FORTES INTRODUCES FIRST PPM TOOL THAT COMBINES PRINCE2 AND AGILE

Enschede, Netherlands, 6th May 2014 –Fortes Solutions introduces Principal Toolbox 7, the first Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tool that lets you manage projects based on PRINCE2 and Agile best practices. The completely restyled Principal Toolbox software herewith addresses a strong market demand for applying a combination of PRINCE2 and Agile methods in the same project.

Combination of PRINCE2 and Agile is preferred A study of over 200 Project Managers in the Netherlands and Belgium indicates that 43% prefer a combined project approach based on PRINCE2 and Agile. 28% prefer to use PRINCE2, while 29% of these Project Managers prefer to apply Agile methods such as AgilePM or Scrum. In general, PRINCE2 projects require a lot more start-up time to get a clear description of the scope. When using Agile best practices, it is harder to define the final deliverable, albeit that Agile methods allow to quickly adapt to changes during project execution. Using Principal Toolbox 7, Project Managers can now fully utilize the advantages of both PRINCE2 and Agile.

Benefits Management for lasting results Next to its ability to combine PRINCE2 and Agile methods, Principal Toolbox 7 also provides support for Benefits Management. Intended benefits can be registered on the project portfolio. For each benefit, an owner can be assigned. This assures a better realization of the benefit itself. Through a direct link, the project and line organizations are integrated. This improves the support for projects within the line organization, and hence the chances for successful realization.

Mobile reporting Together with Principal Toolbox 7, a mobile app has been made available for both Android and iOS devices. This app allows you to show project progress reports on a mobile device. This gives Project Managers the opportunity to easily share highlight reports and other project reports with a wider audience. In particular, stakeholders and senior management can now access the latest project status via their tablets. It is also possible to drill down on project risks and other project details.

Berend Tel, Development Manager at Fortes Solutions: “Principal Toolbox 7 provides optimal support for Project Managers and Portfolio Managers to manage and run their projects in the way they think is most suitable. Moreover, the completely revised user interface ensures an even better ease-of-use.”

Principal Toolbox 7 is immediately available in Dutch, English, German and French.