Postscript for the Smaller PMO

The smaller PMO should be reasonably aware of which tools are currently available and being used and, conversely, which are currently available and not being used in the project management environment. In combination with some minor research performed by the PMO, the tools in current use can be contrasted with what is available in the marketplace. Thus, the PMO can be the source of basic tool recommendations for both individual and collective use. Even so, the small PMO can collaborate with assigned project managers and project team members to gain their insights about preferences for project management tools.

The small PMO supporting a large project management environment should consider convening ad hoc teams to identify, acquire, and implement major project management tools and systems under the PMO's guidance. Such teams also can be chartered on an as-needed basis to evaluate the effectiveness of project management tools. Alternatively, the small PMO can establish the capability to introduce small or off-the-shelf project management tools as may be routinely needed in the project management environment. In this instance, the PMO can call upon vendors to contribute their expertise in planning and conducting tool installation and implementation, which reduces or eliminates the need for the PMO to allocate resources for that task.

The small PMO can guide and influence project management tool acquisition and implementation in the project management environment or across the enterprise by being the knowledgeable source on project management tools.