Smartsheet vs Workfront: What are the differences?

Introduction

Smartsheet and Workfront are both popular project management tools that offer a range of features to help teams collaborate and manage their work efficiently. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences that set them apart.

1. Integration with other tools: Smartsheet offers seamless integration with a wide range of third-party tools such as Google Drive, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office, allowing users to connect and access their data from various sources. On the other hand, Workfront provides extensive integration options with tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Jira, making it a preferred choice for creative and development teams.

2. Focus on project management vs. work management: Smartsheet primarily focuses on project management functionalities, providing features like Gantt charts, task dependencies, and resource allocation. It is designed to streamline project workflows and improve team collaboration. In contrast, Workfront is more comprehensive in terms of work management, offering features like time tracking, proofing and review capabilities, resource planning, and financial tracking, making it suitable for organizations that require extensive work tracking and analysis.

3. Ease of use and flexibility: Smartsheet is known for its user-friendly interface and simple setup, making it easy for teams to get started quickly. It offers a wide range of templates for different use cases, making it suitable for teams of all sizes and industries. Workfront, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve and requires more customization to fit specific workflows. It is better suited for larger organizations with complex processes that can benefit from the flexibility and extensive customization options it provides.

4. Collaboration and communication features: Smartsheet provides robust collaboration features like real-time updates, comments, and task assignment, making it easy for team members to work together and stay on the same page. Workfront, on the other hand, offers more advanced communication and collaboration features, including built-in chat functionality, email integration, and the ability to create custom forms and approvals. These features make it ideal for organizations that require sophisticated communication and collaboration capabilities.

5. Reporting and analytics: Smartsheet offers comprehensive reporting capabilities, allowing users to create custom reports and dashboards to track project progress and gain insights into team performance. It provides built-in charts and graphs, as well as the ability to export data to other analysis tools. Workfront, on the other hand, provides more advanced reporting and analytics features, including customizable dashboards, advanced filtering options, and deeper insights into work performance and resource utilization. It is a better fit for organizations that require in-depth analytics and reporting functionalities.

6. Mobile accessibility: While both Smartsheet and Workfront offer mobile apps for iOS and Android, Smartsheet provides a more seamless and user-friendly experience on mobile devices. It offers intuitive navigation, offline access, and the ability to edit and collaborate on projects directly from the app. Workfront, on the other hand, has a slightly more limited mobile experience, with some features being better suited for desktop use. However, it still provides essential functionalities and access to project data on the go.

In summary, Smartsheet is focused on project management with extensive integration options, a user-friendly interface, and robust collaboration features. On the other hand, Workfront is more comprehensive in terms of work management, offering advanced communication and collaboration features, extensive customization options, and in-depth reporting and analytics capabilities, making it suitable for larger organizations with complex processes.