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Writer's pictureCarsten Ley

How to Choose OKR Software That Will Work For Your Unique Organization

Updated: Jan 20

Selecting the ideal Goal Setting & OKR (Objectives and Key Results) software is a pivotal decision. This choice, often difficult due to the quantity of options, requires careful consideration of factors. It's essential to find software that not only integrates seamlessly with  your existing IT landscape like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace but also connects with your project and action management software like Jira, Asana, Monday.com etc.  The main function of every OKR software is to facilitate the effective setting and tracking of objectives and key results. This includes examining the software's dashboard capabilities for monitoring progress. Additionally, considerations like pricing, functionality, and suitability for different business sizes, ranging from startups to larger corporations, are the basis for making the final decision.


OK Tracking Software


Integrating OKR Software With Your IT Landscape

A key criterion for choosing the right OKR software is its compatibility with your existing IT landscape. For instance, if your company primarily operates with tools like Asana, Monday.comJira, ETC, it's beneficial to select OKR software that integrates effortlessly with these systems. This approach not only streamlines the integration process but also leverages your existing digital environment. The focus should be on enhancing your current project and action management tools with suitable OKR functionalities, rather than introducing an entirely new software ecosystem. This strategic alignment can lead to more efficient and effective use of OKR software in your company.


Essential Features of Effective OKR Tools



OKR Tracking Dashboard

Most tools offer a straightforward and clear setup for objectives and key results, guiding you in creating inspiring objectives and  measurable outcomes. Look for options that allow setting key results using formulas or milestones, which simplifies the process. Additionally, a competent OKR tool should enable adding actions to the key results (Objectives + Key Results + Actions), ideally across multiple organizational layers like company, department, and team op projects. This is especially important for larger companies requiring interconnected layers. Finally, a robust tracking dashboard with functionalities like email alerts and app integration is essential, providing real-time updates and ensuring efficient progress tracking.


Comprehensive Overview of Leading OKR Software Options


Selecting the right OKR software requires understanding the unique offerings of various platforms, each catering to different business sizes and needs. Here's a brief overview:


1. Quantive

A versatile OKR software that integrates with a wide range of IT landscapes and tools. While it's on the pricier side, Quantive offers extensive features, including performance and bonus management. Its user-friendly interface and effective OKR setup make it a preferred choice, especially for American markets. Visit site 🔗


  • Ideal for : larger companies


2. Tability

Tability stands out for its ease of use and engaging interface, making it an ideal choice for startups. It's designed to handle one or two layers of management, offering a fun user experience with a lighter approach to OKR management. Tability is particularly popular in the Australian & Asian market. Visit site 🔗


  • Ideal for: Startups


3. OKR Board

For companies that already use Jira for action and project management, OKR Board is an excellent plugin. This tool seamlessly integrates with Jira, making it an efficient addition for companies already familiar with its ecosystem. It's known for its international appeal. Visit site 🔗


  • Ideal for: Companies already using Jira


4. MoonCamp

A general yet budget-friendly OKR tool, MoonCamp is popular in European markets. It offers a good balance between features and affordability, making it suitable for mid-sized companies seeking a solid yet cost-effective solution. Visit site 🔗


  • Ideal for: Mid-sized companies


5. Zokri

Ideal for companies prioritizing HR management within their OKR framework, Zokri is likely to offer features that cater to employee experience and benefits management. This makes it a suitable choice for organizations where HR-driven OKR implementation is central. However, we generally don’t recommend Zokri outside of an HR-heavy environment simply due to the fact that it is a more difficult software. Visit site 🔗


  • Ideal for: HR focused companies


Comparison Table of OKR Software

Guide: ease of use calculated as follows:

  • The easiest to use being 10 and the hardest to use being 1

Software

Who is it for

Cost

Ease of Use

Quantive

Large Enterprises

9USD/User/Month

10

Tability

Startups

Basic: 4USD/user/month

Plus:5USD/user/month

Premium: 8USD/user/month

10

OKR Board

For companies already using JIRA

Basic: 1.5 USD/user/month

8

MoonCamp

For general use for mid-sized companies.

Essential: 6USD/User/Month

Professional: 10USD/User/Month

8

Zokri

For HR companies

Basic: 0.83USD/User/Month

Business: 12.50USD/User/Month

5


Each of these software options caters to specific business requirements and IT infrastructures, emphasizing the importance of aligning your choice with your company's specific needs, budget, and existing digital environment. For example, larger companies might find Quantive's comprehensive feature set more appealing, while startups might be drawn to Tability's user-friendly interface.


Excel to OKR Software: Advice for Transitioning Strategies in Southeast Asia

In Southeast Asia, companies new to OKRs or shifting from KPIs to OKRs often begin their journey with a simple yet effective approach: using Excel. This initial phase on Excel, particularly if dealing with a single layer of OKRs, allows organizations to gauge their commitment to the OKR methodology and understand their specific needs. As companies become more acquainted with OKRs, they tend to move towards more sophisticated tools.

For larger companies, Quantive is a popular choice, offering comprehensive features suitable for complex organizational structures. However, it's important to note that Quantive, especially for American markets, can be costly.


Another option for companies deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem is Viva, Microsoft's own solution. While Viva offers the convenience of integration with existing Microsoft platforms, it is considerably expensive.


A significant trend in Southeast Asia is the adoption of OKR Board, particularly among IT development companies that already utilize Jira. Its popularity stems from its cost-effectiveness and seamless integration as an add-on tool in Jira, making it an ideal choice for organizations already comfortable with Jira's project management capabilities. OKR Board's affordability and ease of integration make it a preferred option for many companies in the region.


The Importance of OKR Training Before Software Implementation

A crucial piece of advice for any company embarking on the OKR journey is to understand that OKR software does not replace the need for proper OKR training. Many businesses make the mistake of purchasing OKR software with the expectation that it alone will guide them in effectively implementing and managing OKRs. While OKR software often includes sample objectives and key results, it's not a substitute for learning how to develop and apply OKRs tailored to your organization.


The first step in a successful OKR implementation is to gain a thorough understanding of the OKR methodology. This can be achieved through online training, workshops, or consulting with OKR experts. Only after acquiring this foundational knowledge should a company consider integrating OKR software into their management processes. Remember, the software is a tool to facilitate the application of OKRs, not a standalone solution for learning and implementing them.


Choosing the Right OKR Software: A Summary

Selecting the ideal OKR software hinges on aligning with your company's specific needs rather than finding a universally preferred tool. Many OKR software options offer similar basic functions, so it's more about compatibility with your business model and IT infrastructure. For instance, tools like Lattuce and Zokri cater to HR-driven needs, while Quantive, Tability, and MoonCamp are versatile for general business functions.


Before committing to any software, it's practical to start with OKRs on Excel to grasp the methodology. This approach helps in avoiding long-term commitments to software that may not suit your needs. Most importantly, consider the flexibility of licensing options and choose a tool that allows for trial and adaptation without locking into long-term contracts. Ultimately, the software should facilitate your objectives, not constrain them.


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