Trello Overview
Trello is a web-based project management tool that can be used to help project managers increase workflow. Trello launched back in 2011, initially as an easy-to-use visual system of boards, allowing its users to organize their schedules.
Since its launch a decade ago, Trello has grown a user base of over 4 million users, making it one of the most popular productivity and project management tools on the market. The platform has expanded into an all-in-one base for collaboration. Trello is suitable for anyone looking to increase their teams' workflow without using any complicated software.
Table of Contents
How Does Trello Work?
Trello is what is known as a kanban-style board app. The platform's drag and drop interface allows you to create highly visual boards that help with workflow management.
When using Trello, you have the freedom to make boards with as many columns as you like. You can also name the columns whatever you want, allowing for the creation of highly customized boards suitable for any project. After making a board, you will be able to add cards to each column. Cards provide information such as the name of a task, who is working on the task, subtasks, due date, description, attachments, and labels.
After you have finished creating a board, you will be able to invite your team members to contribute to the board.
After adding your team, you'll be able to assign tasks to each member. Team members can also edit the board, allowing them to update their progress on assignments and collaborate with their colleagues.
Let's take a closer look at some of the platform's most notable features.
Features
Templates
Trello offers a range of templates, making it fast and easy to set up boards relevant to your goals. The platform hosts a fairly large range of templates and also allows you to create boards from scratch.
Some of the most popular templates are:
- Remote Work Daily Planner
- Company Overview
- Support Ticket Management
- Office Party Planning
Trello also allows you to make and save custom templates, enabling you to create boards for future projects in advance.
Easy to Use
The stand out feature of Trello is its ease of use. Trello provides a lot of functionality while remaining compact and easy to use. The simple user interface is modern and intuitive, making it accessible to both experienced and non-technical users.
The simple interface does come with some drawbacks, and you may have some difficulty organizing more complex projects.
Mobile App
The Trello mobile app ensures that your team is always connected, even when on the go. The mobile app has an excellent user interface and has all of the same functions as the web-based platform.
Workflow Automation
Trello's automation bot, also known as "Butler," helps automate repetitive tasks. You can create rule-based triggers to help eliminate tedious tasks from your busy schedule. It's perfect for the automation of due date commands, calendar commands, and custom buttons.
For example, Trello lets you build an automation so that after completing a task and setting the card as complete, the remaining checklist items are marked complete, the due date is marked complete, and you are removed from the card.
Integrations
Trello is pretty basic out of the box, but you can extend the platform's functionality through the use of what the platform calls "Power-Ups." Trello supports multiple integrations out of the box with tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Microsoft Teams.
Power-Ups are organized by category, some of which include:
- File management
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Analytics
- Sales
- Marketing
- Developer Tools
If you decide to use Trello, you will likely find yourself integrating the platform with some of the other apps that your team is already using. The use of integrations helps to keep everything in one place and really helps take Trello to the next level.
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Developer API
The use of Trello's API allows developers to add their own integrations to the platform. Through the API, the platform can integrate with any other third-party application; however, you will likely have to hire a web developer if you are looking to add an application that is not already supported by the platform.
At DataCose, our engineers have experience building custom automations and integrations in Trello. A little custom code can greatly extend its functionality. If you have any project ideas, complete the contact form at the bottom of the post to discuss your possibilities and options with an experienced developer.
Team Collaboration
Trello doesn't include a built-in chat function, which is one of the main downfalls of the platform, but that doesn't mean that the platform can't be used for collaboration.
Each team member can comment on cards and tag their fellow colleagues, allowing for a basic level of communication. When a team member is tagged, they will be notified through email or desktop notification, helping to improve workflow.
If having a chat function is something that you require, you can add it by using one of the many integration options.
Integrations that can add chat functionality to Trello include:
- Google Hangouts
- Includer
- Join.me
- Slack
Trello Views
Trello views allow you to view your projects from every angle. Alternative views include timeline, table, calendar, dashboard, and map, all of which are useful for helping you analyze projects from new perspectives.
Packages and Pricing
Trello offers a range of price points suitable for any business size. Most notably, they offer a free plan that comes with unlimited cards, unlimited lists, and up to ten boards per team. Paid plans benefit from unlimited boards per team and access to a broader range of features.
The table below outlines their range of packages:
Free
Suitable for individuals and small teams looking to increase workflow.
Business Class
Suitable for teams working on multiple projects. Best for groups of up to 100 members
Enterprise
For companies that need to connect work across teams and enhance organization-wide controls, security, and support. Ideal for larger groups of 100+ members.
All in all, the pricing is reasonable. The price-per-user model can be a bit expensive when working with a larger team; however, Trello is cheaper than many of its competitors.
Is Trello Suitable for My Business?
All in all, Trello is a great project management tool with a generous free tier. The platform's ease of use makes it suitable for any user regardless of their technical ability. The platform lacks some more complex features straight out of the box, but the use of integrations can easily overcome these. The handy mobile app also allows team members to stay connected, even on the go. When it comes to pricing, Trello is cheaper than a lot of its competitors. However, the pay-per-user model can still be pricey when managing a larger team.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ease of use
- Workflow automation
- Powerful API - Integrations
- Mobile app
Cons
- Not the best for complex projects
- Pay per user model
If you want to try Trello for yourself, they offer a free 14 day trial of the business version. If you are still unsure if Trello is suitable for your business or what custom integrations can be built to make it the perfect tool for your specific needs, please fill out the contact form below and our team will be in touch shortly!
