September 2024

Do you need a project license to use project in Teams?

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by jason

Yes, you need a Planner license to access the advanced project management features within Microsoft Teams, now that Microsoft Project has been integrated into the new Planner app. The new Planner app combines the features of Microsoft Project, Planner, and To-Do into one unified tool.

Accessing Project Features in Teams

Basic Features: With most Microsoft 365 subscriptions, such as Business Standard, E3, and above, you can use the basic features of the new Planner app within Teams. This includes creating tasks, assigning them, and tracking progress, offering a streamlined way to manage simple projects and daily tasks.

Advanced Features: To access the advanced project management tools that were originally part of Microsoft Project—such as detailed scheduling, resource management, and Gantt charts (now called the Timeline view)—you need a paid Planner license:

Plan 3: Unlocks advanced features like task dependencies, project baselines, and more comprehensive tracking.

Plan 5: Offers the most extensive project management capabilities, including portfolio management and advanced analytics, all accessible within the Planner app in Teams.

While basic task management features are available within Teams through the new Planner app as part of most Microsoft 365 subscriptions, accessing the full range of advanced project management features requires a paid Planner license (Plan 3 or Plan 5). This integrated solution allows you to manage both simple and complex projects seamlessly within the Microsoft 365 environment.

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Is Microsoft Project part of Office 365?

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by jason

Microsoft Project has been integrated into the new Planner app within Microsoft/Office 365. While basic project management features are available with standard Microsoft 365 subscriptions (such as Business Standard or E3), the more advanced features that were originally part of Microsoft Project are now only accessible through the paid versions of the new Planner—Plan 3 and Plan 5.

New Planner App

The new Planner app combines the capabilities of the old Microsoft Project, Planner, and To-Do into a unified tool within Microsoft 365. This means that with a standard Microsoft 365 subscription, you have access to basic task and project management features, such as:

Task Creation and Management: Easily create, assign, and track tasks.

Collaboration: Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, allowing for effective team collaboration.

Advanced Features Microsoft Projects features

For those who need more advanced project management capabilities—like detailed project scheduling, resource management, and Gantt charts (now called the Timeline view)—a subscription to the paid versions of Planner is required:

Plan 3: Offers advanced features like task dependencies, project baselines, and more robust project tracking.

Plan 5: Provides the most comprehensive tools, including portfolio management and advanced analytics, ideal for managing large and complex projects.

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Is Microsoft Project free in Teams?

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by jason

No, Microsoft Project is not free in Teams. However, it has been integrated into the new Planner app within Microsoft Teams. This new Planner app combines features from the original Microsoft Project, Planner, and To-Do, providing a unified experience for managing tasks and projects.

Accessing Microsoft Project in the New Planner App

Basic Features with Planner: Within Microsoft Teams, you can use the Planner app for basic task management, which is included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. This includes creating tasks, assigning them to team members, and viewing them in various formats, like boards and lists.

Advanced Features from Microsoft Project: The advanced project management capabilities of Microsoft Project, such as detailed project scheduling, resource management, and Gantt charts (now called the Timeline view), are being rolled out in the new Planner app. To access these features, you will need to subscribe to one of the Microsoft Project plans, such as Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5.

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How do I add a Gantt chart to Microsoft Project?

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by jason

In the new Planner app, which integrates features from Microsoft Project, you can manage your tasks using the Timeline view, which functions as a Gantt chart. The Timeline is automatically created as you build your plan, so there’s no need to add it manually. Here’s how to get started:

Create a New Plan

Open the Planner app within Microsoft Teams or your Microsoft 365 environment.

At the bottom of the side menu, click on “New Plan.”

When the pop-up appears, select “Premium” as your plan type.

Enter the name of your plan and create it.

Add Tasks

Once your plan is created, start adding tasks to it.

Enter task names, set due dates, and assign them to team members as needed.

Manage Tasks Using the Timeline (Gantt Chart)

After creating your tasks, switch to the Timeline view, where your tasks are automatically displayed in a Gantt chart format.

The Timeline allows you to visualize your project’s schedule and manage tasks effectively.

Add Dependencies: Link tasks that depend on one another by creating dependencies directly in the Timeline.

Adjust Timelines: Drag and drop tasks within the Timeline to modify their start and finish dates, ensuring your project stays on schedule.

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Can you create a Gantt chart in Office 365?

Posted on September 3, 2024September 3, 2024 by Nicole

Yes, you can create a Gantt chart in Office 365, but the ability to do so depends on the tools and plans you are using within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Creating a Gantt Chart in Microsoft 365

Microsoft Planner:

Basic Planner: The basic version of Microsoft Planner, included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions, does not have native Gantt chart functionality. It’s primarily focused on task management with Kanban boards, lists, and calendar views.

Planner Plan 1: If you upgrade to Planner Plan 1 ($10.00 per user/month), you gain access to a Timeline (Gantt) view. This allows you to visualize your project schedule, task dependencies, and progress over time, which is essential for managing more complex projects.

Project Plan 3 and Project Plan 5:

Project Plan 3 ($30.00 per user/month): This plan includes advanced project management features, including a fully functional Gantt chart. The Gantt chart in Project Plan 3 allows you to manage tasks, set dependencies, track progress, and analyze project timelines in detail.

Project Plan 5 ($55.00 per user/month): This plan includes everything in Project Plan 3, plus additional enterprise-level project, and portfolio management features, with enhanced Gantt chart functionalities, such as baselines and critical path analysis.

Microsoft Excel:

Excel: While not a dedicated project management tool, you can create a simple Gantt chart in Excel by using a stacked bar chart or using templates available online. This is a more manual process and lacks the advanced features of dedicated project management tools, but it can be effective for smaller projects or when you don’t need the full power of Project.

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Does Office 365 have a project Planner?

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Nicole

Yes, Office 365 (now Microsoft 365) includes a project management tool called Planner. This tool is specifically designed to help teams organize tasks, collaborate on projects, and track progress in a simple, user-friendly environment.

Microsoft Planner in Microsoft 365

Microsoft Planner is included in most Microsoft 365 subscriptions and serves as a lightweight project management tool:

Task Management: Planner allows users to create tasks, assign them to team members, and set due dates. Tasks can include checklists, attachments, and comments to facilitate collaboration.

Visual Planning: It provides visual tools like Kanban boards, where tasks can be organized into various categories or stages, making it easy to track the progress of a project.

Integration with Teams: Planner is deeply integrated with Microsoft Teams, enabling users to manage their tasks directly within Teams channels, enhancing collaboration and communication.

Basic Features: The basic Planner features include real-time collaboration, task assignment, progress tracking, and simple reporting, which are all accessible via Microsoft Teams or the Planner web app.

Advanced Project Management Options

While Planner is excellent for basic project management, Microsoft 365 also offers more advanced project management capabilities through additional plans:

Planner Plan 1 ($10.00 per user/month): Adds features like project goals, backlogs, sprints, Gantt chart views, and premium plan templates, which are useful for more sophisticated project management needs.

Project Plan 3 ($30.00 per user/month): Includes everything in Planner Plan 1 plus advanced features like Copilot in Planner, task history, roadmaps, baselines, and resource management.

Project Plan 5 ($55.00 per user/month): Offers comprehensive project and portfolio management tools, suitable for managing complex, enterprise-level projects.

Third-Party Alternatives: Trovve

For teams looking for a more AI-enhanced planning solution, Trovve is a notable third-party option that integrates directly with Microsoft Teams:

Pricing: Ranges from $16 per user per month (annual) to $20 per user per month (quarterly).

Features: Trovve offers AI-powered task suggestions, seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, and centralized project management within Teams. It’s ideal for industries like Construction and Technology.

Try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days – no credit card required

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Is Planner included in Office 365?

Is project management included in Office 365?

Posted on September 3, 2024September 3, 2024 by Nicole

Yes, project management is included in Office 365 (now Microsoft 365), primarily through the Planner app, which has been designed to help teams manage tasks, projects, and collaborate effectively. However, the level of project management features you get depends on your specific Microsoft 365 subscription and whether you opt for additional plans.

Basic Project Management in Microsoft 365

Microsoft Planner: This tool is included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions and offers basic project management capabilities. With Planner, you can create and manage tasks, assign them to team members, track progress using visual tools like Kanban boards, and collaborate in real-time within Microsoft Teams.

Features of Planner in Microsoft 365:

Task creation and management with checklists, files, and labels.

Real-time collaboration, commenting, and sharing.

Integration with Microsoft Teams for seamless communication.

Basic plan templates, List, Grid, and Board views.

Charts and task dependencies for simple project tracking.

Advanced Project Management (Additional Subscription Required)

For more advanced project management needs, you can upgrade to a higher-level plan that expands on the basic features included with Planner:

Planner Plan 1 ($10.00 per user/month):

Adds features like project goals, backlogs, sprints, premium plan templates, timeline (Gantt) views, and enhanced task dependencies.

Ideal for teams needing more advanced planning tools without the full complexity of traditional project management software.

Project Plan 3 ($30.00 per user/month):

Includes everything in Planner Plan 1, plus advanced features like Copilot in Planner (preview), task history, roadmaps, baselines, resource management, and financial tracking.

This plan also gives you access to the Project Online desktop client, making it suitable for more complex projects.

Project Plan 5 ($55.00 per user/month):

This plan is for enterprise-level project and portfolio management, including everything in Project Plan 3 plus portfolio management and enterprise resource allocation.

Best suited for organizations managing multiple large-scale projects with complex dependencies and resource management needs.

Third-Party Option: Trovve

If you’re looking for an AI-enhanced project management solution that integrates directly with Microsoft Teams, Trovve is an excellent option.

Pricing: Plans range from $16 per user per month (annual payment) to $20 per user per month (quarterly payment).

Best for: Teams seeking an AI-powered project management tool, particularly in project-centric industries like Construction and Technology. Trovve is ideal for project managers, operations managers, and team leaders.

Key Features:

Seamless Microsoft Teams Integration: Operates entirely within Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to switch between apps.

AI-Powered Efficiency: Offers smart task suggestions and automated workflows to enhance productivity.

Full Microsoft 365 Compatibility: Works seamlessly with other Microsoft tools.

Centralized Workspace: Consolidates all project elements in one place within Teams.

Collaboration Tools: Facilitates document sharing, communication, and progress tracking.

Time-Saving Automation: AI handles task suggestions and workflow optimizations.

Benefits:

Saves time by eliminating the need to toggle between apps.

Reduces errors through centralized information management.

Boosts productivity with AI-powered insights.

Offers seamless adoption for teams already using Microsoft Teams.

Try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days – no credit card required

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What is the best Microsoft planning tool?

Posted on September 3, 2024September 3, 2024 by Nicole

Microsoft 365 includes a variety of tools designed for various aspects of planning and project management, but the best tool for your needs depends on what exactly you’re looking to achieve.

Microsoft Planner: A Project Management Tool

Microsoft Planner is the go-to tool within Microsoft 365 for managing projects and tasks. It is designed more for project management rather than personal daily planning. Here’s what Planner offers:

Project Management Focus: Planner allows you to create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress using visual tools like Kanban boards. It’s ideal for managing team projects, collaborating in real-time, and keeping track of deadlines.

Integration: Planner integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and other Microsoft 365 apps, making it easy to manage projects within your existing workflows.

If You Need a More Advanced Planning Tool: Consider Trovve

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive planning tool that goes beyond project management to help you plan your day, manage projects, and leverage AI for planning capabilities, Trovve is a better option. Trovve is an M365 add-on that offers features designed to enhance both personal and professional planning:

Daily and Project Planning: Trovve helps you plan not just your projects but also your daily tasks, giving you a holistic view of your schedule and responsibilities.

AI Planning Capabilities: Trovve includes AI-powered features that help you optimize your plans, prioritize tasks, and save time by automating certain planning activities.

Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365: Trovve integrates deeply with Microsoft 365, allowing you to manage everything within the familiar Microsoft environment, including Microsoft Teams.

Try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days – no credit card required

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Posted on September 3, 2024 by Nicole

Microsoft has consolidated its project management offerings, including Microsoft Project and Project Online, into a single app called Planner. This new Planner app is available in different plans, each offering various levels of features and capabilities. Below is a breakdown of the costs and features associated with each plan:

Microsoft Planner (Included in Microsoft 365)

Cost: Included with your Microsoft 365 subscription.

Features:

Real-time collaboration, commenting, and sharing via the Planner app in Microsoft Teams or the Planner web app.

Creation and management of tasks with features like files, checklists, and labels.

Tasks organized by “My Day,” “My Tasks,” and “Assigned to Me.”

Basic plan templates.

Ability to view reports and dashboards.

List, Grid, and Board views, as well as Charts.

Task dependencies.

Security, compliance, data privacy, accessibility, and Microsoft 365 customer support.

Planner Plan 1 (Formerly Project Plan 1)

Cost: $10.00 per user per month.

Features:

Includes everything in Planner for Microsoft 365, plus:

Project goals.

Backlogs and sprints for Agile project management.

Premium plan templates.

Enhanced reports.

Timeline (Gantt) view.

Task dependencies.

Customization and integration options.

Project Plan 3 (Advanced Features)

Cost: $30.00 per user per month.

Features:

Includes everything in Planner Plan 1, plus:

Copilot in Planner (preview).

Task history tracking.

Roadmaps for project planning.

Baselines and critical path analysis.

Resource request capabilities.

Program management.

Project financials, budgeting, and costing.

Advanced task dependencies with lead and lag.

Access to the Project Online desktop client.

Project Plan 5 (Comprehensive Enterprise Solution)

Cost: $55.00 per user per month.

Features:

Includes everything in Project Plan 3, plus:

Portfolio management for large-scale project tracking.

Enterprise resource management and allocation.

Advanced tools for managing complex project portfolios.

How to Add a Plan to Office 365

Purchase the Desired Plan: Navigate to the billing section and select Planner Plan 1, Project Plan 3, or Project Plan 5.

Follow the prompts to purchase and activate the plan.

Assign Licenses to Users: After purchasing, assign the appropriate licenses to users in your organization.

Install the Planner App in Microsoft Teams: To use the new Planner app, go to the Microsoft Teams app store, search for “Planner,” and click the “Add” button to integrate it into your Teams environment.

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