Category: Microsoft 365

Yes, Microsoft Project can be used for task management. However, it’s important to understand that Microsoft Project is now integrated with Microsoft Planner and Microsoft To-Do, offering a unified approach to managing tasks within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. The new, unified tool is still referred to as Microsoft Planner but includes advanced project management features depending on your subscription plan. 

Using Microsoft Project for Task Management 

Microsoft Project Integration: 

Microsoft Project, now part of the unified Planner app, allows you to manage tasks more efficiently within Microsoft 365. The tool is designed for more complex project management but can also handle simpler task management needs. 

Access via Microsoft Teams:  

The best way to use the new Planner, which integrates Microsoft Project, Microsoft To-Do, and Planner, is through Microsoft Teams.  

Here’s how:

Open Microsoft Teams: Start by opening Microsoft Teams. 

Install Planner: Click on “Apps” on the side rail/menu of Microsoft Teams. Search for “Planner” and install it. 

Manage Your Tasks: Once installed, Planner will allow you to manage tasks, whether they originate from Microsoft To-Do, Planner, or Microsoft Project. The features available to you will depend on your subscription plan (e.g., Project Plan 3 or Plan 5). 

Consider Trovve for an All-in-One Solution 

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive tool that integrates task management, task planning, calendar, AI features, and file management within Microsoft Teams, Trovve might be a better fit. Trovve offers better integration with Microsoft 365, especially SharePoint, and provides a more seamless project management experience. 

Why Trovve?

Seamless Microsoft Teams Integration: Trovve operates entirely within Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to switch between different applications. 

Multiple Views: Trovve offers flexible views, including list view, Kanban board, and team view, to accommodate different project management styles. 

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

Full Microsoft 365 Compatibility: Trovve integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, providing a centralized workspace within MS Teams. 

Collaboration Tools: Trovve facilitates document sharing, communication, and progress tracking within a single platform. 

Time-Saving Automation: AI handles task suggestions and workflow optimizations, reducing manual effort and boosting productivity. 

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

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Can you use Microsoft Project for agile project management? 

Should I use MS Planner or MS Project? 

Can you work on Microsoft Project together? 

No, Microsoft Project is not free. It is now integrated into the Planner app, which includes original features from Planner, To-Do, and Microsoft Project. The basic version is available with a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or E3 (or higher) subscription. However, this basic version lacks some of the features that were originally present in Microsoft Project.   

Basic Features Available with Most Microsoft 365 Subscriptions 

If you have a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or higher subscription, you automatically have access to the basic features of the new Planner. These features include: 

Task Management: You can create and manage tasks, set deadlines, assign tasks to team members, and track progress. This is perfect for simple projects and daily tasks. 

Collaboration: The basic Planner integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to chat, share files, and manage tasks all in one place. 

Advanced Features Available with Higher Plans 

For those who need more advanced project management tools, the unified Planner offers features that were previously only available in MS Project. These advanced features are available in higher subscription plans, such as Project Plan 3 and Project Plan 5: 

Project Plan 3:

Task Dependencies: Manage complex projects by setting up tasks that depend on the completion of other tasks. 

Visual Roadmaps: Create visual timelines to track project milestones and overall progress. 

Project Baselines: Set and compare project baselines to track deviations from the original plan. 

Budget Tracking: Keep an eye on project costs and manage budgets effectively. 

Project Plan 5:

Resource Management: Manage resources across multiple projects and allocate them efficiently. 

Portfolio Management: Oversee multiple projects at once, managing them collectively. 

Customization and Integration: This plan offers more advanced options for customizing and integrating Planner with other systems, making it ideal for large-scale projects. 

Alternatives that work Microsoft 365 

If you are looking for an alternative to Microsoft Project aka Microsoft Planner that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, consider Trovve. Trovve is an AI-enhanced project management tool that works directly within Microsoft Teams. 

About Trovve: 

Pricing: Trovve offers plans starting at $16 per user per month (when paid annually) and $20 per user per month (when paid quarterly). 

Best For: Trovve is ideal for teams seeking an AI-enhanced project management solution integrated into Microsoft Teams. It’s particularly useful for project managers, operations managers, and team leaders in industries like Construction and Technology. 

Key Features:

Seamless Microsoft Teams Integration: Trovve operates entirely within Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to switch between different applications. 

Multiple Views: Offers flexible views, including list view, Kanban board, and team view, to accommodate various project management styles. 

AI-Powered Efficiency: Smart task suggestions and automated workflows enhance productivity. 

Full Microsoft 365 Compatibility: Trovve integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, providing a centralized workspace within MS Teams. 

Collaboration Tools: Facilitates document sharing, communication, and progress tracking within a single platform. 

Time-Saving Automation: AI handles task suggestions and workflow optimizations, reducing manual effort. 

Benefits:

Time-Saving: Streamlines workflows by eliminating the need to toggle between multiple apps. 

Error Reduction: Centralized information management reduces errors. 

Productivity Boost: AI-powered insights and automation enhance team efficiency. 

Easy Adoption: Teams already using Microsoft Teams will find Trovve easy to adopt. 

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

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Is Microsoft Project part of Office 365? 

Is Microsoft Project free in Teams? 

Is Microsoft Project Planner free? 

Project Plan 365 is a project management tool developed by Housatonic Software, Inc., designed to look and function similarly to Microsoft Project. However, it operates as a separate software product with its own features and capabilities. If you’re interested in trying out Project Plan 365 without committing to a paid subscription, here’s how you can use it for free. 

To start using Project Plan 365 for free, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Project Plan 365 website by following this link: Project Plan 365 Free Trial.
2. On the free trial page, click on the “Start Free Trial” button.
3. You will be prompted to sign up with your email address and create an account.
4. After signing up, you can download the Project Plan 365 app to your device (Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, etc.).
5. The free trial gives you access to all the features of Project Plan 365, allowing you to explore its capabilities.
6. You can create, manage, and share project files just as you would with the full version. 

Trial Period: The free trial typically lasts for 30 days, during which you can evaluate whether Project Plan 365 meets your project management needs. 

A Better Alternative: Trovve 

If you are looking for an alternative to Microsoft Project or Project Plan 365 that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, consider Trovve. Trovve is an AI-enhanced project management tool that works directly within Microsoft Teams. 

About Trovve:

Pricing: Trovve offers plans starting at $16 per user per month (when paid annually) and $20 per user per month (when paid quarterly). 

Best For: Trovve is ideal for teams seeking an AI-enhanced project management solution integrated into Microsoft Teams. It’s particularly useful for project managers, operations managers, and team leaders in industries like Construction and Technology. 

Key Features:

Seamless Microsoft Teams Integration: Trovve operates entirely within Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to switch between different applications. 

Multiple Views: Offers flexible views, including list view, Kanban board, and team view, to accommodate various project management styles. 

AI-Powered Efficiency: Smart task suggestions and automated workflows enhance productivity. 

Full Microsoft 365 Compatibility: Trovve integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, providing a centralized workspace within MS Teams. 

Collaboration Tools: Facilitates document sharing, communication, and progress tracking within a single platform. 

Time-Saving Automation: AI handles task suggestions and workflow optimizations, reducing manual effort. 

Benefits:

Time-Saving: Streamlines workflows by eliminating the need to toggle between multiple apps. 

Error Reduction: Centralized information management reduces errors. 

Productivity Boost: AI-powered insights and automation enhance team efficiency. 

Easy Adoption: Teams already using Microsoft Teams will find Trovve easy to adopt. 

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

You May Be Interested In:

Is Project Plan 365 free? 

Is Project Plan 365 compatible with Microsoft Project? 

Is Microsoft Project management free? 

No, Project Plan 365 is not directly compatible with Microsoft Project. Project Plan 365 is an alternative project management tool developed by Housatonic Software, Inc., and it is not affiliated with Microsoft. While it is designed to look and function similarly to Microsoft Project, it operates as a separate software product with its own unique features and limitations. 

About Project Plan 365 

Alternative to Microsoft Project: Project Plan 365 is marketed as a strong alternative to Microsoft Project. It closely mimics the user interface and feature set of the desktop version of Microsoft Project, making the transition easier for users familiar with Microsoft Project. 

Cloud-Based Architecture: One of the key advantages of Project Plan 365 is its cloud-based design, which enhances team collaboration. It allows team members to access, edit, and share project files across various devices, including Windows, Mac, iPad, and iPhone. 

Best Suited For: Project Plan 365 is ideal for organizations that rely heavily on features like Gantt charts and resource allocation. However, it might not be the best fit for everyday project management tasks due to its complexity and less intuitive user interface. 

Limitations: Although Project Plan 365 offers robust project management features, its complexity and interface may not be user-friendly for all teams. This can be challenging for those who need straightforward, easy-to-use project management tools. 

A Better Alternative: Trovve 

If you are looking for an alternative to Microsoft Project (now integrated into Microsoft Planner) that is easier to use and integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, consider Trovve. 

Pricing: Trovve offers plans ranging from $16 per user per month (when paid annually) to $20 per user per month (when paid quarterly). 

Best For: Trovve is perfect for teams that need an AI-enhanced project management solution directly integrated into Microsoft Teams. It is especially beneficial for project managers, operations managers, and team leaders in industries like Construction and Technology. 

Key Features:

Seamless Microsoft Teams Integration: Trovve operates entirely within Microsoft Teams, allowing you to manage projects without switching between different applications. 

Multiple Views: Trovve offers flexibility with multiple views, including list view, Kanban board, and team view, to cater to different project management styles. 

AI-Powered Efficiency: Trovve uses AI to provide smart task suggestions and automate workflows, boosting productivity. 

Full Microsoft 365 Compatibility: Trovve integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, creating a centralized workspace within MS Teams for all project elements. 

Collaboration Tools: Facilitates easy sharing of documents, communication, and progress tracking within a single platform. 

Time-Saving Automation: AI handles task suggestions and workflow optimizations, minimizing manual effort. 

Benefits:

Time-Saving: Eliminates the need to toggle between multiple apps, streamlining workflows. 

Error Reduction: Centralized information management reduces the risk of errors. 

Productivity Boost: AI-powered insights and automation enhance team efficiency. 

Easy Adoption: Teams already using Microsoft Teams will find Trovve easy to adopt. 

Try Trovve for Free: You can try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days—no credit card required. This trial allows you to explore its features and see if it meets your project management needs. 

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

You May Be Interested In:

Is Project Plan 365 free? 

How to use Project Plan 365 for free? 

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project? 

No, Microsoft Project is not being discontinued. However, there has been some confusion due to Microsoft’s integration of its task management tools into a single app called Planner. This integration has combined features from the original Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft To-Do into one unified platform. 

Integration of Microsoft Project into Planner

Microsoft Project has not been eliminated but instead integrated into the broader Planner app within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Basic task management features from Planner and To-Do are available with standard Microsoft 365 subscriptions, while the advanced project management features from Microsoft Project require a higher-tier subscription. 

Accessing Microsoft Project Features

To access the advanced project management capabilities that were traditionally available in Microsoft Project, you will need to subscribe to Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5. These plans provide robust tools that allow you to manage more complex projects effectively. 

Basic Features with Standard Microsoft 365 Subscriptions

With a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or higher subscription, you automatically have access to the basic features of Planner. These include: 

• Task Management: Create and manage tasks, set deadlines, assign tasks to team members, and track progress. 
• Collaboration: Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to chat, share files, and manage tasks in one platform. 

Advanced Features with Project Plan 3 and Plan 5

For those needing more advanced project management tools, Project Plan 3 and Plan 5 offer additional features: 

• Project Plan 3: Includes task dependencies, visual roadmaps, project baselines, and budget tracking. 
• Project Plan 5: Adds resource management, portfolio management, and enhanced customization and integration options, making it suitable for large-scale projects. 

Microsoft Projects has now been integrated with MS Planner and MS To-Do into a single unified app called Planner. To enable Microsoft Project, now known as Microsoft Planner, in the Office 365 environment, please follow these detailed steps: 

Step 1: Decide Which Plan You Need 

For Basic Task Management: If you only need basic task management features, your existing Microsoft 365 Business Standard or higher subscription is sufficient. 

For Advanced Project Management: If you require features like task dependencies, budget tracking, or resource management, you’ll need to purchase Project Plan 3 or Project Plan 5. 

Step 2: Purchase the Microsoft Project Plan

1. Log In: Go to admin.microsoft.com and log in with your admin credentials. You must be an admin to perform the following steps.
2. Expand the Menu: If the full menu isn’t visible, click on “Show all” on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. Navigate to Purchase Services: In the Admin Center, go to “Billing” and then click on “Purchase services.”
4. Search for Microsoft Project: Use the search bar at the top to search for “Project.”
5. Review the available options, such as Project Plan 3 and Plan 5. Click on “Details” under the plan that suits your needs.
6. Choose the quantity (number of users), subscription length, and billing frequency. Adjust these options as needed to see how they affect the price. Free Trial Option: You can start with a free trial for up to 25 users if you want to test the features before committing.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your purchase. After the purchase is complete, it may take a few minutes for the new subscription to appear in your account. 

Step 3: Assign Licenses to Users

Return to Billing: Go back to the main Admin Center menu and click on “Billing” then “Your products.” 

Locate Your Project Subscription: Find the Project plan you just purchased. If it doesn’t appear immediately, refresh the page. 

Assign Licenses: Click on “Assign licenses” under the Project plan. Select the users to whom you want to assign the licenses and click “Assign” to finalize the process. 

Step 4: Install and Access Microsoft Project aka Microsoft planner in Microsoft Teams

Open Microsoft Teams and look at the side rail on the left. 

Click on the “Apps” button. 

In the app search bar, type “Planner” and select it from the results. 

Click “Install” to add Planner to your Teams setup. The Planner icon should now appear on your side rail. 

Click on the Planner icon to open it and start managing your tasks and projects. 

You May Be Interested In:

How do I add Microsoft Project to Office 365? 

Is Microsoft Project part of Office 365? 

Is MS Project being discontinued? 

Microsoft has unified its project management tools—MS Project, Microsoft Planner, and Microsoft To-Do—into a single app called Planner. This new Planner combines the features of these tools, offering both basic and advanced project management capabilities depending on your subscription plan. Here’s how you can access and use the different features within this unified Planner in Office 365. 

Basic Features Available with Most Microsoft 365 Subscriptions 

If you have a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or higher subscription, you automatically have access to the basic features of the new Planner. These features include: 

Task Management: You can create and manage tasks, set deadlines, assign tasks to team members, and track progress. This is perfect for simple projects and daily tasks. 

Collaboration: The basic Planner integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to chat, share files, and manage tasks all in one place. 

Advanced Features Available with Higher Plans 

For those who need more advanced project management tools, the unified Planner offers features that were previously only available in MS Project. These advanced features are available in higher subscription plans, such as Project Plan 3 and Project Plan 5: 

Project Plan 3:

Task Dependencies: Manage complex projects by setting up tasks that depend on the completion of other tasks. 

Visual Roadmaps: Create visual timelines to track project milestones and overall progress. 

Project Baselines: Set and compare project baselines to track deviations from the original plan. 

Budget Tracking: Keep an eye on project costs and manage budgets effectively. 

Project Plan 5:

Resource Management: Manage resources across multiple projects and allocate them efficiently. 

Portfolio Management: Oversee multiple projects at once, managing them collectively. 

Customization and Integration: This plan offers more advanced options for customizing and integrating Planner with other systems, making it ideal for large-scale projects. 

 How to Get and Set Up the Unified Planner 

To start using the new unified Planner in your Office 365 environment, follow these detailed steps: 

Decide Which Plan You Need:

Resource Management: Manage resources across multiple projects and allocate them efficiently. 

Portfolio Management: Oversee multiple projects at once, managing them collectively. 

Customization and Integration: This plan offers more advanced options for customizing and integrating Planner with other systems, making it ideal for large-scale projects. 

Navigate to Purchase Services:

Log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center at admin.microsoft.com. You must be an admin to perform the following steps. 

In the Admin Center, look at the left-hand menu and click on “Show all” if the full menu isn’t visible. 

Under “Billing,” click on “Purchase services.” 

Search for Project Plans: Use the search bar at the top of the page to search for “Project. “You will see options like Project Plan 3 and Project Plan 5 listed in the results. 

Choose Your Plan and Configure Details: Click on the “Details” button under the plan you want. You will be prompted to select the plan, the quantity (number of users), subscription length, and billing frequency. Adjust these options as needed, and you’ll see the subtotal update based on your choices. 

Note: Microsoft often provides price breaks based on the subscription length and billing frequency. Consider these options carefully to get the best value. 

Assign Licenses: 

Once you’ve configured your plan, proceed with the purchase by following the on-screen prompts. After the purchase is complete, it may take a few minutes for the new subscription to appear in your account.

Go back to the main Admin Center menu. 

Under “Billing,” click on “Your products.” 

Find the Planner subscription or Project plan you just purchased. If it doesn’t appear immediately, refresh the page. 

Below the “Buy licenses” button, click on “Assign licenses.” 

Click the “Assign licenses” button again under “Users” and select the users you want to assign the licenses to. 

Install Planner in Microsoft teams:

Open Microsoft Teams and look at the side rail on the left. 

Click on the “Apps” button. 

In the app search bar, type “Planner” and select it from the results. 

Click “Install” to add Planner to your Teams setup. The Planner icon should now appear on your side rail. 

Click on the Planner icon to open it and start managing your tasks and projects. 

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Is Microsoft Project part of Office 365? 

How do I enable Microsoft Project in Office 365? 

Is Microsoft Project free in Teams?