organization to maximize the profitability of their projects by offering them document management support. With this app, workflow can be managed from quote through to invoice, while permitting the tracking of costs and time. Project budgeting will be improved, and gaining critical insights will be achievable. What makes this software solution so beneficial to integrate, besides the numerous effective features incorporated, is the financial transparency involved. When it comes to document management, here are the things WorkFlowMax can actually do for project managers:
- Documents can be pushed into tools like Box, Drive and Dropbox
- Putting all data in one place → managers can see many standard reports at once
- Track timelines, assign jobs, receive project notifications
- Can be accessed at anytime, anywhere
- Bulk and paperless invoicing
5. Procore
This project document management software solution helps build a collaborative environment across an enterprise with real time accessibility first of all, and unlimited seat licenses for every team member of the project. The designers of the app have followed the motto that when documents go digital, nothing will ever get lost, so no inconveniences can affect the further completion or success of a project. Functioning as a virtual filling cabinet, this tool offers robust and sophisticated document management.
- Unlimited storage space
- Check-in & check-out functionality
- Archive all data
- Protect project documents
6. Smartsheet
If you want your team to be able to collaborate on anything and everything, this is a great way to go. It offers you attachment options so you can upload files directly into the system from Google Drive, Onedrive, Dropbox, and many of your other favorites. You can even see who is busy and who isn’t on your team so you can contact people at more convenient times. All you need to do is take a look at the dashboard.
While you’re at it, you’re able to set up different permissions, and you can make sure everything is maintained and updated correctly along the way. That’s because it sends out automatic update requests to make sure everyone is on the same page. When you’re ready to try it out you’ll find time-tracking, reporting, resource management, and planning. It’s all entirely cloud-based, too, so you can access it from anywhere. Plus, some plans vary from $14 to $25 per month.
Smartsheet Features:
- Spreadsheet templates
- Predecessor tasks
- Automated workflows
7. Trello
Here you’re going to have a basic but easy to use a system for keeping track of all of your different tasks. You can create entirely different boards for different types of jobs, different projects, different teams, or anything else you like. What’s great about this system is that it’s a Kanban management tool, which is one of the most popular methods available. You get to switch between boards however you want and create any tasks that you want within them.
You can drag and drop your cards, add tags, fields, priority levels, and a whole lot more. The interface is user-friendly, and there are even power-ups that help you add on different features that you may need. You also can choose between different modes that range from free for individuals or small groups up to an enterprise version that’s available for each member of your team.
Trello Features:
- Kanban View
- Drag & drop
- Detailed & Quick Overviews of Front/Back Cards
- Tasks and subtasks
- In-Line Editing
- Deadline Alerts and Notifications
8. Monday
What if you could have a system that makes things easier for you and is named for everybody’s least favorite day of the week? Well, you can with Monday. This system offers you plenty of features, including following Twitter and LinkedIn threads and even commenting on different tasks. You also can customize who can access various projects. If you already use other systems, you can integrate them into your account, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Zapier.
The open-source framework is one of the best parts of this tool, letting you create any integrations and other features you may want. You can also get more detailed reports, and you can add on any people you want, including third-party agents or freelancers. You can choose between different pricing structures depending on the size of your team.
Monday Features:
- Collaboration tool for multiple employees.
- Visual display of progress.
- Easy communication: tag people.
- Email notifications
- Execution Board – with big screen display
- Integrations: Dropbox, Google Drive, Pipedrive
9. ProofHub
The user-friendly aspect of ProofHub is one of the first things you’re going to like. From there, you’ll love that it’s got a minimal learning curve. You can organize the projects you want to create, the teams that are responsible for them, and more. You get to customize everything from the color scheme to the names and logos that you use. There are even six different language options, so you can make it work for your team even if you’re international.
When you set up each of your team members, you’ll be able to assign roles and provide only the level of access that each team member needs. You also get mobile options that work with both iOS and Android devices. On top of that, you can choose between two different versions that vary from $55 to $99 per month
ProofHub Features:
- Collaboration
- File sharing
- Gantt charts
- Idea management
- Product roadmapping
- Multi-language
- Chat
10. Teamwork
With this tool, you’re creating workflows, and you’re doing it in a way that’s simple for people to understand and get a handle on. You can create different projects, milestones, and tasks and even use it on any of your devices. This system works on iOS, Android, Google Chrome, and Web. That means any of your users and team members can access it no matter where they are or what type of device they use. And you can check in to see just what they’re doing through the snapshot view.
You get to assign high, low, and medium priority to tasks, see how your team is doing and even set up the start dates and due dates for everything. You’ll also be able to use Gantt style timelines to keep an eye on everything. And you can try out the whole thing for free for 30 days. Then you pay based on the number of people who are on your team.
Teamwork Features:
- Workload
- Templates
- Collaboration
- Board View
- Time Tracking
- Milestones
What is API documentation software?
It’s a software system that lets developers create documents based on the inner workings of an API, how it functions, and what it’s able to do. It develops and stores a reference manual for both technical and non-technical staff to read and understand, as well as make adjustments as the development process progresses. Additionally, the software makes it easy to explain to new users and customers how to use the API to its full potential.
Conclusion
One of the critical aspect of software development is documentation. If a developer can be well versed with the documentation, then it is possible for him to finish a job within the stipulated deadline. That is why, various organizations have taken software development documentation seriously. Nowadays, developers are constantly in search of open source tools which are not just easy but also cost effective.
Documentation is crucial for the development and maintenance of any software. It’s an essential component to creating a complete product and offering a high level of customer service. Whether your software goes through a lengthy beta process or is simply cloned from another project, you need clear and well-written documentation in order to allow users to quickly learn how to use the software. If you’ve never enjoyed producing documentation, there are ways to make it more enjoyable and effective.