Top 10 Open Source Productivity Apps

Can open source software make us more productive? Some people seem to think so. In this piece, we will examine a list of ten applications from the open universe that allow their users to find a more productive place in their lives.

1. OrangeHRM

Yes, human resource management software might not seem all that exciting on the surface. Despite this perception, the fact remains that this software alone can be of huge benefit to now cash-strapped companies needing to better manage their human resource needs.

Features include: Listing the job titles, page grade, employment status, plus other aspects of job vacancies. If you are looking for extra help, support is available for a fee, and there are also add-ons available.

What this application does for productivity

By providing HR managers with the tools they need to manage employees under their care, the collective workplace becomes a much more productive place. Employees and managers alike will find that proper software at the right price can do wonders.

2. Task Coach
When the tasks feature in your existing PIM (personal information manager) is just not enough, it might be time to look into using Task Coach. Going deeper than the typical task manager, this software provides users with: tasks listed in tree or list view, assign/sort by budget/cost/due date and other variables.

Other critical features include time tracking, availability for ICS/iCal, in addition to providing support for HTML and CSV formats as well.

What this application does for productivity

In my mind, the best features for productivity have to be the time tracking and the sub-tasks feature. The variable sorting filters are nice too, and who can possibly get by without help from the ability to run the application from removal media like a USB pen drive?

3. Onepoint Project
Tracking workflow, ensuring every dollar is going where it needs to with calculation of outgoing costs. This is the king of the show when it comes to managing the work flow of an important product.

Ad Hoc tasks. The one productivity feature that honestly defines this software over the others thus far. Being able to pull out and apply qualified participants from an existing pool as specific tasks call for their assistance, dynamically.

What this application does for productivity

Without question, the fluidity of the work flow, bundled with the power of Ad Hoc tasks. These two features allow users of OnePoint to benefit immediately. The dynamic nature of the software means productivity is noticeable immediately.


4. Collabtive

Access to software that allows its users to collaborate with some Ajax-like goodness can be good thing. “Collabtive” definitely allows for this in a big way with its ability to provide Tasks, a Calendar and Milestones among other items that allow for maximum productivity.

What this application does for productivity

It is simple to use. For me, this is the easiest program that I have used in a long time. It is server hosted, allows me to access my tasks, track time and utilize my calendar fairly easily. You can also produce project reports and track milestones.

5. IT Project Guide – Risk Management
Risks, tasks, and the forum. This is one approach to tackling IT projects that tends to require more than the casual task-based management solution to achieve above-average productivity. Using PHP and SQL, the IT Project Guide – Risk Management app provides its users with a means of keeping track of and — with help from other assignees — tackle any risk management issues that need to be worked through.

Providing users with a useful means of handling IT-related risk management means productivity can remain constant and will not take a hit later on due to a lack of follow-up, thanks to the fact that this application provides a means of tracking the steps for each risk being assessed.

What this application does for productivity

Providing those in IT based risk management with a tool for complete follow through. From the specific risk issue in question all the way down the means of resolution, this application provides a method for dealing with and tracking the path to successfully handling IT risk management.

Must Read

Get the Free Newsletter!

Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends, and analysis.