Start with how you work, not with a feature list
The classic mistake is comparing feature lists. A good tool is first and foremost a tool that gets adopted: if the team doesn't use it, the best features in the world are worthless. So start with three questions: how does work enter the team? How does it move forward? How do you know it's done?
The five criteria that matter
1. The view that matches your flow
Continuous flow (support, content)? A Kanban board is enough. An iteration rhythm with goals? Scrum is the way to go. Long deadlines and dependencies? You need a Gantt chart. And in every case, reports to steer by.
2. Time to get up to speed
Count in hours, not weeks. A tool should be understandable to a new member without training - which is why FluidOps offers playable demos.
3. The real cost
List price × number of users × "advanced" options often billed separately. At FluidOps, the free plan covers getting started and the Pro plan is €8/user, all inclusive.
4. The exit option
Your data needs to be able to leave (export, API). A tool that locks you in through your data isn't a partner.
5. Privacy
Hosting, GDPR compliance, access rights: check these before signing up, not after.
Our advice: test it on a real project, not a sales demo
One week on a real project with the whole team is worth more than a month of presentations. That's exactly why FluidOps is free to get started.