Best 20 Strategic Planning Software in 2025

Strategic planning can make or break a business’s growth trajectory. Many organisations struggle with aligning long-term goals, tracking performance, and adapting plans in real time. That’s why we at Pearl Lemon Consulting researched and tested dozens of planning tools to find the best strategic planning software for businesses of all sizes, from startups to global enterprises.

A 2024 Gartner report revealed that 68% of organisations fail to meet their strategic goals due to poor execution tracking. Similarly, a PwC study found that only 30% of executives feel confident in their company’s ability to pivot effectively when strategies shift.

This guide breaks down the top 20 strategic planning tools of 2025, highlighting their strengths, pricing, and best-fit use cases.

What is Strategic Planning Software?

Strategic planning software helps businesses organise, execute, and measure their strategic objectives. These platforms centralize planning workflows, track KPIs, and foster alignment between departments and leadership teams.

The right tool streamlines the process of setting goals, tracking performance metrics, and monitoring execution, ensuring every decision aligns with organisational priorities. Businesses use these solutions to gain visibility into progress and make informed adjustments quickly.

Why It Matters

• Keeps business goals visible and measurable.
  
• Enhances communication between management and departments.
  
• Supports data-backed decisions using real-time analytics.
  
• Ensures accountability and transparency in execution.
  

In short, strategic planning software helps companies plan smarter and execute faster, essential in an unpredictable market.

Quick Comparison Table of the Best Strategic Planning Software

We’ve chosen columns that reflect what decision-makers care about most: ease of use, price, integration options, analytics capability, and support. These factors directly affect adoption rates and long-term success in strategy execution.

Tool Name	Best For	Starting Price	Free Trial	Key Feature	Rating
ClickUp	Goal tracking & project execution	$7/user/month	Yes	OKR integration	4.7
Cascade	Enterprise-level strategy execution	$24/user/month	Yes	Visual strategy maps	4.8
AchieveIt	Multi-department performance alignment	Custom	Yes	Enterprise dashboards	4.6
OnStrategy	Mid-sized business planning	$5/user/month	Yes	Plan-on-a-page builder	4.5
WorkBoard	OKR and KPI management	$10/user/month	Yes	Executive scorecards	4.7
ClearPoint Strategy	Government & enterprise users	Custom	No	KPI automation	4.5
StratPad	Small business strategy builder	$15/month	Yes	Business plan templates	4.4
Miro	Collaborative strategy workshops	Free	Yes	Real-time whiteboarding	4.8
Monday.com	Visual project & strategy planning	$9/user/month	Yes	Workflow automation	4.6
Asana	Team collaboration & strategy tracking	Free	Yes	Goal alignment dashboards	4.7
Smartsheet	Data-heavy project strategy tracking	$7/user/month	Yes	Gantt & KPI integration	4.5
Hive	Cross-department execution	$12/user/month	Yes	Actionable strategy templates	4.6
Profit.co	OKR management	$7/user/month	Yes	Performance analytics	4.7
KPI Fire	Lean execution & Kaizen tracking	Custom	Yes	Strategy-to-execution link	4.6
Aha! Roadmaps	Product strategy teams	$59/user/month	Yes	Strategy visualization	4.8
Coda	Flexible planning documents	Free	Yes	Integrative OKR tables	4.5
Trello	Small teams & startups	Free	Yes	Kanban visualization	4.4
Notion	Custom planning & documentation	Free	Yes	Linked databases	4.6
Airtable	Strategy dashboards	Free	Yes	Spreadsheet-style planning	4.7
Wrike	Corporate execution tracking	$9.80/user/month	Yes	Portfolio analytics	4.6

Top 20 Strategic Planning Software in 2025

Let’s look deeper into each tool and see what makes it stand out.

1. ClickUp – Plan, Track, and Deliver Strategies Seamlessly

ClickUp is one of the most versatile options among the best strategic planning software in 2025. It is trusted by thousands of teams across industries for its ability to connect high-level strategy with daily execution. Companies use ClickUp to manage goals, OKRs, and projects from one unified workspace, keeping teams aligned at every step.

Key Features

Goal and OKR Management

ClickUp enables users to set company-wide objectives, link them to measurable key results, and track progress in real time. Managers can break down complex strategies into actionable goals for each department, ensuring accountability at every level.

Custom Dashboards

Users can build visual dashboards displaying metrics, progress bars, and deadlines in a single view. This allows leadership teams to monitor strategy execution and make timely adjustments when targets are missed or priorities shift.

Task Hierarchies

The software’s flexible hierarchy structure makes it easy to connect day-to-day tasks to long-term business objectives. It’s ideal for organisations managing multiple projects or cross-functional teams working toward shared goals.

Integration Capabilities

ClickUp integrates with over 1,000 applications, including Slack, Google Workspace, and Salesforce. This creates a connected ecosystem where all strategic and operational data stays synchronised, eliminating manual updates.

Automation Builder

ClickUp’s automation tools save hours of repetitive work by automating recurring processes, status updates, and notifications. This feature keeps projects moving while ensuring no step in the strategy execution process is overlooked.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Intuitive interface for planning	Can feel complex for beginners
Strong goal-tracking system	Limited reporting in free plan
Highly customisable dashboards	Requires setup time
Excellent integrations	Occasional sync delays
Robust automation options	May overwhelm small teams

Pricing

ClickUp offers a free plan for individuals and small teams. Paid plans start at £6 per user per month, with Business and Enterprise tiers offering advanced reporting, integrations, and security features.

Best For Mid-Sized Teams and Agencies Managing Multiple Strategies

ClickUp is an excellent choice for mid-sized teams and agencies that need a clear link between strategic goals and execution. It helps maintain clarity across departments while reducing project clutter.

• Project managers – Keep strategy and delivery aligned
  
• Agency leaders – Track multiple client strategies at once
  
• Operations teams – Monitor KPIs through live dashboards
  
• HR departments – Align employee OKRs with company goals
  
• Startups – Build structure for scalable execution
  

A key advantage of ClickUp is its flexibility. Many users combine its goal-tracking tools with custom dashboards to review progress weekly, ensuring teams stay focused on what matters most.

Use ClickUp’s “Everything View” to get a live overview of all company goals and their progress in one place. It’s a simple way for executives to review performance without switching between workspaces.

Best Alternative

If you want a simpler, visually focused alternative, Monday.com is a strong option. It offers strategic tracking features with a more visual, beginner-friendly interface.

2. Cascade – Align Teams and Execute Strategy Effectively

Cascade stands out among the best strategic planning software for its focus on enterprise-level strategy execution. It helps organisations translate strategic objectives into measurable results through visual planning and real-time performance tracking. With a clear structure and easy navigation, Cascade ensures that leadership teams and departments stay aligned across all levels of the organisation.

Key Features

Strategy Mapping

Cascade provides a clear, visual map of your strategic objectives, making it simple to see how each initiative connects to larger company goals. This helps teams identify dependencies, monitor milestones, and assess performance from a single dashboard.

Real-Time Performance Tracking

The live performance dashboards update automatically, displaying progress towards goals with metrics and visual indicators. This allows executives to make quick adjustments when performance dips below expectations.

Departmental Alignment

Each department can manage its own strategic initiatives within the same system, ensuring that all actions tie back to company-wide objectives. This feature is valuable for large organisations managing multi-layered strategies.

Scenario Planning

Cascade supports scenario modelling, allowing leaders to test various strategy paths before committing to one. It’s an effective tool for risk management and long-term forecasting.

Custom Reporting

The software’s reporting module lets users build detailed reports for stakeholders, incorporating charts, KPIs, and goal updates that can be exported in minutes.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent visual strategy mapping	Higher cost for smaller firms
Robust reporting tools	Learning curve for new users
Ideal for large enterprises	Limited integrations in base plan
Great scenario planning	Can be heavy on resources
Strong alignment features	Requires initial setup time

Pricing

Cascade’s pricing begins at £20 per user per month, with custom enterprise plans available. A free trial is offered for teams wanting to test its strategy mapping and analytics tools before committing.

Best For Enterprise-Level Organisations

Cascade is designed for enterprises and public sector teams managing large-scale strategies.

• Corporate strategists – Align multiple business units
  
• Government teams – Track public programmes and KPIs
  
• Operations executives – Improve visibility across projects
  
• HR leaders – Ensure initiatives align with company vision
  
• Non-profits – Manage multi-year strategic objectives
  

Cascade’s all-in-one platform makes it ideal for leadership teams that value clarity and accountability.

Use Cascade’s “Alignment Map” feature to visualise how department goals contribute to overall strategy. It’s particularly useful during quarterly reviews to assess which objectives need attention.

Best Alternative

ClearPoint Strategy is a solid alternative for government or enterprise users that need deeper KPI automation and reporting capabilities.

3. AchieveIt – Connect Strategy, Planning, and Execution

AchieveIt is known for its ability to link corporate plans and projects in one unified environment. It’s one of the best strategic planning software tools for large organisations needing to manage complex plans across departments and business units.

Key Features

Unified Planning Platform

AchieveIt connects multiple strategic plans, ensuring consistency and alignment across the organisation. Users can easily roll up project data to view progress at executive level.

Automated Tracking

The system automatically collects and updates performance data, reducing the need for manual progress reporting. This keeps leadership informed without requiring constant follow-ups.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

AchieveIt allows multiple teams to work within shared frameworks, making it ideal for organisations with distributed offices or multiple departments.

Enterprise Dashboards

Users can customise dashboards to focus on specific KPIs or strategies. These dashboards offer quick visual insights into how each team contributes to the company’s objectives.

Action Planning

AchieveIt includes tools for creating and managing action plans tied directly to organisational strategies, ensuring accountability at every step.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Ideal for large organisations	Premium pricing
Automated reporting saves time	Limited customisation options
Excellent for cross-department planning	No free version
Detailed analytics	Requires onboarding for setup
Strong performance dashboards	May be complex for small firms

Pricing

AchieveIt offers customised pricing depending on organisation size and requirements. A demo and trial are available on request.

Best For Multi-Department Enterprises

AchieveIt suits enterprises needing a structured approach to performance tracking.

• Corporate planners – Centralise strategic tracking
  
• Project management offices – Coordinate across departments
  
• Executives – View progress at a glance
  
• HR and operations teams – Ensure accountability
  
• Educational institutions – Track campus-wide goals
  

AchieveIt’s “Snapshot Reports” are ideal for board meetings. They compile key progress data into concise visuals, saving time on manual report preparation.

Best Alternative

OnStrategy is a good alternative for mid-sized organisations that prefer a simpler interface and cost-effective plans.

4. OnStrategy – Build and Execute Plans with Confidence

OnStrategy offers a straightforward yet powerful platform for small to mid-sized organisations looking to plan and execute effectively. It combines goal setting, team collaboration, and performance measurement in one user-friendly system.

Key Features

Strategy Builder

OnStrategy’s “Plan-on-a-Page” builder simplifies the process of setting and aligning strategic objectives, helping businesses quickly create actionable plans.

Goal Tracking

Users can assign goals, set timelines, and track progress with automated reminders, ensuring accountability across all teams.

Collaborative Planning

The software enables teams to collaborate directly within plans, keeping conversations and updates within the same workspace.

KPI Dashboards

Real-time dashboards display performance against key indicators, providing immediate visibility into which goals need attention.

Feedback Loops

OnStrategy supports regular check-ins, allowing managers to gather feedback and update goals dynamically as business conditions change.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to use	Fewer integrations than larger tools
Affordable pricing	Basic analytics
Ideal for SMEs	Limited automation
Great goal-tracking tools	Not built for enterprise scale
Quick setup	May need external reporting add-ons

Pricing

OnStrategy pricing starts at £4 per user per month, with team and enterprise plans available. A 14-day free trial is included.

Best For Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

OnStrategy is well-suited for small and mid-sized businesses that need to formalise their planning process.

• Small business owners – Keep plans structured and measurable
  
• Department heads – Track progress with team accountability
  
• Startups – Build a clear planning foundation
  
• Non-profits – Manage community-driven strategies
  
• Operations managers – Monitor milestones easily
  

Use OnStrategy’s built-in meeting templates to structure strategy review sessions. They keep conversations focused on performance, not opinions.

Best Alternative

StratPad is a great alternative for entrepreneurs seeking an affordable, business-plan-focused platform.

5. WorkBoard – Turn Objectives into Measurable Results

WorkBoard is a preferred option for companies aiming to align and measure objectives efficiently. It bridges the gap between strategic planning and team performance management through detailed OKR and KPI tracking.

Key Features

OKR Management

WorkBoard helps teams set measurable objectives and link them to quantifiable results, ensuring clear visibility into performance outcomes.

Executive Dashboards

The dashboards provide leadership with a top-down view of all objectives and their progress. Colour-coded indicators make it easy to spot where execution may be falling short.

Performance Analytics

Users can analyse progress through advanced data visualisations, uncovering trends that support decision-making.

Integration Ecosystem

WorkBoard integrates seamlessly with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, and Salesforce, ensuring consistent data flow across business systems.

Coaching and Alignment Tools

The platform includes built-in features for performance coaching, ensuring that teams stay aligned with corporate strategy.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent OKR tracking	Steeper learning curve
Great for leadership visibility	Pricing suited for enterprises
Strong analytics and integrations	May require admin support
Good employee engagement features	Complex setup for smaller firms
Regular product updates	Reporting requires training

Pricing

WorkBoard’s pricing starts at £8 per user per month, with enterprise-level options available for larger teams.

Best For Organisations Focused on Results

WorkBoard is ideal for companies where measurable results and data-backed execution are priorities.

• Executives – Track performance in real time
  
• Strategy teams – Align goals across functions
  
• HR leaders – Connect employee KPIs to company vision
  
• Product teams – Link sprints to strategic objectives
  
• Consultants – Support client strategy implementation
  

Use WorkBoard’s “Business Review” reports to summarise OKR progress for quarterly executive meetings. They present complex data in a concise visual format.

Best Alternative

Profit.co is a suitable alternative for businesses focused primarily on OKRs and performance analytics.

6. ClearPoint Strategy – Manage and Measure What Matters

ClearPoint Strategy is one of the best strategic planning software options for government bodies, educational institutions, and enterprises that need to manage complex performance frameworks. Its automated reporting and KPI management tools save time and eliminate manual data entry, making it a strong choice for teams focused on accountability and transparency.

Key Features

Automated Reporting

ClearPoint automatically collects and updates KPI data, significantly reducing reporting workload for teams. Users can generate detailed performance reports in minutes without relying on spreadsheets.

Scorecard Management

The software helps organisations create and track balanced scorecards, aligning departmental objectives with corporate goals. This ensures all activities are tied to measurable outcomes.

KPI Tracking

Users can define key metrics, set targets, and visualise performance trends using charts and graphs. This provides leadership with an accurate picture of progress at any time.

Integration with Business Systems

ClearPoint connects with business tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Tableau, allowing teams to import and visualise data directly.

Strategy Mapping

Its mapping tools help organisations illustrate how every goal contributes to overall mission success, improving strategic clarity.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent for government and enterprise	Complex setup for smaller teams
Powerful automation features	Limited trial period
Strong KPI tracking and analytics	Dated user interface
Highly customisable reporting	Higher pricing tier
Responsive customer support	Not ideal for small businesses

Pricing

ClearPoint Strategy offers custom pricing based on organisation size and reporting needs. A demo is available on request.

Best For Public Sector and Enterprise Teams

ClearPoint Strategy works best for teams handling multiple reporting frameworks.

• Government departments – Track performance metrics and KPIs
  
• Universities – Manage academic or research objectives
  
• Large corporations – Align multi-level strategies
  
• Project offices – Automate data collection
  
• Non-profits – Report on social impact initiatives
  

Use ClearPoint’s “Data Refresh” automation to update KPI dashboards overnight. It ensures leadership reviews are always based on the most current figures.

Best Alternative

Cascade is a strong alternative for organisations wanting deeper visual strategy mapping and collaboration features.

7. StratPad – Business Planning for Growing Companies

StratPad is a cloud-based planning software designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It simplifies strategy creation and execution by combining step-by-step planning templates with financial forecasting tools.

Key Features

Strategy Builder Templates

StratPad offers pre-built templates for developing business and strategic plans. They guide users through goal setting, budgeting, and performance tracking.

Financial Forecasting

The software connects strategy to financial projections, helping business owners assess the financial impact of each initiative before committing.

Collaboration Tools

Teams can share plans, assign responsibilities, and comment on progress directly in the platform, keeping everyone aligned.

Educational Guides

StratPad includes built-in learning resources and video tutorials that explain key strategy concepts for new business owners.

PDF and Excel Export

Users can export plans and reports into PDF or Excel formats, making it easy to share with investors, lenders, or stakeholders.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable and simple	Limited features for larger firms
Good for financial forecasting	Basic interface
Easy to learn	No integrations with major tools
Helpful educational resources	Limited automation
Fast plan creation	Not built for enterprises

Pricing

StratPad pricing starts at £12 per month, with a free plan for individual users and trial access to premium features.

Best For Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

StratPad is ideal for small business owners who need a guided approach to strategy creation.

• Startups – Create investor-ready business plans
  
• Consultants – Present structured plans to clients
  
• Small firms – Combine planning with forecasting
  
• Freelancers – Track personal and business goals
  
• Educators – Teach business strategy fundamentals
  

Use StratPad’s financial forecast report to model different growth scenarios. It’s a practical way to evaluate the financial viability of new projects.

Best Alternative

OnStrategy is a suitable alternative for teams that need stronger collaboration and KPI tracking features.

8. Miro – Visual Collaboration for Strategy Workshops

Miro is best known for its digital whiteboard capabilities that empower teams to collaborate on strategic planning visually. It is widely used for workshops, brainstorming sessions, and mapping complex strategies in a shared virtual environment.

Key Features

Visual Whiteboards

Miro offers an infinite canvas for teams to map goals, timelines, and workflows. It’s ideal for creating visual strategy frameworks that everyone can follow.

Strategy Templates

Users can access templates for SWOT analysis, OKR frameworks, and roadmap planning. This helps teams structure strategy sessions efficiently.

Real-Time Collaboration

Multiple users can edit the same board simultaneously, fostering teamwork and quick feedback during planning sessions.

Integration Ecosystem

Miro integrates with tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Asana, enabling smooth data sharing between systems.

Presentation Mode

This feature allows users to turn their whiteboards into interactive presentations for team meetings or stakeholder updates.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Great for visual collaboration	Limited performance tracking
Easy to use	Requires other tools for execution
Extensive template library	Can be cluttered for large boards
Real-time updates	Not ideal for complex KPI reporting
Integrates with major platforms	No built-in goal measurement

Pricing

Miro has a free plan with unlimited boards for small teams. Paid plans start at £7 per user per month with advanced sharing and security features.

Best For Strategy Workshops and Collaborative Teams

Miro is perfect for teams that run frequent planning workshops.

• Strategy facilitators – Lead collaborative sessions
  
• Remote teams – Plan together visually
  
• Consultants – Present ideas interactively
  
• Product teams – Map development roadmaps
  
• HR leaders – Conduct team alignment exercises
  

Use Miro’s “Frames” feature to organise large strategy maps into digestible sections for easier navigation during reviews.

Best Alternative

Coda is a strong alternative if you want to combine collaboration with goal tracking and documentation in one workspace.

9. Monday.com – Visual Project and Strategy Management

Monday.com is one of the best-known planning platforms due to its flexibility and user-friendly design. It allows teams to manage projects, track KPIs, and align company goals through visual workflows.

Key Features

Visual Dashboards

Monday.com’s dashboards show progress, deadlines, and workload distribution. They help teams monitor project execution and performance at a glance.

Workflow Automation

Teams can automate repetitive processes, saving time and reducing errors in planning and execution.

Goal Alignment

Users can link tasks and projects to broader strategic goals, ensuring that every activity contributes to measurable results.

Integration Support

The platform connects with tools such as Slack, Google Workspace, and Zapier, enabling smooth collaboration across departments.

Timeline and Gantt Views

Monday.com provides visual project tracking through timelines and Gantt charts, making it easy to identify bottlenecks.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Intuitive and flexible	Can be costly at scale
Great automation tools	Basic analytics in lower plans
Excellent integrations	May lack depth for complex strategies
Strong team collaboration	Requires regular updates
Clean and colourful interface	Some reporting limitations

Pricing

Monday.com pricing starts at £8 per user per month, with a free plan for individual users. Enterprise plans include advanced analytics and integrations.

Best For Teams Seeking a Visual Planning System

Monday.com suits growing companies that want simplicity and flexibility in managing strategy and projects.

• Marketing agencies – Manage client deliverables
  
• Startups – Align product goals with strategy
  
• Operations teams – Track task progress easily
  
• HR teams – Coordinate department objectives
  
• Non-profits – Plan community initiatives visually
  

Use Monday.com’s “Goal Widget” to connect projects directly to KPIs. It provides an instant visual of how daily tasks impact strategic results.

Best Alternative

ClickUp is a great alternative for teams seeking deeper goal and OKR tracking while maintaining flexibility.

10. Asana – Align Strategy with Team Execution

Asana is a leading planning tool that connects high-level strategy to day-to-day execution. Its clarity, simplicity, and collaboration features make it a popular choice for teams seeking accountability and alignment.

Key Features

Goal Management

Asana allows teams to set goals, assign ownership, and link them to projects, ensuring everyone knows how their work contributes to company strategy.

Timeline Planning

The visual timeline lets users plan, adjust, and review strategy implementation across departments.

Workflow Templates

Pre-built templates simplify planning processes, helping teams launch initiatives faster without starting from scratch.

Collaboration and Communication

Asana keeps communication centralised, reducing the need for emails and keeping everyone informed on project status.

Reporting and Analytics

The reporting dashboard provides a clear view of task completion rates, deadlines, and performance trends.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
User-friendly interface	Limited custom reporting
Strong goal alignment	Premium plans required for analytics
Excellent for collaboration	Limited offline access
Good for medium teams	Basic automation in lower tiers
Wide integration options	Overwhelming for very small teams

Pricing

Asana offers a free plan for up to 10 users. Paid plans start at £9 per user per month with advanced workflow and analytics capabilities.

Best For Growing Businesses and Teams

Asana fits teams looking for simplicity in execution with room to scale.

• Project managers – Keep teams on schedule
  
• Marketing teams – Track campaign progress
  
• Operations managers – Monitor ongoing performance
  
• Startups – Create scalable planning systems
  
• Remote teams – Stay aligned across projects
  

Use Asana’s “Goals” tab to track progress across teams. It provides visibility into how daily work supports broader company objectives.

Best Alternative

Smartsheet is a strong alternative for teams handling complex data and seeking spreadsheet-style planning flexibility.

11. Smartsheet – Combine Data and Strategy for Complete Visibility

Smartsheet blends project management and strategic planning in one flexible workspace. Known for its spreadsheet-style interface, it is ideal for teams that depend heavily on data to monitor strategy execution and organisational performance.

Key Features

Spreadsheet-Style Planning

Smartsheet mirrors the familiarity of Excel while adding automation, collaboration, and reporting capabilities, making it easy for data-oriented teams to adapt quickly.

Gantt and Timeline Views

Teams can visualise strategic plans using Gantt charts or timelines, which helps track dependencies and milestones across departments.

Workflow Automation

Automated alerts and approval workflows ensure that project owners stay accountable for key deliverables linked to strategic objectives.

KPI Dashboards

Executives can monitor performance indicators across teams using live dashboards that update automatically as data changes.

Reporting and Analytics

Advanced reporting features consolidate multiple sheets into summary views, helping leaders assess strategy progress at a glance.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Familiar interface	Can feel rigid for non-technical users
Excellent for data-heavy planning	Steeper learning curve
Great automation tools	Customisation requires time
Strong KPI dashboards	Higher cost for larger teams
Integrates with Power BI and Tableau	Limited design flexibility

Pricing

Smartsheet pricing starts at £6 per user per month. Enterprise packages include enhanced automation and advanced reporting tools.

Best For Data-Driven Project and Strategy Teams

Smartsheet is a good fit for teams that require precision in data management while executing strategic initiatives.

• Financial departments – Connect budgets to strategy outcomes
  
• Operations teams – Monitor cross-department progress
  
• IT teams – Track performance against project timelines
  
• Corporate planners – Report data for executive reviews
  
• PMOs – Consolidate departmental plans efficiently
  

Use Smartsheet’s “Cell Linking” function to connect data across sheets. It keeps KPIs consistent across multiple departments without manual input.

Best Alternative

WorkBoard is an effective alternative for organisations needing more advanced OKR alignment and performance analytics.

12. Hive – Execute Strategy Through Actionable Collaboration

Hive brings together project management, communication, and automation tools to help teams execute strategy efficiently. It’s one of the best strategic planning software choices for teams needing to balance planning and daily operations.

Key Features

Action Templates

Hive provides reusable templates for recurring projects, making it easy to replicate successful workflows across departments.

Integrated Messaging

Built-in chat and email integration allow real-time communication without switching between apps, ensuring strategy discussions stay within context.

Time Tracking

Users can monitor how much time is spent on specific projects or tasks, improving accountability and resource management.

Analytics Dashboard

Hive’s dashboard presents productivity and goal data, offering managers quick insights into whether teams are meeting strategic objectives.

Automation Flows

Users can automate repetitive processes like approvals, updates, or task assignments, reducing administrative work.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Combines planning and communication	Slightly cluttered interface
Time tracking built-in	Limited integrations in free plan
Customisable templates	May lag with large workspaces
Great automation tools	Advanced features need paid plan
Real-time collaboration	Limited offline access

Pricing

Hive pricing starts at £10 per user per month, with enterprise plans offering advanced automation and analytics.

Best For Cross-Department Teams Managing Strategy Execution

Hive suits teams that value collaboration and fast communication during project delivery.

• Marketing teams – Track campaign outcomes
  
• Operations – Align projects with company strategy
  
• Agencies – Manage multiple client projects efficiently
  
• HR – Coordinate strategic initiatives
  
• Consultants – Deliver client work against strategic goals
  

Use Hive’s “Portfolio View” to review how multiple projects contribute to larger organisational goals, ideal for leadership updates.

Best Alternative

Monday.com offers a simpler interface and stronger visual dashboards for teams focused on visual execution tracking.

13. Profit.co – Measure and Manage Objectives Effectively

Profit.co specialises in OKR (Objectives and Key Results) management and is designed for teams that need structure and measurable progress tracking. It’s one of the best strategic planning software platforms for performance-focused organisations.

Key Features

OKR Framework

Profit.co helps teams define, align, and measure OKRs. It supports cascading goals from leadership to individual contributors to ensure full alignment.

Performance Dashboards

The platform’s dashboards show overall progress, departmental outcomes, and achievement rates, providing executives with clear visibility.

Check-In Cycles

Built-in reminders and check-in tools ensure teams stay consistent with progress updates and reviews.

HR and Employee Engagement

Profit.co includes modules for employee performance appraisals and 360-degree feedback, linking personal development to strategic results.

Integration Support

It integrates with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Jira, allowing seamless performance updates from existing systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Focused on measurable results	Requires training for setup
Supports both company and individual OKRs	No free version
Strong analytics and reporting	Slightly rigid customisation
Great integration range	Pricing depends on company size
Useful HR modules	Interface can be dense

Pricing

Profit.co pricing starts at £6 per user per month, with enterprise packages available for large organisations.

Best For Performance-Oriented Companies

Profit.co suits teams that want structure and accountability in performance management.

• Corporate executives – Track company-wide goals
  
• HR teams – Integrate performance with strategy
  
• Project managers – Align deliverables to KPIs
  
• Sales teams – Measure outcomes with OKRs
  
• Consultants – Standardise client goal frameworks
  

Set quarterly OKR reviews in Profit.co’s calendar tool. It helps teams maintain consistent progress checks and re-align priorities easily.

Best Alternative

WorkBoard is a comparable alternative with advanced analytics and executive dashboards.

14. KPI Fire – Continuous Improvement and Lean Strategy Execution

KPI Fire blends performance management with continuous improvement, making it ideal for organisations practising Lean or Six Sigma methodologies. It connects strategic objectives with measurable results to promote long-term improvement.

Key Features

Project Pipeline Management

Users can track every improvement initiative from concept to completion, linking each to broader strategic goals.

KPI Tracking

KPI Fire lets teams define, measure, and visualise performance metrics across departments. Dashboards show which initiatives impact key outcomes most.

Idea Management

Employees can submit new project ideas, encouraging bottom-up contribution to strategic planning.

Visual Alignment

Strategy maps make it easy to see how projects and KPIs align with company priorities.

Continuous Improvement Tools

The platform supports Lean and Kaizen frameworks, helping organisations focus on incremental growth.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Great for Lean organisations	Interface feels dated
Strong KPI visibility	Limited automation options
Encourages employee engagement	Requires initial setup support
Ideal for manufacturing and operations	Limited integrations
Focused on measurable results	No mobile app yet

Pricing

KPI Fire pricing is customised based on organisation size. Demos are available upon request.

Best For Operations and Continuous Improvement Teams

KPI Fire is ideal for companies practising continuous improvement or Lean management.

• Manufacturing teams – Track operational efficiency
  
• Quality departments – Monitor process improvements
  
• Executives – Link KPIs to strategic outcomes
  
• HR and training teams – Support improvement culture
  
• Consultants – Implement Lean initiatives for clients
  

Use KPI Fire’s “Strategy Tree” to visualise how each improvement project supports long-term goals. It’s effective for executive presentations.

Best Alternative

AchieveIt offers broader enterprise integration while maintaining performance visibility.

15. Aha! Roadmaps – Build Product and Business Strategy with Clarity

Aha! Roadmaps is widely used by product and strategy teams that need to align business goals with product outcomes. Its detailed roadmaps and goal-tracking tools make it one of the best strategic planning software for innovation-driven organisations.

Key Features

Visual Roadmaps

Aha! allows teams to build timelines and product roadmaps that tie directly to strategic objectives, ensuring long-term focus.

Idea Management

Users can collect, evaluate, and prioritise ideas from across the organisation, supporting innovation and collaboration.

Goal Hierarchies

The platform supports cascading goals from company objectives to specific initiatives, keeping all teams focused on measurable targets.

Analytics and Reporting

Powerful analytics tools summarise progress and display performance trends in customisable reports.

Integration Options

Aha! integrates with Jira, Azure DevOps, and Slack, ensuring smooth communication between development and management teams.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent roadmap visualisation	Expensive for smaller teams
Comprehensive analytics	Steeper learning curve
Ideal for product-led organisations	Overwhelming for new users
Great integrations	Some features require add-ons
Robust reporting tools	Requires admin setup

Pricing

Aha! Roadmaps starts at £45 per user per month. Free trials are available for new users.

Best For Product and Strategy Teams

Aha! suits companies that need detailed product and organisational strategy alignment.

• Product managers – Plan and communicate roadmaps
  
• Executive teams – Align product vision with strategy
  
• Marketing teams – Coordinate go-to-market plans
  
• Developers – Integrate planning with delivery tools
  
• Startups – Manage innovation pipelines efficiently
  

Use Aha!’s “Strategic Model” templates to map business scenarios before launching new initiatives. It helps teams anticipate outcomes more clearly.

Best Alternative

Coda is a flexible alternative for teams wanting to merge planning and documentation in one environment.

16. Coda – Plan, Document, and Execute in One Workspace

Coda combines document creation, data management, and project planning into a single collaborative platform. It is one of the best strategic planning software tools for teams seeking flexibility and control over their planning processes without relying on multiple systems.

Key Features

Customisable Planning Docs

Coda allows teams to build interactive documents that function like apps. Each document can include text, tables, charts, and formulas, providing a complete planning and execution framework.

OKR and KPI Tables

Users can create custom OKR or KPI dashboards directly in their documents, updating automatically as data changes.

Collaboration Tools

Coda supports real-time collaboration with commenting, task assignment, and permission control to maintain data integrity.

Automation and Integration

Built-in automation rules simplify repetitive processes, while integrations with Slack, Notion, and Google Workspace ensure a connected workflow.

Template Gallery

Coda’s template library includes strategy, planning, and meeting frameworks designed for quick deployment.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Highly flexible	Learning curve for beginners
Combines notes, data, and tasks	Limited analytics tools
Excellent collaboration features	Can be slow for large documents
Works across all devices	Requires structured setup
Affordable pricing	Not specialised for enterprise users

Pricing

Coda offers a free plan for individuals. Paid plans start at £9 per user per month, with advanced automations and admin controls in higher tiers.

Best For Custom Planning and Team Collaboration

Coda is perfect for teams that want a fully adaptable planning space.

• Startups – Build flexible OKR frameworks
  
• Consultants – Create client strategy documents
  
• HR teams – Combine goals and reporting in one place
  
• Product teams – Manage roadmaps and tasks together
  
• Agencies – Collaborate on client strategies
  

Use Coda’s “Packs” feature to connect external data sources like Google Analytics or Jira. This keeps strategy documents linked to live data.

Best Alternative

Notion is a great alternative for users who prefer a more visual workspace for notes and strategy tracking.

17. Trello – Simple Strategic Planning for Small Teams

Trello remains a favourite for smaller organisations that need an easy way to manage plans and track progress visually. It’s one of the best strategic planning software choices for start-ups or small departments.

Key Features

Kanban Boards

Trello’s visual boards let teams organise strategy tasks into cards and lists, offering an instant overview of progress.

Checklists and Labels

Teams can break down objectives into smaller tasks using checklists, while labels help categorise goals and priorities.

Power-Ups

Trello’s add-ons extend its capabilities, introducing automation, analytics, and integrations with tools like Slack and Google Drive.

Calendar View

The calendar mode lets users plan deadlines and milestones efficiently.

Team Collaboration

Teams can comment, tag, and share updates directly within cards, ensuring smooth communication throughout the planning process.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Extremely easy to use	Limited analytics
Great for visual planning	Basic automation features
Good free version	Not suitable for large enterprises
Flexible setup	Lacks KPI tracking tools
Integrates well with other apps	Limited scalability

Pricing

Trello offers a free plan for individuals and small teams. Paid plans start at £4.50 per user per month with additional automation and views.

Best For Start-ups and Small Teams

Trello suits small businesses that value simplicity and visual task management.

• Entrepreneurs – Track key goals with minimal setup
  
• Small teams – Manage short-term strategies visually
  
• Marketing departments – Plan and monitor campaigns
  
• Freelancers – Organise client deliverables
  
• Educators – Manage academic or research plans
  

Use Trello’s “Butler” automation to create automatic task reminders and recurring checklists for regular strategic reviews.

Best Alternative

Monday.com offers a more advanced alternative for scaling teams needing data tracking and automation.

18. Notion – Flexible Planning and Knowledge Management

Notion combines planning, note-taking, and collaboration in one clean workspace. It’s among the best strategic planning software for teams that want to merge documentation with execution tracking.

Key Features

Custom Databases

Teams can build databases for goals, KPIs, and strategic initiatives, each linked through relational structures for easy tracking.

Integrated Notes and Tasks

Users can take notes, assign actions, and embed documents in the same workspace, ensuring a clear link between ideas and execution.

Templates and Views

Notion includes pre-built templates for OKRs, strategy maps, and project timelines that can be adjusted for each team’s needs.

Collaboration and Sharing

Real-time collaboration and access control make it simple to involve multiple stakeholders without losing structure.

Integration Support

Notion connects with popular platforms such as Slack, Zapier, and Google Workspace for streamlined workflow integration.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Highly customisable	Requires manual setup
Combines planning and notes	No advanced reporting
Great for small to medium teams	Limited automation
Clean, intuitive interface	Offline mode still limited
Excellent value	Not ideal for enterprise analytics

Pricing

Notion offers a free plan, while paid versions start at £6 per user per month for team collaboration and advanced controls.

Best For Teams Needing Flexibility and Collaboration

Notion works best for teams that want a single workspace for planning, execution, and documentation.

• Creative agencies – Combine ideas and goals in one place
  
• Consultants – Build shared client workspaces
  
• Product teams – Manage development roadmaps
  
• HR teams – Document and track initiatives
  
• Start-ups – Centralise company planning
  

Use Notion’s “Linked Databases” feature to create an interconnected dashboard showing company goals, projects, and performance indicators together.

Best Alternative

Coda is a strong alternative if you prefer advanced automation and formula functionality.

19. Airtable – Data-Focused Planning and Team Organisation

Airtable offers a powerful blend of database management and project planning, making it one of the best strategic planning software tools for organisations managing data-heavy strategies.

Key Features

Database-Style Interface

Airtable combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with relational database power, ideal for teams tracking multiple initiatives and dependencies.

Multiple Views

Users can switch between grid, calendar, gallery, and Kanban views to analyse and present data from different angles.

Automation Tools

Custom automation rules trigger updates, notifications, or data changes, keeping plans current without manual work.

Collaboration and Comments

Teams can assign tasks, comment on records, and manage permissions for secure, transparent planning.

Integration Ecosystem

Airtable connects with platforms like Slack, Notion, and Microsoft Teams, maintaining continuity across business tools.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent for data organisation	Requires learning time
Supports multiple views	Limited advanced analytics
Great integration range	Premium plans needed for automation
Flexible and visual	Can become complex with scaling
Real-time collaboration	No in-depth KPI dashboards

Pricing

Airtable offers a free plan. Paid plans begin at £8 per user per month, including automations and advanced controls.

Best For Teams Managing Data and Strategy Together

Airtable suits organisations that rely on structured data to support their strategy.

• Operations teams – Manage project dependencies
  
• Marketing departments – Track multi-channel campaigns
  
• Start-ups – Combine CRM and strategy data
  
• HR teams – Maintain staff development records
  
• Non-profits – Monitor ongoing initiatives
  

Use Airtable’s “Interface Designer” to create visual dashboards tailored for executives, displaying only the most important metrics.

Best Alternative

Smartsheet provides a similar data-driven structure but with stronger KPI and automation features.

20. Wrike – Advanced Project and Strategy Tracking

Wrike bridges the gap between strategic planning and detailed execution. With robust analytics and custom workflows, it ranks among the best strategic planning software for medium to large organisations.

Key Features

Custom Workflows

Wrike allows full workflow customisation, enabling teams to adapt processes to different strategy phases or departments.

Performance Dashboards

Executives can view progress on multiple strategies in real time, making it easier to identify delays or resource constraints.

Resource Management

The built-in resource planner helps allocate staff efficiently and prevents overloading key personnel.

Advanced Reporting

Wrike’s reports summarise project progress and performance metrics across teams, ideal for board-level reviews.

Integrations and Automation

The software integrates with over 400 applications, ensuring smooth communication between planning and execution tools.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent visibility for executives	Higher cost for small businesses
Deep analytics and reporting	Steep learning curve
Scalable for large teams	Interface can feel complex
Strong integration support	Customisation takes time
Effective resource tracking	Limited offline access

Pricing

Wrike pricing starts at £9 per user per month, with enterprise plans offering deeper analytics and security controls.

Best For Large and Mid-Sized Teams Managing Complex Strategies

Wrike suits organisations that handle numerous initiatives simultaneously.

• Project management offices – Maintain portfolio oversight
  
• Corporate teams – Align departments under shared objectives
  
• Marketing teams – Track campaigns and KPIs
  
• Product teams – Manage releases against goals
  
• Operations managers – Monitor resource efficiency
  

Use Wrike’s “Work Intelligence” feature to analyse project risks automatically. It predicts potential delays and alerts managers before deadlines are missed.

Best Alternative

ClickUp offers similar functionality with a more intuitive interface and broader automation options.

How to Choose the Best Strategic Planning Software

Selecting the best strategic planning software depends on your organisation’s size, structure, and goals. Some platforms excel at goal alignment and KPI tracking, while others specialise in collaboration, data management, or enterprise reporting.

If your focus is enterprise-level execution and alignment, Cascade and AchieveIt offer the most advanced tools. For small to mid-sized businesses, OnStrategy and ClickUp provide flexibility with an affordable entry point. Teams looking for visual collaboration and innovation can rely on Miro, Notion, or Aha! Roadmaps to combine creativity with structure.

If you’re unsure where to begin, start with a free trial of two or three platforms that match your team’s workflow. The best software is the one your team actually enjoys using consistently.

How Pearl Lemon Consulting Can Support Your Strategic Planning

At Pearl Lemon Consulting, we guide businesses through every stage of strategic planning — from defining objectives to selecting and implementing the right planning tools. Our consultants combine practical experience with proven frameworks to ensure your strategies are measurable, achievable, and aligned with your growth vision.

We help clients implement planning systems that improve accountability, enhance data visibility, and connect goals to performance results. Whether you’re introducing OKRs for the first time or restructuring an enterprise-wide planning process, our approach focuses on clear execution and measurable outcomes.

Schedule a consultation with our team to review your current planning process.

FAQs

1. What is strategic planning software used for?
It’s used to manage and track company goals, monitor performance, and align departments around shared objectives.

2. What is the best strategic planning software for small businesses?
OnStrategy and ClickUp are ideal for small businesses due to their simplicity, affordability, and structured planning templates.

3. Can these tools integrate with existing systems?
Yes, most tools, such as WorkBoard, Monday.com, and Airtable, integrate with major platforms like Slack, Google Workspace, and Salesforce.

4. How do I know which strategic planningsoftware fits my organisation best?
Consider your organisation’s size, strategic priorities, and reporting requirements. Enterprise tools like Cascade or AchieveIt work best for large teams, while smaller companies benefit from OnStrategy or Trello.

5. Is data security a concern with strategic planning software?
Reputable platforms use secure cloud environments with encryption and access controls to protect sensitive data.

6. How long does strategic planning software implementation usually take?
Implementation can range from a few days for simpler tools like Trello to several weeks for enterprise-grade platforms like Cascade or AchieveIt.

7. What are OKRs, and do strategic planning tools support them?
OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) are goal-setting frameworks. Many tools, including Profit.co, WorkBoard, and ClickUp, offer dedicated OKR management modules.

8. Do these platforms support remote teams?
Yes, almost all modern strategic planning tools are cloud-based, enabling collaboration across remote and distributed teams.

9. Can I track financial performance with strategic planning software?
Some platforms, such as StratPad and Smartsheet, include budgeting and forecasting features that connect financial performance with strategic objectives.

10. Why should I consult Pearl Lemon Consulting before selecting a tool?
Because our consultants assess your business structure, team capacity, and growth plans to recommend a tool that suits your workflow and objectives. We ensure your strategy isn’t just planned but executed effectively.