Open-source Project Management Software: A Comprehensive Guide

Open-source software has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more individuals and organisations recognise the benefits of using free and openly accessible technology. Open-source software is created collaboratively by a community of developers who work together to create software that others can freely distribute and modify. This approach to software development has several advantages over proprietary software, including greater flexibility, security, and transparency.

One area where open-source software has seen significant growth is in the field of project management. Project management software is designed to help teams organise and track their work, from planning and scheduling to collaboration and reporting. Open-source project management software, in particular, offers several unique advantages over proprietary options.

In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the world of open-source project management software, including its meaning and its advantages. We will examine open-source project management software applications are created and how they differ from proprietary software. We will also delve into the world of project management, exploring the different types of software available and the features and capabilities of each.

Finally, we will review some open-source project management software, including their key features, pros and cons. We will also compare the key features of these software applications. Whether you’re a small team looking to improve your workflow or a large organisation seeking to streamline your project management processes, this guide is an essential resource for anyone interested in open-source project management software.

Key Features of Open-source Project Management Software

Open-source project management software offers unique advantages over proprietary software, including flexibility and customizability. In this section, we will explore its key features, including task management, time tracking, collaboration, and reporting. We’ll provide examples of how these features help streamline workflows and improve productivity.

You can read more about the essential features of project management software. Whether you’re new to open-source software or an experienced user, this section offers valuable insights into the benefits of using open-source project management software.

Task management

Task management is a key feature of project management software that helps teams organise, prioritise, and track the progress of tasks within a project. This functionality provides a centralised location for teams to collaborate on individual tasks, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and communicate progress updates.

The main features of task management include creating and assigning tasks, setting priorities, deadlines, and dependencies, tracking progress and status updates, and communicating within the task and across the team. Task management also enables teams to manage resources, monitor budgets, and track time spent on each task.

Additionally, task management in project management software can offer advanced features such as automated notifications and reminders, customisable workflows, and integrations with other tools and platforms.

Effective task management is critical to the success of any project. Project management software can help teams stay on track, meet deadlines, and achieve their goals by providing a comprehensive overview of tasks and statuses.

There are many open-source project management software solutions available that offer task management features. Here are some examples:

1. OpenProject
2. Taiga
3. Tuleap
4. ProjectLibre
5. OrangeScrum
6. Kanboard

Each software solution offers unique features and functionalities, but all provide robust task management capabilities to help teams effectively manage their projects.

Collaboration

Open-source project management software facilitates collaboration among team members in many ways. One key advantage of open-source software is that it allows multiple team members to work on a project simultaneously, regardless of their location or time zone. This is achieved through cloud-based platforms that provide real-time access to project data and collaborative tools such as chat, video conferencing, and file sharing.

Open-source software also fosters collaboration by enabling teams to customise the software to their specific needs. This can include modifying the user interface, integrating with other tools, or adding new features. This flexibility allows teams to work most effectively for their unique circumstances rather than being restricted by proprietary software limitations.

Compared to proprietary software, open-source collaboration features are more transparent and inclusive. Open-source communities encourage open discussion and contribution from all team members, regardless of their roles or experience level. This creates a sense of shared ownership and collective responsibility for the project’s success.

Overall, open-source project management software provides a collaborative environment that empowers team members to work together effectively and efficiently. Its flexibility, transparency, and inclusiveness make it an attractive choice for teams looking to maximise their productivity and achieve their project goals.

Time tracking and reporting

Time tracking and reporting is a significant aspects of open-source project management software. It allows users to track the duration of tasks, projects, and team members. With this feature, project managers can assess progress, productivity, and areas that require improvement. OpenProject, Redmine, and ProjectLibre are open-source project management software offering robust time-tracking and reporting functions.

Resource allocation

Resource allocation is a crucial component of project management, and open-source software offers robust features to help project managers manage resources effectively. Open-source project management software allows allocating resources to different tasks and team members, ensuring that resources are distributed evenly and efficiently. The software provides an overview of available resources and allows easy adjustments. Compared to proprietary software, open-source project management software offers more flexibility and customisation options for resource allocation, making it easier for project managers to meet project requirements and deadlines. Overall, resource allocation features in open-source project management software are intuitive, flexible, and efficient.

Project planning and scheduling

Project planning and scheduling are essential components of project management, and open-source software provides robust capabilities to help manage them effectively. Open-source project management software allows for creating project plans and schedules, including allocating resources, setting milestones, and defining deadlines.

Overall, open-source project management software provides project managers with intuitive and customisable planning and scheduling tools to help them manage their projects efficiently. The software enables project managers to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and adjust schedules as needed. Examples of open-source project management software with strong planning and scheduling functionality include GanttProject, OpenProject, and ProjectLibre. These tools offer task management, resource allocation, and timeline creation features.

Popular Open-source Project Management Software

ProjectLibre 

Rating: 4.4 (40) – Capterra.com

ProjectLibre is a free, open-source project management software available as a desktop application and soon to be released as a cloud version. It is available for Linux, MacOS, and Windows operating systems and is certified to run on each platform. The desktop version has been downloaded over 6 million times in 197 countries and is available in 29 languages, making it an accessible tool for project managers worldwide.

The latest release of ProjectLibre includes an update that allows project managers to choose their preferred language, currency, and date format. In addition, the ProjectLibre team is developing a cloud-based version that will feature team and enterprise-level functionality.

The cloud version is in beta testing, and its release date is yet to be announced. Overall, ProjectLibre offers powerful project management tools that are free and accessible to users worldwide.

Key features of ProjectLibre

1. Project Planning/Scheduling: Plan and schedule projects easily using tools like Gantt/Timeline views, milestone tracking, task management, and prioritisation.
2. Resource Management: Manage resources effectively with features like resource management, customisable templates, and resource histograms.
3. Reporting/Project Tracking: Track project progress and generate reports with features like reporting and statistics, cost-to-completion tracking, progress tracking, and projections.
4. Task Management: Organise and manage tasks with features like task scheduling, progress tracking, and activity tracking.
5. Compatibility with Microsoft Project: ProjectLibre is a standalone replacement for Microsoft Project and is fully compatible.
6. Gantt Chart: ProjectLibre offers Gantt chart functionality, allowing users to easily create and manage project timelines.
7. WBS/RBS charts: Create work breakdown structures (WBS) and resource breakdown structures (RBS) using ProjectLibre’s intuitive interface.
8. Earned Value Costing: Analyse project performance using earned value costing and network diagram features.

Pros

1. ProjectLibre is a powerful free alternative to Microsoft Project, ideal for those on a tight budget.
2. It is a multi-platform product that can be installed on Windows and Linux.
3. ProjectLibre is the best software for timeline construction, replicating all features of Microsoft Project.
4. You can open Microsoft Project files in ProjectLibre, making it a useful tool for viewing files without installing Microsoft Project.
5. ProjectLibre is cost-effective and user-friendly, with a hierarchical organisation of projects and adjustable printing capabilities.

Cons

1. Importing MPP (Microsoft Project data file) files can sometimes cause strange behaviour with the time baseline.
2. Changing the size of the Gantt view is difficult, which can be frustrating.
3. ProjectLibre occasionally crashes, causing users to lose their work. Additionally, creating new tasks can sometimes mess up the diagram, making it challenging to relink the tasks.

OpenProject

Rating: 4.4 (2) – Capterra.com

OpenProject is a web-based project management system that enables location-independent team collaboration. It is available in over 30 languages and is free, open-source software licensed under GNU GPL V3. OpenProject has been developed since 2010 by OpenProject GmbH, and it is available in both community and Enterprise editions. The software suits classical and agile project management to support teams throughout the project life-cycle. OpenProject is used by small and large organisations, with some global organisations having over 2,500 projects.

OpenProject was developed as a fork of ChiliProject in 2010  to meet performance, security, and accessibility requirements that could not be achieved with plugins for either Redmine or ChiliProject. The source code for OpenProject is available on GitHub, and while the software is free, paid subscriptions are also offered.

Key features of OpenProject

1. Project Management: OpenProject allows users to manage their projects by creating tasks, assigning them to team members, and tracking their progress.
2. Task Management: Users can create and manage tasks, including setting deadlines, assigning priorities, and tracking progress.
3. Collaboration Tools: OpenProject offers several tools for collaboration, such as commenting and notes, file sharing, and email management.
4. Gantt/Timeline View: The Gantt/Timeline View enables users to view their project’s timeline and track their tasks’ progress.
5. Agile Methodologies: OpenProject supports Agile methodologies, including Scrum and Kanban boards.
6. Budget Management: Users can create project budgets and track expenses to ensure they stay within budget.
7. Risk Management: OpenProject allows users to identify and manage project risks, including creating risk logs and developing mitigation strategies.
8. Resource Management: Users can manage project resources, including team members and equipment, to ensure they are used efficiently.

Pros

1. OpenProject is user-friendly and easy to navigate, requiring minimal training.
2. The platform is flexible and can be customised to meet specific project needs.
3. OpenProject offers excellent tracking and management features for effective project management.
4. The integrated workflows and meeting logging features help keep track of project progress and communicate with the team.
5. OpenProject is a solid project and task management tool, especially for small and medium-sized businesses with tight budgets.

Cons

1. Budgeting can be awkward as the plugin seems to apply to all projects within a single project, and there is no baseline feature or a way to compare budgets.
2. Editing can be unclear initially, as users must select rows before making changes.
3. The platform is not very intuitive, requiring an additional study of documentation, which can be a disadvantage for some users.

Odoo

Rating: 4.1 (624) – Capterra.com

Odoo is an all-in-one business management software suite that includes CRM, e-commerce, accounting, manufacturing, project management, inventory management, and more. The software is available in open-source and enterprise versions, with the latter providing proprietary extra features and services.

In October 2022, the company announced that it would make all applications available for free in the enterprise edition, making it an unparalleled suite of over 70 integrated business apps.

Odoo’s extensible architecture allows many freelancers and organisations to develop Odoo Apps or Modules and place them in the marketplace for sale or to be downloaded for free. Additionally, the software’s modern and elegant technical design allows for top-notch usability that scales across all apps, with regular annual releases allowing for faster evolution than other solutions.

Overall, Odoo provides a comprehensive, cost-effective, and modular solution for businesses looking to seamlessly automate and track their operations.

Key features of Odoo

1. Neat and Fast Modern User Interface: A fast user interface designed for modern project management. Get all the information you need in seconds.
2. Mobile Accessibility: Mobile-friendly. Track projects and tasks easily on the move. Stay connected, always.
3. Graph View: A functional and dynamic graph view for every task, making it easy to conceptualise the project scope within an easy-to-read overview.
4. Timesheets: Timesheets on each task allow for easy tracking of hours worked by team members.
5. Forecasting Tools: Forecasting tools on project revenue and productivity help with project planning and budgeting.
6. Field Services Management System: Allows managing field services operations within the project management module.
7. Reporting: Quick reports on the cost and revenue of your company’s projects. The team can get time forecasts and billable hour details with support for project overview.
8. Task Management: Create custom tasks and sub-tasks, and add timesheets, billable hours, products, field service information, and customer ratings to each task. You can also set task dependencies and create recurring tasks.

Pros

1. Modular design allows companies to customise and scale their project management needs per their requirements.
2. Open-source code enables users to modify and customise the software per their project management requirements.
3. High flexibility provides users with various project management functionalities and tools for planning, scheduling, and execution.
4. Cost-free Community version offers essential project management functionalities and access to third-party apps and plugins without any limitations.
5. The user-friendly interface provides an intuitive and customisable interface for efficient project management.

Cons

1. The Odoo enterprise model can be expensive, especially for small businesses. (Read affordable project management software for small businesses)
2. Odoo is written in high-level open-source interpreted Python language, which some users may not prefer.
3. Some users have reported issues with customer support.

Taiga 

Rating: 4.4 (84) – Capterra.com

Taiga is a free and open-source project management software that enables cross-functional agile teams to work effectively. It provides an intuitive user interface that allows users to customise their workflow, collaborate, and release great software.

Taiga offers Kanban and scrum templates, including bug tracking, dashboards, and reporting features. It is suitable for startups, software developers, and other target teams, as it can handle simple and complex projects.

Taiga is also designed to solve the basic problem of software usability by providing an intuitive and customisable tool that fits alongside developers’ normal workflow. This makes it particularly useful for multi-functional teams and client teams.

Taiga has over 320 thousand users managing over 240 thousand projects and 1.8+ million user stories as of 2018.

Key features of Taiga

1. Kanban board: Taiga offers an intuitive and simple yet feature-complete Kanban board. This customisable board allows teams to easily manage and visualise their work in progress and adjust priorities. It also includes features such as epics and sub-tasks.
2. Agile support: Taiga focuses on agile development and supports popular agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban. It allows teams to manage sprints, backlogs, and issues, making it easy to keep track of project progress.
3. Customisation: Taiga allows customisation to fit the team’s workflow. It includes features such as project templates, customisable fields, and workflows, making it adaptable to the nature of the team.
4. Collaboration: Taiga enables collaboration among team members with features such as task assignments, mentions, and notifications. It also supports real-time chat and document sharing, making communication more efficient.
5. Third-party integrations: Taiga integrates with third-party tools such as Slack, Asana, Trello, Jira, and GitHub, making it easy to import data and synchronise with other tools.
6. Multi-project support: Taiga allows managing multiple projects at once, making it easy to switch between projects and keep track of progress.
7. Reporting: Taiga includes real-time reporting, making it easy to get an overview of the project’s progress and identify improvement areas. It provides various reports such as burndown charts, velocity charts, and cumulative flow diagrams.
8. Open source: Taiga is open-source software, which means the source code is freely available for modification and distribution. This allows the community to contribute to and improve the software over time.

Pros

1. Taiga is an agile-focused project management solution that supports scrum and Kanban, making it ideal for multi-functional agile teams.
2. The software is loaded with tools and features for efficient task management, allowing users to do their tasks faster and easier.
3. Taiga provides customisable Kanban boards with options to include epics and sub-tasks, which allows for intuitive and simple yet feature-complete management of tasks.
4. The software is accessible both on-premise and cloud-based and is designed for small, agile developers, project managers, and designers.
5. Taiga offers API access, controls/permissions, project collaboration, reporting, time tracking, and bug tracking functionalities to help users effectively manage their projects.

Cons

1. Some users have reported that the interface can be cluttered and difficult to navigate.
2. The customisation options can be overwhelming for some users unfamiliar with agile methodology.
3. The reporting feature is limited compared to other project management software.

Redmine 

Rating: 4.1 (144) – Capterra.com

Redmine is an open-source project management and issue-tracking software written in the Ruby on Rails framework, making it cross-platform and cross-database compatible. It is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPL).

Redmine is a versatile tool that allows users to manage multiple projects, sub-projects, and associated wikis and forums with flexible, role-based access control. The software also features time tracking and workflows that track issues from creation through completion.

Redmine is well-suited for software development, IT project teams, product development, help desks, professional services, sales, and marketing. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for small to medium-sized teams of 10 to 100 users. Its Gantt chart and customised report features also support project planning and visualisation. Since its launch, Redmine has been adopted by a dedicated community of users and contributors, including startups, agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and top universities like Oxford.

In summary, Redmine is an open-source project management software that provides a comprehensive suite of tools for managing multiple projects and issues while providing role-based access control, time tracking, and customisable workflows. It is most suited for small to medium-sized software development and IT teams, product development, help desks, professional services, sales, and marketing.

Key features of Redmine

1. Multiple project support: Redmine allows users to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Each project has its own set of features, such as issue tracking, wiki, and repository.
2. Customisable issue-tracking system: Redmine provides a flexible issue-tracking system that can be customised to suit different project requirements. Users can define their issue statuses, priorities, and workflows.
3. Gantt chart and calendar: Redmine offers Gantt chart and calendar features that enable users to visualise project timelines and track progress.
4. Time tracking functionality: Redmine allows users to track time spent on tasks and projects, making managing resource allocation and billing easier.
5. Flexible role-based access control: Redmine provides a flexible role-based access control system that enables users to define different roles and permissions for each project.
6. Custom fields: Redmine supports custom fields, allowing users to add their fields to issues, time entries, and other project elements.
7. Cross-platform and cross-database: Redmine is a cross-platform and cross-database application that can run on various platforms and databases.
8. Open-source: Redmine is open-source software released under the GNU General Public License v2 (GPL) terms, making it free to use and modify.

Pros

1. Tracks project estimates, time worked, and time remaining.
2. Easy time tracking for employees with payroll and invoicing exports.
3. Highly configurable for workflows and business models.
4. Cost evaluation for project resources.
5. Open-source and customisable with extensions and development options.

Cons

1. Complex user interface and is difficult to set up and customise.
2. Limited integrations with current tools, making it less efficient.
3. Requires technical knowledge to use and maintain.

Comparison of Key Features and Functionalities of Open-Source Project Management Software

Implementing Open-Source Project Management Software

Open-source project management software can help streamline project management processes and improve team collaboration. However, implementing it can be a daunting task for beginners. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Identify your project management needs and goals. This will help you choose the right software.
2. Choose an open-source project management software that fits your needs. Popular options include OpenProject and Redmine.
3. Install and configure the software. Follow the installation guide provided by the software documentation.
4. Customise the software to suit your project needs. This may include setting up custom fields, workflows, and permissions.
5. Train your team on how to use the software. Provide tutorials and user manuals to ensure a smooth transition.
6. Continuously improve the software by contributing to the open-source community.

Following these steps, you can successfully implement open-source project management software and reap its benefits. Remember to regularly update the software to ensure it remains efficient and secure.

Exploring Open-Source Hosting Options

When it comes to hosting open-source software, there are several options available to choose from. One option is to host it on your server, which gives you complete control over the software and its hosting environment. Another option is to use a cloud-based hosting provider, such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud Platform, which can provide scalable infrastructure and management tools.

A third option is using a hosting provider specialising in open-source software, such as GitLab or Bitnami. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on cost, scalability, and ease of use. When selecting an option, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements.

How Open-Source Software Integrates with Other Applications

Open-source software can be integrated with other tools and applications in various ways to enhance functionality and productivity. Native or in-app integrations are created by the engineers behind applications to shift their data to another app.

Additionally, third-party application integration tools such as Boomi and Tekton support connectivity and automation between cloud platforms, software-as-a-service applications, and on-prem systems.

Open-source software also allows for the modification and editing of source codes to build a customised version of the software. This creates an environment of collaboration and sharing, leading to expanded functionality and benefit for many users

Examples of Integrations with Popular Tools like GitHub, Jira, and Slack

Integrating popular tools like GitHub, Jira, and Slack can help teams work more efficiently and improve collaboration. Here are a few examples of integrations with these tools:

• GitHub Apps: This new way to integrate with GitHub uses granular API permissions and built-in webhooks to control what you build. GitHub also offers hundreds of OAuth apps that work with their platform.
• Jira and GitHub Integration: Jira and GitHub have redesigned their integration workflow and created a native app to integrate these tools. It is listed on both the Atlassian and GitHub marketplaces.
• Jira and Slack Integration: Jira integrates with Slack to keep your team updated on important Jira issues, including notifications for comments, status changes, and more.
• Jira and Bitbucket/GitHub/GitLab Integration: Connect Jira with Bitbucket, GitHub, or GitLab, and transition issues in Jira when pull requests are merged

FAQs

What is open-source software?

Open-source software (OSS) refers to computer programs whose source code is accessible to the public, allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the code as they see fit. The development of OSS is typically decentralised and collaborative, with peer review and community production playing significant roles.

Unlike proprietary solutions, which are tied to a specific vendor and can be costly to acquire, OSS is freely accessible and often distributed under licenses that conform to the Open Source Definition. Examples of popular OSS include the Linux operating system and the WordPress website platform.

What are the advantages of using open-source software?

Open-source software has several advantages. Firstly, it is free to use, distribute, and modify. This makes it more accessible to users and developers who cannot afford proprietary software. Secondly, open-source software is often more secure because the code is available for review by a large community of developers who can identify and fix vulnerabilities quickly.

Thirdly, open-source software is flexible and customisable, which allows it to be tailored to meet specific needs. Fourthly, it fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing within the development community, leading to better software quality.

Finally, open-source software encourages innovation and competition among developers, resulting in more options and better products for users.

How does open-source project management software differ from proprietary software?

Open-source project management software and proprietary software differ in several ways. Some of the main differences are:

Open-source project management software:

• Provides access to its source code, allowing users to modify and distribute the software with few restrictions
• Enables collaboration among users and encourages contributions to improve the software
• Offers lower cost of ownership and no licensing fees

Proprietary software:

• Keeps its source code closed and unavailable for modification
• This may limit collaboration and contributions to the software
• Involves licensing fees, which can lead to higher costs of ownership

In summary, open-source project management software offers more flexibility and collaboration opportunities, while proprietary software provides greater control over the software and its distribution.

Is open-source project management software reliable?

Open-source project management software can be reliable, as many tools are actively developed, maintained, and used by large communities of users and contributors. Some popular options include Orangescrum, Tuleap, and ProjectLibre.

These tools offer features such as task management, resource allocation, and collaboration tools. However, the reliability of any software depends on factors such as the quality of the code, frequency of updates, and support from the community.

Before choosing an open-source project management tool, it is important to research its reputation, user reviews, and level of community support. Additionally, users should remember that open-source tools may not offer the same level of user-friendliness or customer support as proprietary software.

Overall, open-source project management software can be reliable, but users should carefully evaluate their options and consider their specific needs and resources.

How do I choose the right open-source project management software for my organisation?

Choosing the right open-source project management software for your organisation requires careful consideration of your needs and goals. The first step is to identify the vital features and functionalities you require, such as task tracking, collaboration tools, and reporting capabilities.

Next, evaluate different open-source software options that offer those features and compare them based on factors like ease of use, customisation options, and support available. It’s also important to consider the size and complexity of your organisation and ensure that the software can scale to meet your needs.

Finally, look for reviews and user feedback to understand the software’s reliability and user satisfaction. By following these steps and doing detailed research, you can select your organisation’s best open-source project management software.

How can I contribute to open-source project management software development?

Here are some ways to contribute to open-source project management software development:

• Join an existing project or community and contribute to its development by writing code, fixing bugs, creating new features, improving documentation, or testing the software.
• Help triage and resolve issues reported by users by reproducing the bug, verifying the fix, and communicating with the community.
• Improve the user experience and usability of the software by conducting user research, designing user interfaces, or testing the software with real users.
• Translate the software or its documentation into other languages to make it accessible to more users.
• Promote the project and its benefits to others by blogging, speaking at conferences, or sharing it on social media.
• Donate money or hardware to the project or its maintainers to support their work.

Remember that every contribution, no matter how little, can impact an open-source project. Before getting started, reading the project’s documentation and community guidelines is recommended to understand the development process and how to contribute effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, open-source project management software provides numerous benefits and advantages for organisations and individuals. By allowing for transparency, flexibility, and community-driven development, open-source software can be customised to fit specific needs and can improve collaboration and project outcomes.

Regarding final thoughts and recommendations, it is clear that open-source project management software has become increasingly popular and widely used. As a result, it is important for organisations to carefully evaluate their software needs and consider the potential benefits of open-source solutions. It is also important to recognise the potential challenges associated with open-source software, including the need for technical expertise and potential security risks.

Overall, open-source project management software represents an exciting opportunity for organisations and individuals to take advantage of community-driven development and customisation and should be carefully considered as a potential solution for project management needs.

As a call to action, organisations and individuals should consider contributing to open-source project management software development by providing feedback, testing, and contributing code. By actively participating in developing open-source software, individuals and organisations can benefit from increased customisation and community support while contributing to the larger open-source community.