Yes, Microsoft 365 offers a unified project and task management tool called the “new Planner,” which combines the capabilities of what were once separate tools—Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, and Microsoft To Do. This consolidated platform allows you to manage projects, tasks, and personal to-dos all in one place, making it easier to oversee your projects and collaborate with your team.
The New Planner
The new Planner integrates the best features of these previous tools into a single, cohesive system:
Microsoft Project: Previously known for its detailed project management features like Gantt charts, resource management, and comprehensive reporting, these capabilities are now part of the new Planner.
Microsoft Planner: This tool’s simplicity and visual Kanban board interface have been incorporated into the new Planner, making it easy for teams to track tasks and progress.
Microsoft To Do: This personal task management tool is now integrated, allowing users to handle both personal and team tasks seamlessly within the new Planner.
Additional Tools for Enhanced Project Management
While the new Planner serves as the central hub for project management, several other Microsoft 365 tools complement it to create a robust project management ecosystem:
Microsoft Teams: Teams enhance communication and collaboration by enabling you to manage project channels, hold meetings, and integrate Planner tasks all within the Teams environment. It’s the primary platform for team conversations, file sharing, and video conferencing.
SharePoint: SharePoint is key for managing project documents and files. You can create project-specific sites where your team can collaborate on documents, track changes, and maintain version control.
Power Automate: This tool is used for automating workflows and processes within your projects. Whether you need to automate task assignments or set up notifications, Power Automate works with the new Planner to streamline your project tasks.
Accessing Tools via Microsoft Teams
A major advantage of Microsoft 365 is that you can access all these tools directly from Microsoft Teams. This integration means you don’t have to log into multiple platforms; everything is available within the Teams interface. However, while these tools are integrated, achieving a fully seamless experience might require some customization and creativity.
Alternative: Trovve
If you’re looking for a more unified experience that brings all these tools together with deeper integration, Trovve could be a better alternative. Trovve is a project management platform designed for end-to-end project management within Microsoft Teams. It offers a simple interface and AI-powered tools to help you save time and increase efficiency. Trovve is built to work seamlessly with Microsoft 365, providing a more cohesive experience for managing your projects from start to finish.
Try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days – no credit card required
You might also be interested in:
Is Microsoft Planner a project management tool?
What is the difference between Office 365 Planner and Project?
