OpenProject: From idea to outcome – together, across all Helmholtz sites
The Helmholtz Cloud, operated by HIFIS, has expanded its portfolio with a powerful new service: OpenProject provided by HZB. OpenProject integrates tailor-made project management methods directly into your daily research and administrative workflows. Whether you’re coordinating distributed research teams or managing complex administrative processes, this service is designed to support you throughout the entire project lifecycle.
From Community Demand to Cloud-Ready Service
OpenProject has been one of the most requested services in the Helmholtz Cloud from the very beginning. Early on, HZB stepped in as a provider, building on their existing internal deployment. But to truly make the service “cloud-ready”, it took dedication and commitment. Key features such as seamless integration with the Helmholtz ID and strict separation of project groups for data protection were not yet in place. These requirements had to be clarified with the software provider, followed by a full cycle of procurement, development, testing, and release. As a result, these enhancements are now available as additional modules for all OpenProject instances, enabling secure and federated use across Helmholtz.
One Project Management Service, Multiple Approaches
OpenProject allows you to work the way your project demands. From classic planning to agile or hybrid methodologies, the platform adapts to your needs rather than forcing you into a structure. You can plan tasks, assign responsibilities, and monitor progress in real time, while visual tools like boards and Gantt charts help you keep an overview of timelines and dependencies.
Time tracking and cost management features provide transparency on resource usage, which is especially valuable for reporting and funding requirements. At the same time, integrated collaboration tools such as wikis, forums, and activity streams ensure that communication stays connected to your project context.
Collaboration Beyond Boundaries
One of the key advantages for Helmholtz users is the ability to collaborate seamlessly across centers. OpenProject enables joint work not only within Helmholtz but also with invited external partners. Nubes files and folders can be linked to OpenProject tasks directly, creating a shared project space that reduces fragmentation and improves efficiency.
Custom workflows allow you to tailor processes to your project’s specific requirements, while integrations with tools like GitLab make it easy to connect development workflows.
Easy Access, Immediate Start
Getting started is straightforward. Simply access the OpenProject by HZB via the Helmholtz Cloud and log in using your Helmholtz ID. Your account will be created automatically. External collaborators can be included via building a group (Virtual Organization), ensuring flexible and secure access.
Why It Matters
OpenProject brings project teams together in an environment that can be tailored to the needs of Helmholtz researchers and project managers. This, combined with integrations with nubes (Nextcloud) and GitLab, helps you focus on what really matters: achieving impactful results.
Try out your first OpenProject management - and Explore Even More Services
👉 Start your first project OpenProject.
👉 Have a look at the diverse range of services available in the Helmholtz Cloud.
👉 Tell us which services you enjoy most and which you miss at support@hifis.net.
