Smartsheet vs Forecast (2024 Comparison)
Smartsheet offers a powerful work management platform with comprehensive collaboration tools and advanced reporting features. Its robust security measures make it a reliable choice for businesses with stringent security requirements.
- Comprehensive collaboration tools
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Robust security features
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher cost for small teams
Free plan?
NoStarting price
$9 per month per user
Forecast provides a user-friendly project management solution with excellent resource management and strong customer support. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for teams to navigate and use effectively.
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent resource management
- Strong customer support
- Limited integrations
- Less advanced automation
Free plan?
NoStarting price
$29 per month per userWhat is Smartsheet?
Smartsheet is a dynamic work management platform that empowers teams to plan, capture, manage, automate, and report on work at scale. It offers a familiar spreadsheet-like interface, making it easy for users to adapt and collaborate effectively. With Smartsheet, you can streamline processes, improve visibility, and drive better decision-making. Whether you're managing projects, tracking tasks, or automating workflows, Smartsheet provides the flexibility and scalability needed to enhance productivity and achieve business goals.
What is Forecast?
Forecast is a comprehensive project management and resource planning software designed to help teams optimize their workflows and improve efficiency. It offers advanced AI-driven insights, allowing users to predict project outcomes and allocate resources effectively. With Forecast, you can manage tasks, track time, and collaborate seamlessly, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it an ideal choice for teams looking to enhance productivity and achieve better project outcomes.
Pros and Cons of Smartsheet vs Forecast
Pros & Cons of Smartsheet
- Smartsheet offers a wide range of collaboration tools that facilitate seamless communication and teamwork. Its features include shared workspaces, real-time updates, and easy file sharing, making it ideal for teams that need to stay connected.
- Smartsheet provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools that offer valuable insights into project performance. Its advanced features make it easy to track progress and make data-driven decisions.
- Smartsheet prioritizes security, offering robust measures to protect user data. Its comprehensive security features make it a reliable choice for businesses with stringent security requirements.
- Smartsheet's powerful features may require a bit of a learning curve for new users. While it offers extensive capabilities, it may take some time to fully understand and utilize all its features.
- Smartsheet's pricing may be higher for small teams or those with limited budgets. While it offers excellent value for larger organizations, smaller teams may find it less cost-effective.
Pros & Cons of Forecast
- Forecast's intuitive interface makes it easy for teams of all sizes to navigate and use. Its user-friendly design ensures that users can quickly adapt and get the most out of the platform.
- Forecast excels in resource management, offering advanced features that allow teams to allocate resources effectively and optimize workflows. Its AI-driven insights provide valuable data for decision-making.
- Forecast provides excellent customer support, with responsive and helpful service that ensures users can get the most out of the platform. Its support team is always ready to assist with any issues or questions.
- Forecast's selection of integrations is slightly more limited compared to other platforms. While it offers essential integrations, users may find it lacking in some areas.
- Forecast's automation capabilities are not as advanced as some other platforms. While it offers basic automation features, users with complex automation needs may find it lacking.
Smartsheet vs Forecast: At A Glance
Value to Price
Smartsheet offers a robust set of features at a competitive price, making it a great value for businesses looking to streamline their operations. Its extensive capabilities justify the cost, especially for larger teams. Forecast, while slightly more affordable, offers excellent value for smaller teams or those with simpler project management needs. If you're looking for a tool that balances cost with comprehensive features, Smartsheet might be the better choice.
Ease of Use
Forecast shines in ease of use with its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, making it accessible for teams of all sizes. Smartsheet, while powerful, may require a bit of a learning curve for new users. If you prioritize a straightforward and easy-to-navigate platform, Forecast is likely the better option.
Functionality
Smartsheet excels in functionality, offering a wide range of features that cater to complex project management needs. Its advanced capabilities make it suitable for larger organizations with diverse requirements. Forecast, while functional, is more streamlined and may be better suited for teams with less complex needs. If you need a tool with extensive functionality, Smartsheet is the way to go.
Scalability
Both Smartsheet and Forecast offer scalable solutions, but Smartsheet's robust infrastructure makes it particularly well-suited for growing businesses. Its ability to handle large volumes of data and users is a significant advantage. Forecast is also scalable but may be more appropriate for smaller teams or projects. If scalability is a priority, Smartsheet is the better choice.
Integrations
Smartsheet offers a wide range of integrations with popular tools, making it easy to connect with existing systems. This flexibility is ideal for businesses looking to streamline their workflows. Forecast also offers integrations, but its selection is slightly more limited. If you need extensive integration options, Smartsheet is the better choice.
Customer Support
Forecast provides excellent customer support, with responsive and helpful service that ensures users can get the most out of the platform. Smartsheet also offers solid support, but some users have noted longer response times. If customer support is a critical factor, Forecast may be the better option.
Security
Both Smartsheet and Forecast prioritize security, offering robust measures to protect user data. Smartsheet's comprehensive security features make it a reliable choice for businesses with stringent security requirements. Forecast also provides strong security, but Smartsheet's offerings are slightly more extensive. If security is a top concern, Smartsheet is the better choice.
Overall Rating
Smartsheet and Forecast both offer excellent project management solutions, but Smartsheet's comprehensive features and scalability give it a slight edge overall. Forecast is a strong contender, particularly for smaller teams or those seeking a more user-friendly interface. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Smartsheet vs Forecast: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features
Collaboration Tools
Smartsheet offers a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools that facilitate seamless communication and teamwork. Its features include shared workspaces, real-time updates, and easy file sharing, making it ideal for teams that need to stay connected. Forecast also provides strong collaboration tools, but Smartsheet's offerings are more extensive, making it the better choice for larger teams or those with complex collaboration needs.
Resource Management
Forecast excels in resource management, offering advanced features that allow teams to allocate resources effectively and optimize workflows. Its AI-driven insights provide valuable data for decision-making. Smartsheet also offers resource management capabilities, but Forecast's features are more robust, making it the better choice for teams that prioritize resource optimization.
Automation
Smartsheet's automation features allow users to streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks, enhancing productivity. Its powerful automation tools are ideal for teams looking to improve efficiency. Forecast also offers automation capabilities, but Smartsheet's features are more advanced, making it the better choice for teams with complex automation needs.
Reporting and Analytics
Smartsheet provides comprehensive reporting and analytics tools that offer valuable insights into project performance. Its advanced features make it easy to track progress and make data-driven decisions. Forecast also offers strong reporting capabilities, but Smartsheet's tools are more extensive, making it the better choice for teams that rely heavily on data analysis.
Time Tracking
Forecast's time tracking features are top-notch, allowing teams to monitor time spent on tasks and projects accurately. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to use. Smartsheet also offers time tracking capabilities, but Forecast's features are more user-friendly, making it the better choice for teams that prioritize time management.
Mobile Access
Smartsheet offers excellent mobile access, allowing users to manage projects and collaborate on the go. Its mobile app is user-friendly and provides all the essential features needed for remote work. Forecast also offers mobile access, but Smartsheet's app is more comprehensive, making it the better choice for teams that require robust mobile capabilities.
Pricing Comparison of Smartsheet and Forecast
We’ve compiled the pricing tables and highlighted the key features of both Smartsheet and Forecast to aid in your decision-making process. Let’s explore what each platform has to offer.
Smartsheet Pricing Plans
- Gantt, grid, board, and calendar view for versatile project management.
- Rich formulas to enhance data analysis and reporting.
- Unlimited sheets, forms, and reports for comprehensive data management.
- 250 automations per month to streamline workflows.
- Timeline view for detailed project tracking.
- Team workload tracking to optimize resource allocation.
- Admin capabilities for enhanced control and management.
- Unlimited automations for efficient process management.
- SAML-based SSO for secure access management.
- WorkApps for custom application development.
- Work Insights for comprehensive data analysis.
- Unlimited attachment storage for extensive data handling.
- Dynamic View for secure request management.
- Data Shuttle for seamless data integration.
- Salesforce and Jira connectors for enhanced integration.
- Premium Support for prioritized assistance.
Forecast Pricing Plans
- Resource management features to optimize team allocation.
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation and use.
- Collaboration tools to enhance team communication.
- Customizable dashboards for personalized project views.
- Business intelligence features for data-driven decisions.
- Enhanced reporting capabilities for detailed insights.
- Integration with financial software for seamless operations.
- Priority support for quick issue resolution.
- Customizable support options for tailored assistance.
- Scalable solutions for growing business needs.
- Dedicated account manager for personalized service.
- Comprehensive onboarding for smooth implementation.
Our Rating Methodology
We rigorously evaluate each project management tool, focusing on key factors like functionality, ease of use, and scalability. By analyzing user reviews and conducting thorough testing, we ensure our recommendations fit your needs. Each factor is weighted by importance to deliver a reliable final rating, helping you make informed decisions.
Smartsheet or Forecast: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?
Choose Smartsheet If You Need ...
- Advanced project management needs
If you have complex project management needs and require a comprehensive solution, Smartsheet is the better choice. Its advanced features and robust functionality make it ideal for larger organizations with diverse requirements.
- Extensive integration options
If you need extensive integration options to connect with existing systems, Smartsheet is the better choice. Its wide range of integrations makes it easy to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.
Choose Forecast If You Need ...
- User-friendly interface
If you prioritize a user-friendly interface and easy navigation, Forecast is the better choice. Its intuitive design ensures that teams can quickly adapt and get the most out of the platform.
- Resource optimization
If you need advanced resource management features to optimize workflows, Forecast is the better choice. Its AI-driven insights provide valuable data for decision-making and resource allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool is better for large teams?
Which tool offers better resource management?
Which tool is more user-friendly?
Which tool offers better integration options?
Which tool provides better customer support?
Which tool is more secure?
Anastasia Belyh
Anastasia Belyh is a senior tech writer with over 15 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business software. Having worked in investment banking, management consulting, and founded multiple companies, her in-depth knowledge and hands-on expertise make her software reviews authoritative, trustworthy, and highly practical for business decision-makers.
