How to Use Microsoft Project for the Web (New Planner) – Quick Comprehensive Guide

Managing projects effectively requires the right tools, and Microsoft Project for the Web (New Planner) is a powerful solution integrated within Microsoft Teams. This quick, comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up and managing a project using Microsoft New Planner.

Watch our step-by-step video tutorial here:

Introduction to Microsoft Project for the Web (New Planner)

Microsoft Project for the Web, also known as the New Planner, is designed to provide a seamless project management experience within Microsoft Teams. It offers task scheduling, team collaboration, and real-time progress tracking.

Key Features of Microsoft New Planner

• Integrated within Microsoft Teams
• Task assignments and scheduling
• Real-time progress tracking
• File sharing and collaboration
• Report generation for project tracking

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Microsoft New Planner

Step 1: Create a New Teams Group

Before setting up a project, you need a dedicated Microsoft Teams group for your project team. This allows seamless communication and collaboration.

1. Open Microsoft Teams
2. Click on “Teams” and select “Create a team”
3. Choose “From scratch” or “From an existing group”
4. Name the team and set its privacy settings
5. Add team members

Step 2: Add Files, Calendar, and Events

Once your team is set up, the project manager should upload key documents, set up the project calendar, and schedule important events.

1. Go to the Files tab in your Teams group
2. Click “Upload” to add relevant project documents
3. Navigate to Calendar and create key milestones and meetings

Step 3: Create the Project Schedule with New Planner

With the team structure ready, it’s time to build the project schedule in New Planner.

1. Inside Teams, go to Apps and search for New Planner
2. Click “Add to a Team” and select your project group
3. Open New Planner and click “New Plan”
4. Define the project name and start adding tasks
5. Assign deadlines and dependencies

Step 4: Add the Schedule to the Teams Group

To ensure the entire team has access to the schedule, you need to add it to the Teams group.

1. Click “Add a tab” (+ icon) in your Teams group
2. Select New Planner
3. Choose the project plan you just created
4. Click Save to pin it to the top of the team workspace

Step 5: Assign Team Members to Tasks

Assigning tasks to the right team members ensures clarity and accountability.

1. Open New Planner and select a task
2. Click “Assign” and choose a team member
3. Add task descriptions and due dates
4. Enable task notifications for updates

Step 6: Team Members Update Task Progress

Once tasks are assigned, team members should regularly update progress.

1. Open New Planner and go to Tasks
2. Click on a task and update the status to “In Progress”, “Completed”, etc.
3. Add comments or attach relevant files
4. Use labels to categorize tasks

Step 7: Project Manager Reviews and Reports Progress

The project manager is responsible for monitoring progress and reporting updates.

1. Go to New Planner Dashboard
2. Review task completion percentages
3. Generate reports for stakeholders
4. Adjust timelines and reassign tasks if necessary

Final Thoughts

Microsoft Project for the Web (New Planner) is an efficient tool for project managers who want seamless integration with Teams. By following the above steps, you can set up and manage your projects efficiently.

Need expert help setting up Microsoft Project for the Web? Get in touch with us today!