The most basic way to understand the PMIS is that it is a tool that can help the project team to plan, schedule, monitor and report on a project. A PMIS can also calculate schedules, costs, expectations, and likely results.
Going deeper, a project management information system (also known as PMIS) is a coherent way of organizing information required for an organization to execute projects successfully. A PMIS is typically one or more software applications and a methodical process for collecting and using project information. PMIS systems differ in scope, design and features depending upon an organisation’s operational requirements.
The project management information system is part of the Enterprise Environmental Factors or EEF. PMIS provides access to tools, such as a scheduling tool, a work authorization system, a configuration management system, an information collection and distribution system, or interfaces to other online automated systems. Automated gathering and reporting on key performance indicators (KPI) can be part of this system.
A typical PMIS software system consists of –
- WBS creation tools
- Calendaring features
- Scheduling abilities
- Work authorisation tools
- Earned Value Management (EVM) controls
- Quality control charts, PERT charts, Gantt charts, and other charting features
- Calculations for the critical path, Earned Value Management (EVM), target dates based on the project schedule, and more
- Resource tracking and leveling
- Reporting functionality
Check more articles on Integration Management