What is enterprise project management (EPM)?

Enterprise project management (EPM) is a structured approach to managing multiple projects across an organization to ensure they align with strategic goals. Unlike traditional project management, which focuses on individual initiatives, EPM provides visibility, governance, and coordination across entire portfolios.

Do I need an EPMO to implement enterprise project management?

While not required, an Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) can significantly improve consistency, governance, and strategic alignment. It acts as the central hub for intake, prioritization, performance tracking, and process standardization across the organization.

What tools are best for enterprise project management?

Tools that support multi-project visibility, resource planning, time tracking, and executive dashboards are ideal. Examples include Birdview PSA, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, and Clarity. The key is choosing a platform that can scale across departments and integrate with your existing tech stack.

How long does it take to implement EPM at scale?

It depends on your organization’s size and maturity. Some teams start with a 3–6 month pilot, while full rollouts may take 12–18 months. The process should be phased and iterative—starting small, showing value, then scaling across departments.

What is project portfolio management, and how does it relate to EPM?

Project portfolio management (PPM) is the process of selecting, prioritizing, and managing a group of projects to achieve strategic business goals. In the context of EPM, PPM ensures that every project in the portfolio is contributing real value, and that resources are allocated to the most important work across the enterprise.

How do I prioritize projects in a large portfolio?

Prioritization should be based on strategic alignment, return on investment (ROI), regulatory or operational urgency, and available capacity. Many EPMOs use a scoring system or intake framework to evaluate new initiatives objectively and ensure high-value projects move forward first.

How can EPM improve coordination across departments?

EPM introduces shared tools, governance structures, and standardized processes that make it easier for teams in different departments to collaborate. Instead of working in silos, departments gain visibility into shared resources, dependencies, and timelines—improving communication and reducing friction.

What are the challenges of managing cross-departmental projects?

The biggest challenges include conflicting priorities, unclear ownership, and lack of visibility across teams. EPM helps solve these issues by defining roles early, implementing centralized reporting, and using tools like Birdview PSA to surface resource conflicts, track progress, and coordinate efforts across departments.

How does Birdview PSA support enterprise project management?

Birdview PSA provides a centralized platform for managing project portfolios, resource allocation, intake workflows, and real-time performance dashboards. It helps PMOs and strategy teams align execution with goals, improve visibility, and optimize capacity—without overwhelming teams or overcomplicating processes.