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Trello Vs. Asana: Comparing Project Management Platforms

The Flow TeamLast Updated: December 15, 2020

Your company size can make a huge difference in choosing the right productivity platform for your project team. That’s why it can be difficult to find the right project management tools to meet your needs as you grow. Some task management systems work well for small businesses, while others are designed for larger project teams.

A project management platform like Trello is a simple solution for smaller teams looking to manage basic projects, but what happens if you have a more complex workload? In this case, you’ll need a more comprehensive system. A platform like Asana can address larger-scale project management needs, however, this software can be very difficult for training, managing, and onboarding team members. This is when comparing Trello vs. Asana comes into question. You might choose Asana to help with sizable teams but, with Asana’s learning curve being so steep for new and unseasoned team members, it makes communication rather difficult.

So what about a system that meets all of your needs and covers the challenges you face for scalability and growth? Let’s uncover the differences between Trello and Asana. We’ll then present a third option that can help you successfully meet the scalability needs of a growing team.

Trello vs. Asana: Comparing Project Management Systems

When comparing Trello vs. Asana, both handle collaboration, conversation, scheduling, task, and resource management in very different ways. Let’s examine their options, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each project management solution.

Trello 

Trello is a very basic Kanban board system. At first glance, it’s really a simple visual to-do list for project teams. Projects are represented as boards, tasks as cards, and project status as lists. The workflow involves moving cards or tasks from one list to another.

Options include:

Collaboration. Kanban-based project management system organizes and tracks projects for teams. Collaboration involves following project task lists from to-do and work-in-progress to completed status.  

Conversations. Relies on Google Hangouts and Slack for chat messaging. 

Scheduling. Offers the ability to view and filter tasks with power-ups for calendars.

Task and resource management. Trello boards export into a PDF, CVS, or image format for sharing task updates via email. Offers the ability for team members to log their time on tasks.

AdvantagesDisadvantages
-Trello enables the simple planning and moving of tasks across due dates-There’s no way to review a project timeline.
-You can’t see project members’ availability. 

If your team is small and you just need a simple project management tool, then Trello is a great option for you. However, if you are a growing team or if you have a larger team or multiple teams, Trello can easily become cluttered. Asana, or another option, might help.

Asana  

Asana is a more complex project management system with a full array of integration options for larger, more extensive teams. The only problem is, if you have a large team, you’ll likely face onboarding issues with this system, as it’s rather difficult to learn. 

Key options include:

  • Collaboration. Projects can be assigned via Gmail or via the Asana system. Project managers and team members @ mention team members or non-team members via the Asana platform for working together on projects.
  • Conversation. A built-in chat program is not included within Asana. Slack can be integrated for text conversations.
  • Scheduling. Calendar sharing and syncing are available for projects. Project subtasks, however, must be added manually to appear on the calendar.
  • Task and resource management. Team members can group several tasks within a project, dividing tasks by project name, theme, or purpose. You can also set, track, and manage resources. 
AdvantagesDisadvantages
-Extensive integration and file storage available to team members.-Although there are multiple integration capabilities, there’s no real-time built-in chat option.
-You must use an external messaging tool. 
-The interface is also confusing, cluttered, and too complex for onboarding new team members. 
-There is no way to add a checklist to a task.

While Asana offers app and program integrations, the interface requires training and discovery for larger project teams managing complex projects. Trello, however, is all about simplicity and may not be as effective for larger, growing teams.

So, what do you do if you need a solution for a small or mid-sized team that is looking to scale?

Flow offers a scalable project management platform that fits no matter how quickly your team grows. And Flow offers real-time, built-in chat messaging for individual, team, and project communication so you don’t have to integrate an outside messaging system—unless you want to!

Flow

The main difference when comparing Trello vs. Asana is the ease of use. A modern, feature-rich project management system that supports your team’s work style, simplifies integration, and encourages growth is important. Thankfully, there is a third option: Flow.

Flow offers an intuitive and customizable platform that is simple to set up and easy to use. Flow is scalable and provides a built-in chat system for real-time messaging, a feature that Trello and Asana do not offer. And Flow’s productivity application offers a thoughtfully designed interface for visual project and task organization.

With this feature-rich system, you can start checking off tasks on the first day. Options include:

Collaboration. An all-in-one system with project and task integration, as well as the ability to manage calendars and share critical files for important projects.

Conversation. Powerful built-in chat tool for direct or project commenting, and team messaging as well as integrations with many of your favorite apps.

Scheduling. Calendars display timelines and workload for all projects and team members’ tasks, as well as for individuals’ schedules. 

Task and resource management. Comprehensive task management features for organizing project tasks, notes, files, and communication in one central location. You can set recurring tasks, track due dates, add comments and attach files, and set tags and priorities. You can even send reminders. 

AdvantagesDisadvantages
-Flow provides a modern, scalable project management solution.
-Offers a built-in chat platform that Trello and Asana do not include.
-Until recently, Flow did not have built-in chat, but with our recent upgrades, you can now send individual, team, and project messages without using a separate messaging tool. This feature will considerably improve team collaboration.

Flow’s centralized dashboard goes beyond the basic nature of Trello and provides a customizable, all-in-one project and task management platform that integrates built-in chat and your favorite apps. Additionally, Flow provides task management software for both small or larger teams, as well as fast-growing startups. 

Advantages of a Scalable Project Management Platform

After evaluating Trello vs. Asana and pointing out the options, advantages, and disadvantages for each system, Flow’s platform offers a clear edge for teams of any size. Plus, Flow has built-in chat functionality for direct communication, team, and project messaging.

Let’s face it, small and large project teams have different requirements. That’s why it’s important to choose scalable project management software with all the tools and features needed for growth. 

Whether you are a small or large team or somewhere in between, you should not be limited by scalability. If you’re a thriving team, Flow will take care of all your project management needs, big or small, bringing together your tasks, projects, conversations, and timelines so you can achieve more in less time.

Flow provides an all-in-one project management platform with a simple setup so your team can start checking off tasks right away. Sign up for a free trial today!

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