Redmine – Super standard project management tool

What is Redmine ?

Hi, I’m Kota, a director of web development.

In this article, I will explain about Redmine, one of the well-established project management tool.
It is open source software, but there is a company who offers cloud-based paid versions. I will introduce both of them.

Basic Information of Redmine

Redmine is a free, open source project management and issue tracking tool.
Redmine is a long-established project management tool with a long history and is used by many large companies in Japan.

The Changelog of the product on the official website says v0.1.0 (2006-06-25), and it is amazing that the product has been in use for more than 15 years.

Redmine allows you to manage multiple projects and associated sub-projects.

Redmine offers a variety of features, such as a project-specific wiki, forums, time tracking, and function for assigning access permissions.

It also provides calendar and Gantt chart display capabilities to visually express projects and their deadlines.

Because it is open source software, in addition that you can use it for free, you can customize it as you want if you have engineer in your team.

In Japan, a cloud-based service called “My Redmine” provided by Far End Technologies Corporation is also available.

It is good to note that because of its long-established history, there are many user communities and members.

Below is the website link of a Japanese community.

Redmine.JP

日本のRedmineコミュニティ

It also provides functions for integration with version control systems, letting you check SVN and Git history, etc.

What Redmine can do

Task management (ticket management)

In Redmine, tasks are managed by the concept of tickets.

The ticketed management method is also used in the field of user support worldwide.

You can assign information such as assignee, start date, deadline, progress status, and progress level to each ticket.
You can also make dependency relationship between tickets or create parent-child relationship.

Users can also leave comments under a ticket.

Project Management

Gantt chart view

A Gantt chart is automatically created based on information registered in tickets.
The chart also visualizes the relationship between tasks and their progress.

Many people may feel that this look is “classic style of Gantt charts”.

Calender view

Like Gantt charts, tickets can also be displayed in the calendar style.

Access control (role functions)

You can assign access permissions to members.
These permissions can be set in detail, and multiple permissions can be assigned to the same member within a single project.

Wiki (documentation function)

You can create wikis ( documentation such as manuals, etc.).

News function

Redmine has a function to distribute news to members.
This information is displayed on project summary page, so you can use it to notify all the members in your project of the announcement.

Cloud-based Service

Redmine is an open source software, which means you need to install, update, maintain, and improve its functionality, but there is a cloud-based version. That is, you can leave these tasks to vendors.

This is provided by Japan-based Far End Technologies.

The following is a quote from the official website (translated by me).

My Redmine is a cloud-based service (SaaS) that enables you to use Redmine, an open source software for project management.You can register issues and tasks and keep track of projects’ progress with your entire team. Information can be shared internally and with business partners. This system is used for a various purposes such as project management, issue management, and inquiry management.

Source: 運用不要のクラウド版Redmine「My Redmine」 (My Redmine official website)
https://hosting.redmine.jp/

Plugins

Because Redmine is open source software like WordPress, third-party plugins are distributed and sold.

One of the websites offering extensions is RedminUp. It offers a wide variety of features and age-appropriate functions, so if you want to add useful features, check it out.

RedmineUP

Professional Redmine Plugins | RedmineUP Professional plugins for Agile projects, customer support, invoicing, employee management and more. Modernize your Redmine and manage all aspects of your busine…