Website Project Management Tools

[Patrick Yursik]

What programs/project management tools do Website Managers use nowadays to help streamline website update requests from co-workers? Do you create your own submission form or is there a favorite program of yours that you would recommend?  

Thanks,
Patrick 

[Matt Herzberger]

Might take a look at Tender app, I havent sued but it look good

[Patrick Yursik]

Thanks Matt, I'll take a look!

[David Anderson]

Patrick,

It looks like you're asking two questions:

- How do you accept requests for updates?

- How do you manage projects?

For the former, we require updates to "legacy" sites (those not in our CMS) be submitted in a specific format:

http://medicine.buffalo.edu/content/medicine/ooc/website-updates.html

We don't do anything with the content other than cut-and-paste.

For the latter, we use Intervals (http://www.myintervals.com/time-tracking/) to track and manage all requests and projects. It's been a lifesaver.

David

[Michael Fienen]

I used Collabtive for project management quite a bit. Downside is last I checked, there's no front end ability to submit tickets or anything, it's purely account based. But it's a good tool and free.

For ticketing requests, I had set up HESK. It's not sexy, but it works fine for the most part. Also free, and somewhat customizable on the user ticket submission form.

[Matt Herzberger]

Also you might check out Zen Desk http://www.zendesk.com/

[Emily Almas]

What has your experience with Zen Desk been like? I am thinking about using them with a non-profit organization where I head up the volunteers who manage the website (volunteer position outside of my higher ed job).

[Matt Herzberger]

I havent actually used it. But I think it is very good for task flow in an email based environment so you can be sure things are getting done.

[Erik Hagen]

I can vouch for Zen Desk. Been using it for about a year. It's worked great for our team in handling small requests and support tickets. People send requests to an email address, and can respond via email. That was my big requirement - didn't want users to heave to deal with a login and yet another interface.

For larger projects, we've just started using Teamwork PM: www.teamworkpm.net. So far so good, but we're not using it to the full extent yet. I looked at Basecamp but for some reason it just didn't feel right.

[Matt Herzberger]

Agreed, we are using teamwork as well we had base camp before and didn't. We have teamwork and love it. I see the ticket management and project management as two things. Tickets are for maintenance and post launch request more passive will pm is  active development and team / client interaction

[Patrick Yursik]

Erik, can you attach files (documents, PDF, photos, etc) to requests in Zen Desk?

[Erik Hagen]

Yes, if the user attaches files in the initial email request, you can get to them in the Zendesk interface. You can also attach files when responding to users through the interface.

[Riley Wills]

We have a homegrown solution to track update requests. Requests are submitted through email or telephone; all require manual input into the solution. We are exploring solutions that provide:

• Ticket creation through email and online form
• Co-workers (Requestors) can watch/manage tickets
• Supporters can assign relationships between tickets and development issues