All questions and answers about Clarity PPM at a glance!
On this page you will find many useful questions and answers for the evaluation, implementtion and use of the software Clarity PPM.
General information
In which areas of a company can Clarity PPM be used effectively for project management?
Project management systems such as Clarity PPM can be used in the following areas: IT, product development, organization, and strategic planning. In addition, they can be used in all areas of a company that carry out projects.
In which industries can Clarity PPM project management software be used effectively?
Clarity PPM can be used in the following industries: automotive, banking, bio/chemical industry, energy suppliers, manufacturing, retail, IT, logistics, software development, telecommunications, and insurance. In addition, there are specialized project management systems for construction projects or the development of medicines or food, for example.
At what company size does project management software such as Clarity PPM become cost-effective?
Whether project management software is cost-effective depends less on the size of the company and more on the number of employees/users who will be using the software. Simpler project management software is useful for companies with around 20 users or more. Clarity PPM is useful and recommended for companies with around 100 users or more.
Which processes and functions can be covered with a modern project and portfolio management solution such as Clarity PPM?
The following processes can typically be covered:
• Idea management
• Requests and project proposals
• Project approval processes
• Project management (classical, agile, and hybrid)
• Resource management
• Program management
• Project portfolio management
• Risk management
• Cost planning and cost controlling
• Workflows
• Collaboration
• Document management
• Reporting
What are the advantages of using project management software Clarity PPM?
Using Clarity PPM increases the efficiency and effectiveness of project- or innovation-oriented business areas. Projects are planned better and more precisely, executed faster, and achieve better results. Existing and available resources (employees and tools) are better deployed and utilized. Workflows accelerate and (partially) automate processes. With the central database, all data is available consistently and in a timely manner. Sources of error are reduced. In addition, transparency for employees and management is increased. Employee satisfaction is also increased because a modern and adequate working environment is available.
What is the best way to choose PM software?
The best approach is to follow these steps:
1.) Determine the requirements for PM software in your company.
2.) Create a list of requirements.
3.) Select approximately 10 PM software providers that are fundamentally suitable. Special databases or studies (e.g., Gartner) can help with this.
4.) Obtain quotes from the 10 providers. These providers can be the software manufacturers or certified partners. For example, Contec-X GmbH is a certified partner for Clarity PPM from the manufacturer Broadcom and for ServiceNow SPM from the manufacturer ServiceNow.
5.) Rank the providers and invite the 3 best providers to give a presentation.
6.) Determine the best provider, finalize negotiations, and award the contract.
What is the best way to implement Clarity PPM How can you implement a project management software solution that is tailored to your company's needs?
We recommend the following for implementing Clarity PPM and realizing a solution:
1.) Select a competent IT service provider as an external implementation partner (such as Contec-X). The implementation partner should have extensive and long-standing experience in introducing project management software.
2.) Establish a project team in which all affected user groups and departments are represented.
3.) Realization of configurations and adaptations of the standard software according to requirements
4.) Integration and interfaces to other systems
5.) Entry of test data and training of all users
6.) Transfer of real data from the legacy system
7.) Go-live planning and go-live
8.) Subsequent optimizations
Contec-X has over 20 years of comprehensive experience and offers, for example, a standardized quick-start package for the introduction of Clarity PPM or ServiceNow SPM project and portfolio management software for fast and cost-efficient implementation.
How much does a modern and integrated project and portfolio management software solution such as Clarity PPM cost?
The best way to express the cost of such a solution is in terms of cost per month and per user. Calculated over five years, the costs range from approximately €15 to €80 per month per user, depending on the requirements and scope of the solution. The following cost categories are included: software costs (typically subscription fees), costs for hosting or SaaS, training, implementation, and support.
What is the return on investment (ROI) for a modern project management software solution such as Clarity PPM?
According to a study by IDC, the typical use of a project management software solution for 100-200 users over 5 years results in a return on investment (ROI) of 557%.
Technical details
Which standard interfaces are supported in Clarity PPM?
Clarity PPM provides interfaces to Microsoft Projects as well as document import and export and CSV content import/export. We at Contec-X have implemented various interfaces to applications such as Jira and SAP. The interface to Active Directory is also supported.
What interface technologies does Clarity PPM support?
Clarity PPM supports the following technologies: REST & SOAP, file import and export via CSV.
Is single sign-on possible in Clarity PPM and, if so, which authentication methods are supported?
Yes, Clarity PPM supports SAML 2.0.
What additional functions does Clarity PPM offer that go beyond the standard and are particularly user-friendly?
The KIT add-on for Clarity PPM eliminates the need for traditional interface programming. Interfaces are implemented via XML configuration, either by your own staff or by Contec-X. Further information: https://www.contec-x.de/ppm-addon-kit/
After implementing Clarity PPM, is a developer guide provided on how to implement the interfaces?
Yes, the configuration of interfaces with KIT is documented in detail. Instruction and training are provided through workshops.
Can an interface to MS Teams Planner and To-Do be provided in Clarity PPM?
Yes, an interface to MS Teams Planner/To-Do can be implemented by us—Contec-X.
Is an interface to release and test management offered when implementing Clarity PPM?
Out-of-the-box interfaces to Rev-Trac and Tricentis are not included in Clarity PPM. These can be configured using modern technologies such as REST/SOAP, e.g., with our Add On KIT.
How does Clarity PPM support communication and collaboration functions, especially in combination with existing communication/collaboration tools?
Interfaces to MS Teams and SharePoint can be implemented. We – Contec-X – have already implemented extensive interfaces to JIRA for several customers.
Functional details
Which project management methods does Clarity PPM support?
Clarity PPM supports classic waterfall models, agile methods based on Scrum and Kanban, and hybrid models.
Is it possible to combine classic, hybrid, and agile project methods in Clarity PPM? Which combinations have proven themselves in practice?
Yes, agile and hybrid approaches are possible as extensions of Contec-X within Clarity PPM. The hybrid approach of classic phases in project initiation and project completion and the agile implementation of the project are frequently used by many Contec-X GmbH customers. Hybrid projects can be optimally mapped with our HyPE4PM add-on within Clarity PPM.
Does Clarity PPM support different project sizes? How are the different sizes supported?
Yes, the project templates (fields, actions, sections, workflows, etc.) can be customized depending on the project type, project size, and current phase. This ensures maximum user-friendliness.
Does Clarity PPM offer modular project templates, copies of existing projects, and creation wizards?
Yes, projects can be created based on templates. Project plans can be assembled modularly from various templates or existing projects.
Does Clarity PPM support the entire product lifecycle?
Yes, depending on the phase, the project templates (fields, actions, sections, workflows, etc.) in Clarity PPM can be customized. Depending on the phase, different access rights per user group are also possible. The phases of the lifecycle can be customized and expanded. Contec-X has already successfully implemented this for many customers.
Can a role concept be mapped in Clarity PPM? If so, what types of roles do you offer? Is it possible to customize the roles and create your own?
Yes, roles are already available in the standard version of Clarity PPM for the most important functions (e.g., project manager, project team member, resource manager, portfolio manager, etc.). Roles can be created and customized as needed. You can also create or import any number of your own roles via a graphical interface.
Is it possible to integrate external partners with restricted access in Clarity PPM?
Yes, rights can be assigned down to the field level in Clarity PPM.
What roles can be mapped in Clarity PPM?
The roles available as standard in Clarity PPM (project manager, project team member, portfolio manager, resource manager, etc.) are assigned rights that support a best practice approach. These rights profiles are customized and additional roles are created.
Can Clarity PPM visually represent the project organization?
A visual representation, e.g., in the form of an organizational chart, is not provided as standard in Clarity PPM, but can be implemented using a report. Contec-X has already implemented this for customers.
Can Clarity PPM visually display the project organization?
A visual representation, e.g., in the form of an organizational chart, is not provided as standard in Clarity PPM, but can be implemented using a report.
Does Clarity PPM offer role-based reporting that allows reports to be used without a license and automatically exported to PowerPoint, for example?
Yes, dashboards are available in Clarity PPM for various user roles, e.g., operational control, strategic reporting, etc. Alternatively, data can be transferred to a central DWH via web services or to Power BI, for example, for central reporting.
Does Clarity PPM support different, customizable Gantt charts (e.g., for project plans, milestones, and resource-based scheduling) with different levels of abstraction and views?
Yes, Gantt charts are available at different levels, e.g., for portfolio planning in roadmaps and for project planning and control at the level of an individual project. In the area of multi-project management, GANTT charts can be used to track the duration of projects in a program or of subprojects in a main project.
Can Kanban boards be made available for each project in Clarity PPM?
Yes, in addition to the classic tabular display, Kanban boards are available in Clarity PPM in a wide variety of places, e.g., for task planning or to-do management, etc.
Does Clarity PPM allow the creation of subtasks and the assignment of responsibilities for each (sub)task?
Yes, owners can be defined for individual tasks in Clarity PPM.
Does Clarity PPM offer task prioritization?
Yes, priorities can be assigned per task in Clarity PPM.
Does Clarity PPM offer task prioritization?
Yes, priorities can be assigned to each task in Clarity PPM.
Does Clarity PPM enable task tracking, e.g., time reporting and percentage complete?
Yes, percentages complete can be assigned in Clarity PPM at the project, phase, task, and subtask levels. Time reporting for projects and project tasks is possible via mobile app, time form, or direct time entry for the task.
Is it possible to add milestones for each project in Clarity PPM, and is milestone trend analysis supported?
Yes, milestones can be created in Clarity PPM and used for project management, e.g., via milestone trend analysis.
Does Clarity PPM offer monitoring for each project status to track progress and goals?
Yes, dashboards for status tracking are available in Clarity PPM for each project and across projects. Milestone trend analysis and earned value analysis are available to compare the current project progress with the planned progress. The project status can be regularly documented using status reports and displayed up to the portfolio level.
Does Clarity PPM provide alert functions?
Yes, in Clarity PPM, notifications can be configured and sent to the user via messages in the system and/or by email. In addition, color envelopes can be configured.
Does Clarity PPM offer automated workflows with approvals and notifications, including management of project approvals and rejections, missing information, and deadline reminders?
Yes, many standard workflows are available in Clarity PPM. Custom workflows can be created for all objects via a graphical interface.
Can your tool be used to track and monitor project budgets, including commitments and actual figures, projections, and additional claims?
Yes, Clarity PPM provides cost plans and benefit plans for detailed budget planning. Actual expenses/commitments can also be recorded or imported from SAP via an interface, for example.
Is it possible to map additional claims in the project budget in Clarity PPM?
Yes, this is possible in Clarity PPM via change requests and different versions of cost plans, performance plans, and budget plans.
Can Clarity PPM map budget returns or reductions?
Yes, this can be mapped in Clarity PPM using different versions of cost plans or baselines.
Can Clarity PPM display overall budget reporting, including actual, committed, and available amounts?
Yes, data is available at the project level and is aggregated via the project or program hierarchy in Clarity PPM.
Does Clarity PPM support versioning of budget reports?
Yes, baselines (any number) and versions of cost and budget plans can be mapped in Clarity PPM.
Can Clarity PPM map budget approval processes and automated workflows?
Yes, workflows can be created for any number of approval levels in Clarity PPM.
Does Clarity PPM offer the option to calculate, display, and monitor the critical path?
Yes, the critical path is displayed in the GANTT chart in Clarity PPM. Deviations can trigger automatic notifications via workflows/actions.
Does Clarity PPM support the calculation of a business case and the automatic reporting of ROI?
Yes, extensive fields are available for recording the business case. Various financial indicators are available in Clarity PPM or can be configured by us – Contec-X.
How are changes to the original or most recently approved plan (time and costs) displayed in Clarity PPM, and where?
Plan statuses are stored using baselines. Graphical and tabular comparisons, e.g., in the cost plan for finances or in the GANTT view for the project plan, are available in Clarity PPM. Decisions regarding adjustments can be documented using change requests.
Can Clarity PPM map resource management (e.g., capacity planning, pool planning, demand, utilization, scenarios, change history, alert function)?
Yes, planning with roles, teams, and resources is possible in Clarity PPM. Planning is done at the level of projects, project ideas, and other investments.
Can individual utilization (e.g., part-time resources, different utilization rates for day-to-day business, etc.) be specified for each resource?
Yes, in Clarity PPM, each resource has its own availability, calendar, and utilization.
Can the status “Check resource” be specified in Clarity PPM?
Yes, the planning of resources or roles can be supplemented with additional fields for tracking or control in Clarity PPM.
What scenario techniques does Clarity PPM support? How are these techniques implemented?
Milestone trend analysis and earned value analysis are available in Clarity PPM with dashboards provided by Contec-X. Based on project baselines, further trend analyses can be configured in dashboards. Simulations in portfolio scenarios are also available.
Does Clarity PPM offer a workflow component specifically for collaboration with external partners?
Yes, workflows can generally be created and customized via a graphical interface in Clarity PPM. This allows even non-IT power users to configure complex processes.
Can Clarity PPM map skill management functions?
Yes, skills are mapped via project roles in Clarity PPM. These can be as detailed as required and are then available for finding the optimal resources and capacity planning. In the product roadmap, the manufacturer plans to introduce detailed skill management in the next versions.
How does Clarity PPM ensure that real-time collaboration on work packages is possible?
The web-based approach allows multiple users to work on projects in Clarity PPM at the same time. Changes are saved immediately without having to explicitly press a save button.
Thomas Maierhofer
