Anticlue

Issues Management

Issues Management on a large project is time consuming. On a project with a virtual team it is demanding, on a project with several virtual teams one really needs to have a web-based solution. Sometimes projects are implementation based others are build/construction based. I think there are different solutions available for both, but one that I have come across and happen to like is Eventum.

Why do I like Eventum? Well a couple of reasons, first it is very easy to use. With the pilot group consisting of the exceptionately computer literate to the "how do I use my mouse?", everyone was able to pick up Eventum with little to no training.

The second reason is that as soon as one logs into the product, there are analytics with where the project currently stands. Everyone can see who is overwhelmed, and what team needs to work down the issues.

Another reason is that one can have several teams designated for a certain project. Also one can have several releases for staged implementations.

There is also the history of how an issue was assigned and routed. Comments can be placed within the issue, and also documents of the problem at hand.

There are canned reports that are delivered with the system, and one can export issues to excel.

Now I know that with Eventum, it is not OOP. But honestly since I wasn't building it, that really wasn't a concern of mine. I also realize that with Eventum, others can change the notes. However, if you are that paranoid, maybe counseling is needed. Also Eventum is open-source, the install is a download away.

Individuals may have concerns about open-source software. There are many viewpoints on open source. Some individuals believe Open Source is the greatest thing on this planet. Others are cautious and risk-adverse of the open source solution. My concern with Open Source solutions derives from the need to be able to support it. Sometimes having someone to call or look to helps make a business case. I haven't found that party with Eventum yet.

When I went looking for an issue system, I was searching for a quick, easy to use, system implementation based solution with good analytics. Cost needed to be in the below $5000. Now we are looking at using a web-based issue system, but I'd like to offer up all solutions available. I know JIRA is a good system, but are there any others?