microsoft project

Microsoft Project: Streamline Your Work Management

Did you know that Microsoft Project now has agile tools through Project Online Professional and Project Online Premium subscriptions1? This update lets teams using Project Online work better with Planner teams, improving how they track tasks1. Microsoft is giving teams the tools they need to manage projects, resources, and portfolios well.

Microsoft 365’s project management tools help people manage projects well in their teams2. Not everyone is a formal project manager, but many lead projects every day2. With tools like visual task management and collaboration, Microsoft Planner is great for businesses moving to Microsoft Teams and Office 3652.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft Project offers agile functionality and integration with Microsoft Planner to streamline project management.
  • Microsoft 365 project management tools, such as Planner, help individuals manage projects efficiently within their teams.
  • Planner’s features, like visual task management and collaboration tools, can improve workflow, collaboration, and project tracking.
  • The new Microsoft Project subscription plan, Project Plan 1, provides tools for task-oriented project management at an affordable price point.
  • Microsoft is continuously improving its project management offerings and welcomes customer feedback to enhance the user experience.

Streamline Project, Resource, and Portfolio Management

Microsoft Project is a top tool for making project, resource, and portfolio management easier. It helps businesses track projects well and work together across different styles. This ensures projects are delivered efficiently3.

How Microsoft Project Helps Track Projects Successfully

Microsoft Project 2019 is a favorite among many companies3. The book “Microsoft Project: Streamline Your Work Management” covers project management from start to finish3. It teaches how to use Microsoft Project 2019 to make plans and solve problems with time, money, and resources3.

It also talks about making reports automatically with Microsoft Project 2019 for better project management3.

Collaborate Across Different Work Styles

Microsoft Project works well with Microsoft Planner to connect tasks and track work in Planner3. This helps teams work together, even if they have different styles. The book also covers Agile methods like Kanban and Scrum to make projects run smoother3.

It gives tips on finding and protecting key project parts and handling risks3. It shows how to use Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for better productivity and avoid schedule problems3.

Using Microsoft Project and other Microsoft 365 tools helps organizations manage projects, resources, and portfolios better4. Microsoft Project is a key tool for managing project portfolios, showing its big role in the field4. It’s important to use resources well across projects for better efficiency and reaching goals4.

Project Portfolio Management (PPM) is about picking the best projects for the biggest benefits4. Custom fields in Microsoft Project let you track KPIs and check performance4. Tools for resource planning in MS Project help use resources well and avoid overloading, key for managing project portfolios4.

Microsoft Project can make custom reports that show data from the whole project portfolio4.

Microsoft Project’s features and integration help organizations manage projects, resources, and portfolios better5. Trusted by 40,000+ organizations, it offers rules for using resources well for timely and predictable results5. Working with Microsoft Teams makes teamwork and communication better, helping teams work faster5.

“With BrightWork 365 being a Microsoft 365 solution, reporting became easier along with increased visibility in all aspects of our projects.” – Customer testimonial5

Microsoft Project gives organizations clear visibility and control over projects and portfolios with real-time reports5. It works smoothly with the Microsoft system and has trusted partners for a successful start and outcome5.

Use Agility in Your Project Portfolio

In today’s fast-paced business world, being agile is key to success. Microsoft offers Microsoft Project Online and Project for the Web. These tools help project managers use agile methods and manage their projects better6.

Agile Methods to Track Projects in Project Online Desktop Client

With the Microsoft Project Online Desktop Client, managers can track projects using agile methods. They can start new agile projects or add agile views to waterfall ones. This lets teams pick the best method for their work, whether it’s agile, waterfall, hybrid, or task-focused6.

Scrum, Kanban, Backlogs, and Sprint Tracking

The Microsoft Project Online Desktop Client supports agile project management well. Teams can use Scrum and Kanban, view task boards, make backlogs, and track sprints. It also has reports on agile stats, giving managers a full view of their project’s status6.

For teams moving to agile, OnePlan is a great choice. OnePlan has ready-made options for managing projects and portfolios, fitting well with the Microsoft Cloud7. It helps teams manage their projects well, mixing waterfall, agile, and hybrid methods as they aim for full agile success7.

OnePlan offers many benefits for managing project portfolios adaptively. It brings more transparency, quicker decisions, better use of resources, and combines info from different sources automatically7. Plus, OnePlan supports leadership in change by combining expert services and tech on the Microsoft platform. This makes it a full solution for teams going agile7.

To take your PMO to the next level, use project portfolio management software like OnePlan. This tool works well with Microsoft Project Professional and Microsoft Project for the web. It helps you capture project requests, manage work demand, and create strategic plans8.

Feature Microsoft Project Online Project for the Web
Gantt Charts
Scheduling
Resource Management
Cost Tracking
Reporting Advanced Real-time
Agile Integration

“Adaptive Portfolio Management can serve as a steady-state for organizations blending waterfall, agile, and hybrid work modes, supporting their journey to full agile transformation.”7

Manage Project Task Work in Planner

Microsoft Project Online and Microsoft Planner work together to make managing tasks and team work easier9. Planner is a simple tool for managing work in the cloud, while Project Online is great for handling projects and portfolios9. This team-up lets managers control the project’s details in Project Online and track tasks in Planner9.

One big plus is that it makes project plans simpler by letting task owners break tasks into smaller pieces in Planner9. Microsoft Project only lets one person edit at a time, but Planner lets many team members work together on tasks, assign work, and track progress9. This helps teams work better and keeps everyone involved and productive9.

Integration Between Project Online and Planner

Linking Microsoft Project Online and Planner isn’t automatic, and you might need extra tools like TPG PSLink for data sharing9. Planner has basic features like making tasks, setting deadlines, and assigning work, but it doesn’t have all the advanced stuff in Microsoft Project9. Also, you can only link one Planner plan to a Project Online project, and moving data between tools is not easy9.

To fix these issues, using Project Online with tools like Jira or Azure DevOps is a good idea9. Tools like TPG PSLink help share data between Project Online and Planner9. This setup creates a powerful system for managing projects and resources across the company9.

In short, combining Microsoft Project Online and Planner helps managers and teams work better together, but it has some limits that might need extra help9. By using the best parts of both tools, companies can make a project management system that fits their needs9.

microsoft project Management Software

Features and Benefits of Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project has been helping professionals for over 40 years10. This year, it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Since its start in 1984, it has grown a lot. Now, it offers many features to make planning, scheduling, budgeting, and reporting easier.

It’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite, working well with tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint11. This makes it easy for teams to work together and share information. It helps in managing tasks and keeping projects on track.

Microsoft Project is great at predicting project outcomes10. It has tools that help managers see what might go wrong and plan for it. It also makes invoicing easier, saving time and reducing paperwork.

There are different pricing options for Microsoft Project12. You can buy a one-time license for the desktop versions, or get a subscription for the cloud-based plans. This lets businesses choose the best option for their needs and budget.

Some users find the pricing of Microsoft Project not very convenient12. But, its strong integration with Microsoft 365 and its detailed project management tools make it a top choice for many professionals.

“Microsoft Project is the go-to tool for organizations that need a comprehensive, yet user-friendly project management solution that seamlessly integrates with their existing Microsoft technology stack.”

Project Planning and Scheduling

Effective project management is key to success. Microsoft Project offers tools to make this process smoother. It helps project managers plan out the whole project on a timeline. This lets them see the big picture and make smart choices as things change13.

Timeline Management and Task Deadlines

With Microsoft Project, managers can set task deadlines and milestones. They can also link tasks to show how they’re connected13. The software predicts how changes might affect the project, helping managers deal with issues early14.

Microsoft Project supports top-down planning. First, major project phases are set, then tasks are broken down from there13. This method, along with Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), makes sure the project plan is thorough and organized14.

Also, Microsoft Project lets managers set up project calendars. They can define workdays, add holidays, and create task-specific calendars13. This customization helps match plans with team and organizational needs14.

For project deliverables, Microsoft Project offers ways to save and share data. Users can save projects as MPP files, publish them online, or export them as PDFs13.

Using Microsoft Project, managers can plan, schedule, and manage projects well. This ensures they finish on time and achieve success15.

“Proper planning and preparation prevent poor performance.” – Anonymous

Resource Allocation and Budgeting

Microsoft Project is great for managing projects with its strong resource allocation and budgeting tools. It lets you assign tasks to resources, track how they’re used, and adjust as needed16. The budgeting tools give you a clear view of costs and help keep projects financially on track16.

Microsoft Project shines by letting you compare project budgets with others16. The project summary task shows the budget and total costs of all inserted projects, making budget tracking easy16. You can also add the Budget Cost field to task views to see the total budget for cost resources16.

But it’s not just about tracking costs. You can enter and review budget costs for cost resources and compare planned and actual costs with the Budget Cost field16. This keeps projects within budget and gives insights for planning future projects17.

Microsoft Project also has advanced forecasting and budget control. You can allocate transactions over the project’s life or a fiscal period and carry forward unused amounts17. This level of control is key for managing projects well and making informed decisions.

In summary, Microsoft Project’s resource allocation and budgeting tools are vital for project managers. They help plan and execute projects better by ensuring resources are used well, costs are watched closely, and budgets are managed well throughout the project18.

resource allocation

Feature Description
Resource Allocation Assign resources to tasks, track utilization, and make adjustments as needed.
Project Budgeting Gain visibility into project costs, compare budgets across projects, and ensure projects stay on track financially.
Budget Cost Tracking Enter and review budget costs for cost resources, compare planned and actual costs, and leverage budget resources for advanced cost tracking.
Forecasting and Budget Control Allocate transactions over the project lifecycle, carry forward unused budget amounts, and enhance financial control and visibility.

Collaboration and Team Management

Microsoft Project makes it easy for teams to work together well. It connects with the Microsoft Office suite, making sharing project data smooth across apps. This helps teams talk, assign tasks, and update each other in real-time, keeping everyone on the same page19.

Synchronization with Microsoft Office Suite

Microsoft Project and the Microsoft Office suite work together closely. Teams can use tools like Microsoft Teams for quick chats with anyone inside or outside the company19. Teams can be made for different projects or to talk to outside partners19.

Businesses or healthcare groups might make teams for company-wide talks or for specific tasks19. Campaigns can set up teams for campaign leaders, general teams, or teams for partners19.

Creating a team in Microsoft Teams gets you a new Microsoft 365 group, SharePoint site, and more19. Microsoft Teams has many features like making teams, having meetings, and using the command box for quick tasks19.

It’s a good idea to make private teams for leaders or campaign managers, and teams for everyone19. Setting up meetings is a good next step in using Microsoft Teams well19.

Microsoft Project also has tools for teams of all sizes. For a small company, managing a few projects might be enough20. But as a company grows, managing many projects becomes harder with MS Project Professional20.

Options like Project for the web and Project Online help with collaboration20. Project for the web lets many people edit at once, while Project Online is good for using Microsoft Project Desktop but not for real-time collaboration20.

Third-party tools like Project Plan 365 or Sensei Project Solutions can also help with collaboration20.

Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams work together well, making teamwork in project management easy21. You can use Microsoft Teams on many devices, making it easy to work together21. Teams lets you organize files and move them around, making it easy to share and find information21.

Working on Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents together is easy with Microsoft Project and Office21. Teams shows who else is working on a document, helping everyone stay connected21.

Microsoft Project’s collaboration and team management tools help teams work better together. It connects well with Microsoft Office, making sure projects finish on time and within budget192021.

Gantt Charts and Project Visualization

Microsoft Project has tools like Gantt charts that help managers and teams understand the project timeline and progress22. These charts make it easier to make decisions, talk about the project, and keep everyone informed23.

Gantt charts show tasks as bars on a timeline23. They give a full view of the project. Managers can track progress, watch resources, and meet deadlines23. Microsoft Project lets users customize Gantt charts with different colors and patterns22.

  • Gantt bars show task start and end dates, not progress22.
  • You can change the timeline units in the Gantt Chart view, from two to three units22.
  • The Gantt Chart shows task duration with bars across a timeline22.
  • You can change Gantt bars in Microsoft Project to look different, like color and shape22.

Gantt charts help managers keep an eye on resources, team members, and project dates23. They work for projects of any length, from a few days to months23. Some charts update progress with changing bar colors23.

Creating Gantt charts is easier with templates that need task lists and dates23. You can color-code assignments by team or priority for easy viewing23. Adding milestones motivates teams and shows progress23. Detailed assignments make it easy to update and check task status23.

Microsoft Project is one of many tools for managing projects, but Gantt charts are a classic method24. Yet, tools like GanttPRO are faster and easier to use, with great sharing features and a simple interface24.

“Gantt charts are a powerful tool for visualizing project timelines and task dependencies, helping teams stay organized and on track.” – Jane Doe, Project Management Consultant

Forecasting and Risk Management

Microsoft Project helps project managers predict outcomes and make smart choices25. It has tools for managing risks, helping teams tackle challenges early and boost project success25.

Risk management is key in project planning. It means planning for the unknown things that could affect a project25. Tools like SWOT analysis help spot risks, and scoring risks by their chance and impact helps understand their threat25. This way, teams can focus on the biggest risks first25.

Creating a risk plan means deciding how to handle risks, like avoiding them or making backup plans25. Having a risk manager helps keep an eye on risks from start to finish25. It’s also good to let team members share risks and use tools like Project Web App to track them25.

Dione Laratta has an MBA and PMP certification, with 16 years in the energy sector, 8 in project management26. She’s working on a $200 million project, managing budgets, risks, and schedules26. Thanks to advanced tools, she boosted forecast accuracy from 50% to 95%26.

Dione’s project uses both qualitative and quantitative risk analysis in the environmental field26. They brainstormed with stakeholders to find risks and set a risk tolerance range26. They used a risk response strategy based on the risk level26.

They quantified risks by calculating their expected monetary value26. Risk response strategies varied based on the risk type26. Forecasts were made for three scenarios, including a pessimistic one that included risk values26.

Graph 2 shows the expected monetary values for risks and opportunities over time, affecting the revenue forecast26. Graph 3 highlights that most risks come from outside, like permits and competition26. Adding risk assessment to forecasts made them more accurate and showed the project’s potential risks and chances26.

“Risk management is not just about identifying and mitigating risks, but also about seizing opportunities that arise from managing them effectively.”

Microsoft Project’s tools help managers see and plan for challenges, respond proactively, and grab new chances. This boosts the project’s success chances.

Project Reporting and Analytics

Microsoft Project has strong tools for reporting and analytics. These help project managers and stakeholders keep track of progress and make smart decisions. By linking with Microsoft Power BI, it gets even better. This lets you see project performance in detailed visuals and custom dashboards27.

Power BI Integration for Advanced Reporting

Project Analysis reports (ID 1008) let you make custom analyses. You can compare different prices and costs in projects27. Project Planning Lines reports (ID 1006) show details on planning and tasks, like type, quantities, and costs27. Project Actual to Budget reports (ID 1009) show how actual and planned amounts match up in projects27.

Project Suggested Billing reports (ID 1011) group projects by customer, showing invoiced and remaining amounts27. Projects per Customer reports (ID 1012) list projects by customer, comparing prices and completion rates27. Items per Project reports (ID 1013) give an overview of items used in a project and their costs27.

Project Transaction Detail reports (ID 1007) give detailed info on tasks, resources, and costs from ledger entries27. Project WIP to G/L reports (ID 1010) compare work in process with general ledger postings27.

Project has many reports that can be customized or made from scratch28. You can pick which data to show in a report and filter it28. Reports can be made to look a certain way, including colors, fonts, and images28. You can also start from scratch to make new reports, adding charts and text28.

Reports can be shared or printed out28. You can save new reports for future projects with the Organizer feature28. Project for the web offers reporting through Excel and Power BI Desktop28. You can use these to send project details, archive data, and print copies28.

Power BI Desktop lets you connect to Project for the web data and explore reports. But, you need a Power BI subscription and Project Plan 3 or 5 for customizing28. For Power BI reports, you need to be a licensed Power BI Desktop or Pro user and have Project Plan 3 or 528.

Dashboard reports include metrics like burndown and project overview29. Resource reports focus on overallocated resources and overview29. Cost reports cover cash flow and task costs29. Progress reports look at critical tasks and milestones29. New templates let you start with a blank canvas or choose from charts and tables29. Visual reports can be seen in Excel or Visio, with many templates available29.

microsoft project reporting

Conclusion

Microsoft Project is a top work management tool. It helps teams plan projects, manage resources, and work together better30. Since its start in 1984, it has grown to meet the needs of today’s project-based businesses30. It works well with Microsoft Office and suits everyone from solo workers to big companies31.

With agile methods becoming more popular, Microsoft Project keeps up with the times32. It has great scheduling, budgeting, and reporting tools. These help managers plan and track projects well, leading to successful outcomes32. Plus, it gets regular updates and training from places like EduHubSpot, making it a great choice for any business size31.

Microsoft Project shows how innovation and support for project teams can change the game30. It fits well with Microsoft tools, has lots of features, and meets different needs. This makes it a top pick for businesses wanting to improve their project management and achieve success3132.

FAQ

What is Microsoft Project and how can it help streamline project, resource, and portfolio management?

Microsoft Project is a top-notch project management tool. It helps you manage your projects, resources, and portfolios better. It has features for tracking projects, working together with different teams, and keeping your project on track.

How can Microsoft Project support different work styles, including agile and waterfall methodologies?

Microsoft Project supports various work styles, like agile and waterfall. You can pick the best method for your project. It lets you use agile for tracking, creating new projects, or adding agile views to your waterfall projects.

How does the integration between Microsoft Project and Planner work to manage project tasks?

Microsoft Project and Planner work together to manage tasks. Task owners can track details in Planner, while project managers keep an eye on the big picture. This helps everyone stay on the same page.

What are the key features and benefits of using Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project has many features for managers. It helps with timeline management, scheduling tasks, and allocating resources. It also offers budgeting, collaboration, visualization, forecasting, risk management, and detailed reporting and analytics.

How does Microsoft Project help with project planning and scheduling?

Microsoft Project helps managers plan and schedule projects. It lets you map out a project timeline, adjust deadlines, and forecast success or failure. This helps managers make smart decisions and adjust the project as needed.

How does Microsoft Project support resource allocation and budgeting?

Microsoft Project has tools for managing resources and budgets. Managers can assign tasks to resources, track how they’re used, and adjust as needed. It also keeps an eye on project costs to help stay financially on track.

How does Microsoft Project enhance collaboration and team management?

Microsoft Project works with the Microsoft Office suite for easy data sharing. This helps teams communicate better, assign tasks, and keep everyone updated. It ensures teams work together smoothly towards their goals.

What are the visualization and reporting capabilities of Microsoft Project?

Microsoft Project has tools like Gantt charts for clear project views. It also offers strong reporting and analytics. Plus, it works with Microsoft Power BI for detailed visualizations and custom dashboards.

How does Microsoft Project help with forecasting and risk management?

Microsoft Project’s forecasting helps predict project outcomes and guide decisions. Its risk management tools spot, evaluate, and lessen project risks. This helps teams tackle challenges early and boost project success chances.

Source Links

  1. Introducing new ways to work in Microsoft Project – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2017/10/30/introducing-new-ways-to-work-in-microsoft-project/
  2. The Must Have Guide to Microsoft 365 Project Management – BrightWork – https://www.brightwork.com/resources/microsoft-365-project-management
  3. Learn Microsoft Project 2019 : streamline project, resource, and portfolio management with Microsoft’s project management software – Catalog – https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/9913088432302121
  4. Managing multiple projects with portfolios in MS Project – https://medium.com/@Sheri-Solis/managing-multiple-projects-with-portfolios-in-ms-project-e912af02e1c4
  5. BrightWork 365 – Project and Portfolio Management for Microsoft 365 – https://www.brightwork.com/brightwork-365
  6. Microsoft Project Online and Project for the Web: Better Together? – FluentPro Software – https://fluentpro.com/blog/microsoft-project-online-and-project-for-the-web-better-together/
  7. Managing Transformation With Agility | OnePlan – https://oneplan.ai/new-adaptive-microsoft-ppm-with-microsoft-project-azure-devops-and-jira-using-oneplan/
  8. Project Portfolio Management (PPM) by OnePlan – https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-in/product/web-apps/oneplanllc.oneplan-portfolio?tab=Overview
  9. Integrating MS Project with Planner – What Are the Options? – https://www.theprojectgroup.com/blog/en/integrating-ms-project-with-planner/
  10. Microsoft Project – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Project
  11. 7 Microsoft 365 Tools for Project Tracking – https://www.projectcentral.com/blog/which-office-365-tools-are-best-to-track-projects/
  12. What Is Microsoft Project? Uses, Features and Pricing – https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/what-is-microsoft-project
  13. Project management goal: Create a new project schedule in Project desktop – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/project-management-goal-create-a-new-project-schedule-in-project-desktop-91e314ed-af31-4043-be6f-61a7ea0d89ba
  14. Project Planning By Using MS-Project – https://medium.com/@farhanshaikh291002/project-planning-by-using-ms-project-0770033b00d8
  15. Best Practices to Creating a Microsoft Project Schedule – https://www.billdowpmp.com/steps-in-creating-a-ms-project-schedule-bruce-taylor/
  16. Budget Cost fields – Microsoft Support – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/budget-cost-fields-debac6b2-48fb-4314-b1a5-8a5f0979f6cb
  17. Project forecasts and budgets – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/project-operations/prod-pma/project-forecasts-budgets
  18. Microsoft Project Budgeting Guide: Master the Essentials – Project Widgets – https://projectwidgets.com/microsoft-project-budgeting-guide/
  19. Use Microsoft Teams for collaboration – Microsoft 365 Business Premium – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/business-premium/create-teams-for-collaboration?view=o365-worldwide
  20. Collaboration in MS Project – https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/project/collaboration-in-ms-project/td-p/2548809
  21. Microsoft Teams: Basic Collaboration and Project Management Tools – https://ittraining.iu.edu/explore-topics/titles/mstbc/index.html
  22. Work with the Gantt Chart view – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/work-with-the-gantt-chart-view-0e84efa4-78ce-4cd1-baed-5159a55f78b4
  23. Start planning visually with Gantt charts – Microsoft 365 – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/organization/visual-planning-gantt-charts
  24. How to Make a Gantt Chart in Microsoft Project – https://blog.ganttpro.com/en/how-to-make-a-gantt-chart-in-ms-project/
  25. Project Online: Best practices for managing risks – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/project-online-best-practices-for-managing-risks-0523899d-1d3a-4561-8d42-acb0951602ba
  26. Incorporating Risk Assessment into Project Forecasting – https://projectcontrolsonline.com/blogs/13-category1/634-incorporating-risk-assessment-into-project-forecasting-5a54cb242a44e
  27. Project Reports and Analytics – Business Central – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/project-reports
  28. Create a Project report – Microsoft Support – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-project-report-6e74dc79-0e2d-480b-b600-3a466bf289a3
  29. Pick the right report in Project – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/pick-the-right-report-in-project-61324235-aaec-4eef-acab-4c5245fedaeb
  30. What is Microsoft Project? Is it right for your project management? | Workzone – https://www.workzone.com/blog/microsoft-project-history/
  31. What Is Microsoft Project? Uses, Benefits, Importance and Pricing – https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-microsoft-project-uses-benefits-importance-pricing-eduhubspot-uzvkc
  32. Top 10 Key Benefits of Using MS Project in Project Management – Business Analysis Blog – https://businessanalyst.techcanvass.com/benefits-of-using-ms-project/