Productivity software can help you stay organized and focused on your work. However, it’s crucial to know the difference between using productivity tools and simply spending time using them. There are a number of factors that determine if an application is actually making you more productive, including the type of work you’re doing with it, as well as the amount of knowledge you have about using it.

The first thing to do is determine what it was made to serve. It’s tempting to purchase productivity software to do anything but it’s more effective to focus only on the areas that it will be most useful. For instance, if you’re seeking a way to communicate with team members or clients using a messaging application like Slack could be a good alternative. If you’re trying to track complex projects, then a project management suite may be more appropriate.

Another thing to consider is how well the software integrates with your existing systems. If you’re a consultant or agency, then you likely have a variety of systems and go to website programs that must work together. A productivity tool that isn’t working smoothly with your other systems can cause chaos and impede progress, so it’s important to review your current infrastructure before deciding on the best solution.

Miles Sullivan is the founder of a digital marketing company. He says he has employed Productive to replace a number of disparate tools with a single solution. This lets him manage client projects, timelines and budgets and workflows, from beginning to end. He found that the platform’s easy interface, as well as its ability to create timesheets automatically made it easy for him to keep track of his work and understand the impact of his efforts on the profitability of his business.