Key Facts:
- AI functionality is the primary driver for PM software purchases in Australia, with 60% of project managers citing it as their main reason for recent investments.
- Security has become the top priority for 70% of Australian PM software buyers, surpassing functionality due to increased data and integration concerns.
- 58% of Australian project managers report greater use of emotional intelligence since implementing AI tools, highlighting the growing importance of human skills.
- 35% of Australian organisations now use hybrid project management methodologies, moving away from pure Waterfall or Agile approaches.
- 40% of organisations face challenges in maximising PM software value due to integration issues, training gaps, and difficulties with AI feature adoption.
Sydney, Australia – 2nd October 2025 – Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping project management (PM) in Australia, but new risks and adoption challenges are forcing buyers to improve their implementation strategies, according to Capterra's 2025 Project Management Software Trends Survey. Based on a global survey of 2,545 project managers, including 240 in Australia, the report reveals that while AI is the leading driver of PM software investment, security and effective onboarding now top the buyer agenda.
AI becomes the #1 trigger for PM software investment
Sixty per cent of Australian project managers say adding AI functionality is the main reason for their most recent PM software purchase. As project complexity rises and teams are asked to do more with less, organisations are increasing software spend to access new capabilities. Yet, 40% struggle to realise the full value of these tools, citing integration hurdles, training gaps, and difficulties adopting AI features.
Security surpasses functionality as the top priority
With more data and integrations flowing through AI-powered PM platforms, 70% of Australian buyers now rank security as their number one priority, making it one of the leading causes of both satisfaction and dissatisfaction with PM software. This shift reflects growing awareness of the risks from poorly secured APIs and the need for robust access controls.
Emotional intelligence: the human edge in an AI world
While AI automates workflows and predicts risks, 58% of Australian project managers report increasing their use of emotional intelligence (EI) since adopting AI tools. Human skills such as leadership, negotiation, and empathy are more important than ever for navigating cross-functional collaboration, training, and change management in AI-enhanced environments.
Hybrid methodologies on the rise
The report also highlights a shift away from rigid Waterfall or pure Agile approaches. Today, 35% of Australian organisations use hybrid PM methodologies, reflecting the need for adaptable frameworks that can flex with changing regulatory, ESG, and digital transformation requirements.
Capterra Analyst, Laura Burgess, says, "Australian businesses are eager to harness the power of AI in project management, but our research shows that successful adoption depends on more than just technology. Security, training, and human skills are now just as critical as new features. The most effective teams will be those that balance innovation with a strong security culture and a commitment to ongoing learning."
Read Capterra's full report to explore the trends shaping project management software in Australia and discover expert recommendations for choosing the right tools for your business.
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