In today’s fast-paced work environment, collaboration, staying organized and managing tasks effectively is crucial. Microsoft understands this need and has introduced the new Microsoft Planner, a powerful solution to manage project work effectively from different perspectives: Project Managers, Team Members or PMOs.
New Planner Overview
Planner offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to create various types of plans tailored to their project’s complexity. Whether you’re embarking on a simple task list or managing a complex project with dependencies and goals, Planner has you covered. With templates like project budgeting and sprint retrospectives, or the option to start from scratch, Planner provides the building blocks for success.
Key Features of the New Planner
1. Simplicity and Familiarity
- Assigned to Me view for Project tasks- One of the most expected features is Microsoft Project: View and update (i.e. mark as complete and progress) all the tasks assigned to you across projects in one place, with the Assigned to Me view visible in the app of the user’s choice—Microsoft Planner, Tasks app in Teams, or Microsoft To Do. This will ensure a better workflow for project teams.
- All-in-One: Manage tasks, to-do lists, plans, and projects across Microsoft 365 applications within a single, familiar interface.
- Easy Navigation: Find tasks precisely when you need them, without unnecessary complexity.
2. Flexibility
- Customization: Choose from various templates, views, and approaches (lists, boards, timelines, sprints) to personalize your plan.
- Agile Sprint Planning: Incorporate agile methodologies seamlessly.
- Team Workload: Balance workloads efficiently.
- Goals Alignment: Ensure your tasks contribute to overall objectives.
3. Scalability
- From Simple to Enterprise: Whether you’re managing individual tasks or overseeing large projects, the new Planner scales effortlessly.
- Empowering Everyone: Empower every team member to manage their work in one place.
Why the New Microsoft Planner?
- Unified Approach: The new Planner combines the simplicity of Microsoft To Do, the collaboration features of Microsoft Planner, the capabilities of Microsoft Project for the web, and the intelligence of Microsoft Copilot. It’s a holistic solution that caters to individual task management, team initiatives, and large-scale project management.
- AI Assistance: Leveraging next-generation AI, the new Planner aims to streamline your workday. Say goodbye to mundane tasks and focus on driving outcomes. With AI, you can delegate repetitive work, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters.
- Alignment with Team Preferences: Collaboration tools should align with how teams prefer to work. The new Planner ensures that your work management solution caters to your team’s unique needs, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Implementing a working methodology within your organization
As an experienced company specializing in project management solutions, we’re thrilled to offer a suite of services that will transform the way you manage projects by using Microsoft 365 apps. Our expertise will empower your team to achieve outstanding results. Our team excels at deploying the Project Accelerator for Project for the web (New Planner).
PMO Assessment and Configuration
Our experts will assess your existing PMO (Project Management Office) and tailor configurations to align with your unique needs:
- Custom Views and Options: We’ll configure views, fields, and forms to match your organization’s requirements.
- Templates: Create project templates that streamline your workflow.
- Training: Comprehensive training sessions for your team to maximize productivity.
- Project Management Workflow Methodology: we believe in a structured approach. Our methodology ensures consistency, efficiency, and successful project delivery.
Get Started Today!
Reach out to us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together. The new Microsoft Planner and the Project Accelerator await, ready to revolutionize your work management. 🚀
Availability and Roadmap
- Starting in march 2024, the new Planner app will be accessible within Microsoft Teams.
- Later in 2024, a web experience will follow, allowing you to access the Planner from any browser.
- See Microsoft Official Features Release Roadmap here: Microsoft 365 Roadmap – See What’s Coming | Microsoft 365
- The following features are expected to be released in March 2024:
- Planner: New Microsoft Planner App for Teams
- Planner: Planner Copilot
- Planner: Open and Edit Projects in Planner
- Planner: Add premium capabilities to Planner
- Planner: Create personal plans in Planner
- Planner: Auto population of due tasks in My Day
- Planner: Manage all your tasks in My Tasks
- Planner: Access all your plans, projects and to do lists in My Plans
- Microsoft Project: Assigned to Me view for Project tasks
- Microsoft Teams: Recurring task lists and top task publishing requests
Summary
With the new Planner app in Microsoft Teams, project management becomes easier or more efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned project manager, or part of a team, Planner offers the tools and flexibility you need to succeed. From basic task lists to advanced project tracking, Planner empowers users to stay organized, collaborative, and ahead of deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the New Microsoft Planner
1. What is the New Microsoft Planner?
The new Microsoft Planner is an integrated work management solution that combines the simplicity of Microsoft To Do, the collaboration features of Microsoft Planner, the capabilities of Microsoft Project for the web, and the intelligence of Microsoft Copilot. It provides a unified experience for managing tasks, plans, and projects within Microsoft 365.
2. How Does the New Planner Differ from the Previous Version?
The new Planner offers a seamless interface where you can manage tasks, to-do lists, plans, and projects all in one place. It also incorporates AI assistance, allowing you to delegate repetitive work and focus on high-value tasks.
3. Can I Customize My Plans in the New Planner?
Absolutely! The new Planner provides flexibility through various templates, views (lists, boards, timelines, sprints), and agile sprint planning. You can tailor your plan to match your team’s unique needs.
4. Is the New Planner Scalable?
Yes, it is! Whether you’re an individual contributor or overseeing large projects, the new Planner scales effortlessly. It empowers everyone to manage their work efficiently.
5. When Will the New Planner Be Available?
- Starting in early 2024, the new Planner app will be accessible within Microsoft Teams.
- Later in 2024, a web experience will follow, allowing you to access the Planner from any browser.
6. What will happen with Project for the Web?
Project for the web is included in Project Plan 1, 3 and 5 all of which provide access to it. Project Plan 1 will be renamed ‘Planner Premium’ as part of the Project for the web rebranding to ‘Planner’.
“Current users of Microsoft Project for the web, rest assured, capabilities that you use and love today will continue to be available under the new name, Planner. The Planner Power App will also continue to enable customized reporting through Power BI and configurable workflows through Power Automate. You will be able to enjoy premium experiences* in the new Planner based on your Project plan subscriptions at no additional cost.” (Microsoft Tech Community)
7. What impact to Project Accelerator for Project for the Web
Project for the web will be renamed Planner. Existing app functionality will not
change. Later in 2024, after the new Planner app is available for the web, users will be directed from Project for the web to the new Planner web app.