Overview

Wrike is a cloud-based project management tool that consolidates all updates, deadlines, and project-related documents into one easy-to-access platform. It reduces the clutter of company emails that can be easily overlooked, enhances collaboration among team members both on-site and remotely, automatically adjusts deadlines for dependent tasks in the event of delays, and offers many other features to streamline project management.

How it works?

Wrike offers a comprehensive set of features to support your entire project lifecycle, from initial planning and execution to reporting and evaluating project success. Here are some key features that can help you better organize your projects and tasks.

Real-Time File Management and Editing

Wrike allows you to upload multiple documents and other media directly to a task, where they can be edited within the platform itself, eliminating the need for downloads. Changes made to these documents are visible to collaborators in real-time, similar to how it works in Google Docs.

Custom Folder Structures

Wrike employs a visual folder structure, where folders can represent departments, clients, portfolios, or any other classification you prefer. Inside these folders, you can organize multiple projects, each of which can be divided into tasks and sub-tasks. This structure helps break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks that can be assigned to different team members or teams within your organization.

You can attach files to each item, leave comments, tag relevant people, set due dates, and update statuses. If needed, you can also modify the structure by converting folders into projects and vice versa at any time. Additionally, a task can be included in multiple folders or projects, providing flexibility in organizing work.

Track Time and Manage Resources

Wrike’s workload view helps optimize team time by displaying all employee tasks on a grid, making it easy to identify who is overloaded and who has capacity for more work. Each task also includes a timer, allowing team members to track the time spent on each task. This data is then compiled to provide an overview of the time and budget resources consumed by a project.

Gantt Charts

Wrike’s Gantt Charts, also known as the Timeline View, offer a visual grid layout of interdependent tasks that you can easily drag and drop to adjust. This provides a comprehensive overview of the project, helping you identify potential bottlenecks. If you modify the due date of one task, the due dates of dependent tasks will automatically update accordingly. Additionally, all stakeholders tagged on the task will be notified of any changes made within the Gantt Chart.

Automation and Reporting

Wrike includes a report wizard that enables you to generate reports either from scratch or by using pre-existing templates. These reports can offer a broad overview of a project or provide status updates to share with key stakeholders. Additionally, customizable dashboards allow you to track a project’s progress with a snapshot of the most important data.

Moreover, Wrike offers features that automate repetitive tasks to support scalability. These include dynamic request forms, where client-submitted information is automatically saved as part of tasks or projects, and project templates, which allow you to swiftly set up a project along with its associated dashboards and reports.

Wrike makes project and task management easier, but you should be ready for a lengthy onboarding process if you want all team members to fully engage. With so many features, the interface can feel overwhelming, especially for users who haven’t previously worked with other project management software.

Wrike offers learning resources to assist with onboarding employees, but fully mastering its features will require some commitment. If you’re only using Wrike as a basic task manager, you can get it up and running for a small team fairly quickly without utilizing all of its advanced features.

Tools for Collaboration

Wrike can also integrate with Outlook, Gmail, or Slack, allowing emails and instant messages to be automatically attached to tasks within the Wrike workspace. Additionally, documents, images, and videos requiring approval or proofing can be commented on or edited directly in Wrike, ensuring that all team members involved in a task or project can easily see the latest updates, with changes clearly highlighted.

However, Wrike does lack a built-in chat app, which would have enhanced its capabilities as a comprehensive collaboration tool.

Pricing

Wrike offers a tiered pricing structure where you pay a monthly fee per user. There is a free plan with limited storage (2GB) and basic task management features. For access to more advanced features, you’ll need to choose a paid plan. The Team Plan, priced at $10 per user per month, includes Gantt Charts, advanced integrations, and shared dashboards. This plan supports up to 15 users, with the option for unlimited collaborators who can view and participate in tasks but cannot create them.

The next tier is the Business Plan, priced at $24.80 per user per month, which supports up to 200 users, offers 10GB of storage per user, and includes time tracking, Salesforce integration, and shared real-time reports. There’s also an Enterprise Plan with advanced security features.

Wrike also offers a specialized plan for marketing teams, which includes all the features of the Business Plan plus additional tools like Video Proofing, an Adobe Creative Cloud extension, and a customized workspace. For pricing, you’ll need to contact Wrike directly. For teams of 20 or more, there is an additional fee for onboarding services, which includes expert training.

Data Collection and Privacy

Businesses can trust Wrike with their sensitive information, as the platform employs robust security measures that comply with both US and EU information privacy standards. Wrike guarantees 99.9% uptime to ensure constant access to project data. In the unlikely event of downtime due to technical issues or scheduled maintenance, a read-only replica is available for continued access to your data. Additionally, Wrike performs regular backups to ensure no data is ever lost.

Apps

Wrike is a project management tool accessible directly through your internet browser on any computer. Additionally, the company provides desktop applications for both Windows and Mac, as well as mobile apps for convenient access on the go.

Wrike for Desktop

Wrike’s desktop apps for Windows and Mac allow you to access all features without needing a browser. You can pin the app to your taskbar or dock and set it to open automatically at startup, making it easy to see unread inbox items at a glance. Projects and tasks can be opened in separate windows or tabs, and Wrike links will open directly in the app. The setup process is quick, and during installation, you can integrate the app with other tools like Slack and Gmail for enhanced functionality.

Wrike for Mobile

Wrike’s free mobile apps for Android and iOS allow you to stay connected and manage tasks on the go. You can respond to mentions, inbox items, and requests, add tasks, access documents, and track time spent on projects, among other features. A standout feature is the ability to work offline and continue tracking time, which is especially useful for users who are frequently out of the WiFi range. The apps are dependable and efficient, with a 4.3 out of 5 rating on the App Store and a 4.4 rating on the Play Store.

Help & Support

Adopting project management software like Wrike can significantly change how you organize tasks and collaborate with your team. While adjusting to new project management methods can be challenging, Wrike offers immediate support upon signup. A representative will reach out via email, offering assistance to help you get started with the software.

Additionally, Wrike provides onboarding webinars, a knowledge base with tips on how to implement and optimize the platform, and a community board for users to exchange insights. For further inquiries or technical issues, you can contact Wrike by phone or submit a ticket for a callback. However, the company does not offer 24/7 live chat support.

Bottomline

Wrike may not be the most budget-friendly project management tool, but it’s the choice of product managers at leading global companies like Verizon and Airbnb, who appreciate how it streamlines complex workflows. Wrike offers a limited free version along with free trials for its paid plans. Its integrations with Salesforce, Jira, and GitHub minimize redundant work and create a seamless, end-to-end workflow. With its advanced features and strong reputation, Wrike is a top-tier solution that justifies its cost.