Scrum Software Buyers Guide
Last updated: December 05, 2023
Scrum methodology—known for its flexibility, adaptability, and efficiency—is one of the most popular project management methodologies. In this buyer's guide, you will learn the basics of Scrum methodology and understand why choosing the right Scrum software is important. We will discuss the features one should consider when selecting Scrum software tools and how these features support Scrum methodology. Let's get started!
What Is Project Management Software For Scrum Methodology?
Project management software for Scrum methodology is a tool that helps teams manage projects more effectively by providing features that support the Scrum framework. These features include sprint planning and tracking, backlog management, user stories and task management, and reporting and analytics.
Understanding The Scrum Framework
Project management software with Scrum tools differ from regular project management software because the former are designed to support the Scrum framework. Regular project management software are more general and may lack the features and functionalities needed to support Scrum projects.
One of the most important features of an agile project management tool is the availability of a Scrum board.
A Scrum board is a visual representation of the workflow and progress of a Scrum project. It includes elements like user stories, tasks, sprints, and sprint backlog and is updated in real time as tasks are completed or if there are any changes to the project.
It is an important tool for Scrum teams that helps them stay on track and ensure all requirements are fulfilled in the sprint.
Another vital feature that Scrum teams look for in agile Scrum software is sprint planning and tracking. This feature helps them track the progress of sprints so they can easily identify any problems or issues that may arise.
It also helps them plan the sprints more effectively and ensure that all tasks are completed before the end of each sprint.
These are just two of the features that are of paramount importance in any agile Scrum software. We will go into more detail further on.
Why Do People Need Scrum Project Management Software?
People need Scrum project management software because they help manage projects more effectively and efficiently. A Scrum software provides tools to support Scrum methodology, such as sprint planning and tracking, backlog management, and user stories and task management. It also enhances collaboration and communication among team members and provides real-time visibility into project progress and potential issues.
Scrum software can help teams manage their projects more effectively by providing tools to support Scrum methodology.
Benefits Of Using A Project Management Tool With Scrum Software
- Improved collaboration and communication among team members
- Enhanced visibility into project progress and potential issues
- Increased productivity and efficiency by automating repetitive tasks
- Streamlined project management by centralizing all project-related information
- Greater flexibility and adaptability to changing requirements and priorities.
Improved Collaboration And Communication
A Scrum software enables teams to keep track of all project-related information in a central location. This makes it easier for teams to stay on top of their tasks and collaborate effectively. Additionally, most Scrum software include features such as chat rooms, message boards, and activity logs that allow team members to easily communicate with each other.
Enhanced Visibility Into Project Progress
Scrum software provide teams with real-time visibility into project progress. This makes identifying potential issues easier and taking corrective action before they become serious problems. Furthermore, most Scrum software include features such as Kanban boards, burndown charts, and dashboards to visualize project progress.
Increased Productivity And Efficiency
By automating repetitive tasks, teams can save significant time and resources. Scrum software typically include task automation, automated notifications, and time tracking for improved productivity and efficiency.
Streamlined Project Management
Centralizing all project-related information so teams can access it quickly makes it easier to manage projects. Additionally, most Scrum software include features such as backlogs, sprint planning tools, and reports that help teams manage projects effectively.
Greater Flexibility And Adaptability
The ability to quickly respond to changing requirements and customer feedback is one of the key benefits of using a Scrum software. It allows teams to quickly adjust their plans to meet customer needs. Moreover, most Scrum software include a task-prioritization feature to help teams adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Importance Of Choosing The Right Scrum Software
Choosing the right Scrum software is crucial to the success of a project. The right software can help teams collaborate effectively, automate repetitive tasks, and track progress in real time. On the other hand, the wrong software can create confusion, increase errors, and slow project delivery.
The right Scrum tool can help teams work smarter and faster, enabling them to deliver quality products in shorter sprints. It provides an organized and streamlined workflow, which increases efficiency.
Furthermore, it can help teams respond quickly to changing requirements and customer feedback, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition. It also enables teams to collaborate easily and share information in real time, which leads to better decision-making.
Finally, the right Scrum tool for your agile teams can help save time and resources by automating repetitive tasks, such as tracking progress and issuing notifications. It also allows teams to easily monitor project progress and identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
In short, choosing the right Scrum software can be a game-changer for teams and help them succeed in their projects.
What To Consider When Selecting A Scrum Software
When selecting a Scrum software, consider the following factors:
- Ease of use
- Customization options
- Integration capabilities
- Security and data privacy
- Support and training options
- Cost and value for money
Ease of Use
It is important to select a Scrum software that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. Additionally, it should be intuitive and allow all users of Scrum teams to quickly understand how to use the software.
Customization Options
The ability to customize the Scrum software, including the Scrum board, to fit your team's specific needs is important. Look for a product that allows you to easily customize and adjust settings to fit your team's workflow.
Integration Capabilities
Find a Scrum software that integrates with other tools and services, such as bug tracking, project management, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. This will make it easier to manage projects and collaborate with other teams.
Security And Data Privacy
Ensure that the Scrum software you select is secure and has robust data privacy controls. This ensures that all project-related information is kept safe and secure.
Support And Training Options
Look for a product that offers excellent support and training options. This is important to ensure your team can quickly get up to speed on how to use the software.
Cost And Value For Money
Finally, consider the cost and value for money that the Scrum software offers. Compare different products and select one that provides good value for money.
Common Features Needed In A Scrum Project Management Software
Some common features needed in a Scrum project management software include:
- Agile project management tools
- Sprint planning and tracking
- Backlog management
- Scrum board
- User stories and task management
- Collaboration and communication tools
- Reporting and analytics
- Explanation of how these features support Scrum methodology
Agile Project Management Tools
Agile project management tools help teams manage their projects using the "agile" methodology. The best agile Scrum software include features such as Kanban boards, burndown charts, and velocity tracking.
Sprint Planning And Tracking
Sprint planning and tracking features allow teams to plan and track their work during sprints. This includes defining sprint goals, estimating effort, and tracking progress toward sprint completion.
Backlog Management
This feature helps teams manage product backlog by defining, prioritizing, and updating user stories and tasks. It also allows teams to manage dependencies and track progress toward backlog completion.
Scrum Board
The Scrum board visually shows the progress and workflow of a Scrum project. It helps a Scrum team easily track progress and identify any issues that may arise. The Scrum board also allows teams to easily manage and prioritize tasks according to the sprint goals.
User Stories And Task Management
User stories and task management features allow teams to define, prioritize, and manage work items. This includes breaking down user stories into smaller tasks, assigning tasks to team members, and tracking progress toward task completion.
Collaboration And Communication Tools
Collaboration and communication tools support teamwork and communication among team members. This includes features such as team chat, comments, and notifications.
Reporting And Analytics
Reporting and analytics features provide real-time visibility into project progress and potential issues. This includes burndown charts, velocity tracking, and sprint retrospectives.
Explanation Of How These Features Support Scrum Methodology
These features support Scrum methodology by providing tools to manage the product backlog, plan and track sprints, and manage tasks and user stories. They also support collaboration and communication among team members, provide real-time visibility into project progress and potential issues, and automate repetitive tasks. Customization options and integration capabilities allow teams to tailor the software to their specific needs and integrate it with other tools in their workflow. Automation and workflow management features streamline project management and reduce errors, while resource management and risk management features help teams allocate resources and manage potential risks.
How To Decide Which Scrum Software Is Best For You?
It is crucial to consider your team's specific needs and objectives when choosing a project management tool that can effectively implement Scrum methodology. To help guide this decision-making process, it can be helpful to ask yourself a few key questions:
- Does the software align with the size of your business and the number of users on your team?
- What level of technical expertise is required to use the tool effectively?
- Is the software easy to integrate with other tools your team uses?
- Does the software fit within your budget?
- Is the software accessible and easy for non-technical team members to get started with?
Moreover, use our search bar above to book a demo or get pricing (accurate, updated, custom plan figures for your workplace) so you can subscribe quickly.
Scrum Software Pricing
Pricing for Scrum software typically starts from as low as $5/user/month and can go up to several hundred dollars, depending on the software's complexity and functionalities. Some Scrum software may require custom quotes for enterprise-level plans.
However, many companies offer free plans. For more pricing information, download our comprehensive project management pricing guide.
Best Project Management For Scrum Methodology
Jira Software
Jira is a popular agile project management software that supports Scrum methodology. With Jira software, teams can plan, track, release, report, and automate their work, all in one place. It is highly customizable and allows teams to adapt the software to their needs.
Jira software offers a dedicated Scrum template that helps teams manage their sprints, tasks, and backlog. Its customizability and ready-made templates have made it the go-to tool for agile software development teams.
Jira Pricing
Jira software offers several pricing plans:
- Free: $0, always free for ten users
- Standard: $7.75/user
- Premium: $15.25/user (estimated)
- Enterprise: Customized quote per organization
Jira Features
Jira's features help you implement agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban, manage your backlog, plan sprints, track progress, and report on project health. They include:
Roadmaps
Use roadmaps to ensure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same objectives and keep your teams and organization in sync. Complete visibility enables teams to make timely decisions while staying aligned with overall goals.
Reports And Insights
Jira software's reports and dashboards provide essential information related to your work, helping your teams stay informed and prepared for success within your work environment.
Backlog Management
The software provides flexibility and control over how teams work by allowing them to view, prioritize, and manage backlogs in one central repository.
Jira Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible | Steep learning curve |
| Easy to use | |
| Integration capabilities |
Trello
Trello is a highly popular web-based project management tool that enables users to organize tasks and projects using customizable boards, lists, and cards. With Trello, users can collaborate with their team, track progress, set deadlines, and manage projects efficiently.
Trello's visual and intuitive interface helps users quickly understand the status of different tasks and streamline workflows. The software’s flexibility makes it an excellent tool for executing the Scrum framework. It allows teams to create and manage Scrum boards, prioritize backlogs, and easily track sprints.
Trello Pricing
Trello offers the following pricing plans:
- Free: $0, free for your whole team
- Standard: $5/user/month, billed annually ($6, billed monthly)
- Premium: $10/user/month, billed annually ($12.50, billed monthly)
- Enterprise: $17.50/user/month, billed annually ($210, annual price per user)
Trello Features
Trello's features enable teams to manage their projects in an intuitive and organized way. These include:
Views
You can view your projects in multiple ways, including Board, Timeline, Table, Calendar, Dashboard, Map, and Workspace views. These provide new and helpful perspectives for tackling your tasks.
Automation
Trello boards include powerful automation without the need for coding. Butler allows you to prioritize important tasks while letting AI handle the rest.
Templates
Ready-made templates allow users to get started quickly. There are also dedicated templates that provide all the tools needed for successful project delivery.
Trello Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface | Limited reporting and analytics features |
| Customizable | Lack of advanced project management functionalities |
| Integration capabilities |
Asana
Project managers like using Asana as it simplifies tasks with its Work Graph model, ensuring synchronization, deadlines, and success. Map out every step, organize all the details, and monitor progress with Boards. Asana also offers Forms for streamlining work requests and automation to reduce errors and save time. Real-time monitoring of key initiatives is possible with Portfolios. Tie it all together, see everything in one place, and easily achieve your goals.
Asana Pricing
Asana offers four pricing plans:
- Basic: $0, free forever
- Premium: $10.99/user/month, billed annually ($13.49, billed monthly)
- Business: $24.99/user/month, billed annually ($30.49, billed monthly)
- Enterprise: Customized quote
Asana Features
Asana offers several helpful features, including:
Projects
Group your tasks into shared projects using lists or Kanban boards to effectively manage your initiatives, meetings, and programs.
Timeline
Visualize how the components of your project align and maintain progress amid any alterations. With a Gantt-chart-style project view, you can adjust your plan with just a few clicks.
Team Management
Give organization administrators the authority to add, delete, and handle members and their details, as well as enforce password complexity.
Asana Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful integrations | Mobile functionality can be limited in some cases |
| Easy navigation through the app | |
| Seamless tracking of tasks from start to finish |
SprintGround
SprintGround is a cloud-based project management solution for small and midsize businesses, especially IT companies. It helps users organize work, collaborate with teams, track project progress, and plan releases.
SprintGround offers a searchable task database, various project management methodologies, and tools like Kanban boards and burndown charts. This Scrum tool notifies users of important changes and provides an overview of events. It's aimed at software development teams, offering real-time collaboration and centralized communication.
SprintGround Pricing
SprintGround’s pricing plans are:
- Free: €0 (3 users, two projects, 50MB file storage)
- Starter: €45/month (8 users, unlimited projects, 1GB file storage)
- Business: €180/month (20 users, unlimited projects, 2GB file storage)
- Enterprise: €8.50/user/month (21+ users, unlimited projects, 5GB file storage)
SprintGround Features
SprintGround offers sprint planning and tracking features, backlog management, and more. A Scrum master can also use the following:
Milestone Tracking
SprintGround's milestone tracking feature allows you to easily view and manage the progress of each sprint. You can also assign tasks to team members, track their progress toward milestones, and set deadlines. By tracking their milestones, teams can stay on top of projects and ensure they meet their goals.
Agile Methodologies
SprintGround offers various agile methodologies to help teams manage their projects. This includes tools such as Kanban boards that can track progress and help teams stay on top of their sprints.
Resource Management
SprintGround also provides teams with resource management tools to effectively manage resources. Resource management allows teams to track time, assign tasks, and manage resources.
SprintGround Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free for up to 3 users | Limited disk space and projects |
| Focused on Scrum methodology | |
| Customizable |
Agile CRM
Agile CRM is an all-in-one, affordable, and next-generation CRM platform. It automates sales, marketing, and customer service in one platform; offers modern features and integrations; and is mobile-ready, fast, and easy to use. It's ideal for businesses looking for a scalable and flexible CRM solution.
Agile CRM also offers Scrum project management features, making it an ideal tool for businesses implementing an agile methodology across all operations.
Agile CRM Pricing
Agile CRM offers different pricing plans that allow businesses to choose the best package for their needs. These plans are:
- Free: $0, for ten users
- Starter: $8.99/user/month
- Regular: $29.99/user/month
- Enterprise: $47.99/user/month
Agile CRM Features
Whether you want to manage sales, marketing, or customer service teams, Agile CRM can help. It offers features such as:
Drag-And-Drop Tasks
Use this functionality to easily move tasks between different sections and edit, delete, and mark them as complete. The tool ensures that your project information is always up to date, allowing you to confidently return to work.
Check Status
Check the status of your tasks, complete them within the deadline, and move them to the completed list. Additionally, you can view all overdue tasks in one place to help you prioritize.
Wireframe Tool
This is a cloud-based tool that allows you to create mockups and prototypes without coding or IT skills. It assists with implementing Scrum methodology by enabling efficient collaboration and communication among team members, facilitating visualization and iteration of wireframes, and aiding in the prioritization and planning features for each sprint.
Agile CRM Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-set-up automated campaigns | Excessive glitches and bugs |
| Effective customer support system | |
| Easy to use, manage contacts, organize data on views/clicks |
Conclusion
A Scrum software is a critical tool for managing projects effectively. The software provides features such as sprint planning and tracking, backlog management, user stories and task management, and reporting and analytics that help teams manage projects more efficiently.
By choosing the right Scrum software, teams can improve collaboration, increase productivity, streamline project management, enhance visibility into project progress, and adapt quickly to changing requirements. Therefore, when selecting the best software for Scrum, it is essential to consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, integration capabilities, security, and data management.
Choosing the right Scrum software can be a game-changer for teams, enabling them to deliver quality products in shorter sprints and stay ahead of the competition.
Scrum Software FAQs
What does Scrum software do?
The best Scrum software enables teams to coordinate Scrum-related or Scrum-adjacent tasks, such as scheduling daily Scrum meetings.
What is the best tool for Scrum?
Some popular tools include Jira software, Trello, Asana, and SprintGround.
Is Scrum agile software?
Scrum is a subset of agile, which follows a particular set of practices to ensure consistency within the framework. Scrum is a widely used lightweight process framework for agile development.
What type of software is Scrum?
Scrum is an agile software development framework that uses short, iterative sprints to deliver results quickly and effectively. The Scrum framework is a methodology for agile project management which assists teams in organizing and handling their work using a specific set of values, principles, and practices.
What are the five principles of Scrum?
The five principles that a Scrum team should keep in mind are:
- Commitment
- Courage
- Focus
- Openness
- Respect
