Logo 1
Free trial Log in

Category: Project managment

Is Microsoft Excel a project management software? 

Posted on by Nicole

Microsoft Excel is not specifically designed as project management software, but it is widely used as a project management tool due to its versatility and flexibility. Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application within the Microsoft 365 suite that allows users to create, organize, and analyze data. While it lacks some of the specialized features found in dedicated project management software, it can be effectively used for managing certain types of projects, especially those that are simple or require custom solutions. 

How Excel Can Be Used for Project Management 

1. Task Tracking: 

Excel can be used to create and manage task lists, track progress, set deadlines, and assign responsibilities. Users can create custom templates to suit their specific project needs. 

2. Gantt Charts: 

Excel allows users to create Gantt charts, which are essential for project planning and scheduling. While Excel doesn’t have built-in Gantt chart functionality, users can create one using stacked bar charts or by downloading templates. 

3. Budget Management: 

Excel is often used to manage project budgets. With its robust calculation and data analysis features, Excel can help track expenses, compare actual costs against budgets, and forecast financial outcomes. 

4. Reporting and Dashboards: 

Excel’s data visualization tools, such as charts and pivot tables, can be used to create project reports and dashboards. These visuals help in monitoring project performance and making data-driven decisions. 

Limitations of Using Excel for Project Management 

While Excel is a powerful tool, it has some limitations when used for project management: 

Lack of Collaboration Features: Unlike dedicated project management tools like Microsoft Project or Planner, Excel doesn’t offer built-in collaboration features. Teams often need to share files via email or cloud services, which can lead to version control issues. 

Manual Updates: Project data in Excel must be manually updated, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in large or complex projects. 

No Automation: Excel lacks automation features such as task dependencies, notifications, or automated scheduling, which are standard in dedicated project management software. 

When to Use Excel for Project Management 

Excel is best suited for project management when: 

The Project Is Simple: For small-scale projects with a limited number of tasks and stakeholders, Excel can be an efficient and straightforward solution. 

Customization Is Required: If your project requires a highly customized tracking or reporting system, Excel’s flexibility makes it a good choice. 

Budget Constraints: Excel is a cost-effective tool, especially when compared to more expensive project management software. 

Alternatives to Excel for Project Management 

If your project management needs are more complex, or if you require collaboration and automation features, consider using dedicated project management tools: 

 Microsoft Planner: Integrated with Microsoft Teams, it’s ideal for team-based task management with visual tools like Kanban boards, Gantt charts, resource management, and project tracking. 

Trovve: An AI-enhanced project management tool that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, offering smart task suggestions and centralized project management. 

You might also be interested in: 

Is Microsoft Planner a project management tool? 

What is the difference between Office 365 Planner and Project? 

Can Microsoft Planner do or create a Gantt chart? 

Can SharePoint be used for project management? 

Posted on by Nicole

The answer is maybe. SharePoint can be used for project management, but it is primarily designed as a document management and collaboration platform. Here’s how SharePoint can be leveraged for project management and the considerations you should keep in mind: 

Understanding SharePoint’s Core Strength: Document Management 

SharePoint’s primary strength lies in document management. You can create libraries, folders, and files, set permissions, and share these with both internal and external parties. This makes SharePoint ideal for managing project documentation, such as reports, plans, and contracts. You can organize your documents into different libraries—such as one for projects, marketing, etc.—and further break these down into subfolders as needed. 

Using SharePoint Lists for Task Management 

SharePoint also includes lists, which can be used to track tasks and project activities. Lists offer various views, including Kanban boards, to visualize task status. While the default experience is functional, you can significantly enhance it by customizing the list using Power Apps, Microsoft’s no-code platform. With Power Apps, you can build a full-fledged project management application tailored to your specific workflow needs. 

Automation with Power Automate 

One of SharePoint’s strengths is its integration with Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow), which allows you to automate workflows. For example, you can create a workflow that automatically triggers when a file is added to a specific folder, sending notifications or updating task lists. This level of automation can help streamline repetitive tasks and improve project efficiency. 

Reporting and Dashboards 

SharePoint allows you to create web parts that display information such as project status directly on your project site. For more advanced reporting, you can integrate SharePoint with Power BI to create dashboards that provide detailed insights into project metrics. These dashboards can pull data from SharePoint lists or even other project management tools, offering a comprehensive view of your project’s progress. 

Collaboration through Microsoft Teams 

SharePoint integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to access SharePoint documents directly from Teams. The OneDrive app within Teams combines both SharePoint and OneDrive files, making it easier to collaborate on documents without leaving the Teams environment. 

 Considerations for Using SharePoint in Project Management 

Although SharePoint provides strong functionalities, creating a custom project management system with it can be labor-intensive and demands continuous maintenance. For less complex project management needs, it might be beneficial to use tools that seamlessly integrate with SharePoint, Teams, and the broader Microsoft 365 environment. 

Planner: This lightweight project management tool integrates with SharePoint but lacks comprehensive file management features. It is ideal for projects not heavily reliant on file organization. 

Trovve: For projects that are highly dependent on files, Trovve is an excellent choice. Trovve enables efficient management of files, folders, and sharing within the app, seamlessly integrating with tasks and projects, and ensuring proper file storage locations automatically. Try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days – no credit card required 

Final Recommendation 

Unless you have highly specialized project workflows, it’s often better to use a dedicated project management tool that integrates with SharePoint rather than building a custom solution within SharePoint itself. Use SharePoint for what it does best—managing documents—and complement it with other tools like Planner or Trove for broader project management needs. 

You might also be interested in: 

Is Microsoft Planner a Project Management Tool? 

Can You Use Microsoft 365 for Project Management? 

How Can I Integrate Microsoft Outlook with Microsoft Planner? 

Do project managers still use Gantt charts? 

Posted on by Nicole

Yes, project managers still use Gantt charts widely in project management today. Despite the rise of various other project management methodologies and tools, Gantt charts remain a staple for planning and tracking project timelines, especially for complex projects. They are particularly useful for visualizing tasks, schedules, and dependencies in a way that is easy to understand and manage. 

Why Gantt Charts Are Still Relevant 

1. Visualizing Project Timelines: 

Gantt charts offer a clear visual representation of the timeline of a project. They show tasks, their start and end dates, and how tasks overlap or depend on each other. This helps project managers see the overall flow of the project and ensure tasks are completed on time. 

2. Managing Task Dependencies: 

One of the key strengths of Gantt charts is the ability to show task dependencies. Project managers can see how one task’s completion affects others, making it easier to manage timelines, avoid bottlenecks, and ensure smooth progress. 

3. Tracking Progress: 

Gantt charts are an effective tool for tracking project progress. They allow project managers to monitor whether tasks are on schedule, behind, or ahead of time. This makes it easier to adjust resources and timelines as needed. 

4. Communicating with Stakeholders: 

Gantt charts are easy to understand and provide a quick snapshot of the project’s status. This makes them ideal for communicating with stakeholders, team members, and clients who need to see an overview of the project without diving into the finer details. 

Industries and Projects Where Gantt Charts Are Common 

1. Construction and Engineering Projects: 

Gantt charts are especially useful in industries like construction and engineering, where managing timelines and dependencies across multiple phases and tasks is crucial. 

2. Software Development: 

While agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban have become popular in software development, Gantt charts are still used for high-level project planning, especially for large projects with longer timelines and multiple teams. 

3. Marketing and Event Planning: 

Marketing teams and event planners use Gantt charts to organize campaigns, track deadlines, and manage multiple moving parts within a single project. 

Alternatives to Gantt Charts 

Although Gantt charts remain popular, other project management tools and methodologies offer alternative ways to manage tasks and timelines: 

Kanban Boards: Tools like Trello or Microsoft Planner use Kanban boards to track tasks in a more dynamic, visual format. These are often preferred for agile and iterative projects. 

Scrum and Agile Tools: In agile project management, tools like Jira and Azure DevOps allow teams to work in sprints, focusing on short-term goals rather than long-term timelines. 

Roadmaps: High-level project roadmaps provide a broader overview of project phases without the detailed task breakdown of Gantt charts. 

Tools That Support Gantt Charts 

Many modern project management tools continue to support Gantt charts, making them more accessible and interactive than ever. Some of the most common tools include: 

Microsoft Project: Offers detailed Gantt chart functionalities for complex project management. 

Smartsheet and Monday.com: These platforms offer flexible Gantt chart features that integrate with other project management tools for real-time collaboration. 

Microsoft Planner (with Plan 1 upgrade): Includes Gantt-style timeline views when used with upgraded features. 

You might also be interested in: 

Can Microsoft Planner do or create a Gantt chart? 

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project? 

Is Microsoft Project Planner free? 

Is Azure a project management tool? 

Posted on by Nicole

Azure is not primarily a project management tool, but it does offer a wide range of services and features that can support project management activities, especially in cloud-based and software development projects. Azure is a comprehensive cloud platform provided by Microsoft, offering services like computing power, storage, databases, networking, and more. While it isn’t designed specifically as a project management tool, Azure integrates well with project management solutions and offers tools that can be used for managing projects in specific contexts. 

Azure DevOps for Project Management 

One of the most relevant services within Azure for project management is Azure DevOps. Azure DevOps is a suite of development tools that provide end-to-end support for managing the software development lifecycle. It includes several services that are directly related to project management: 

Azure Boards: Provides Kanban boards, backlogs, sprints, and dashboards, which are essential for planning and tracking work in agile projects. 

Azure Repos: Offers Git repositories for source control, enabling teams to collaborate on code. 

Azure Pipelines: Supports continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), helping teams automate builds, tests, and deployments. 

Azure Test Plans: Provides tools for testing applications, ensuring quality and performance. 

Azure Artifacts: Allows teams to manage and share packages across their DevOps pipelines. 

Integration with Other Project Management Tools 

While Azure itself isn’t a standalone project management tool, it integrates with various project management platforms to enhance their capabilities: 

Integration with Microsoft Project and Planner: Azure can be integrated with Microsoft Project and Planner for task management and scheduling. 

Integration with Third-Party Tools: Azure DevOps can also integrate with third-party project management tools like Jira, Trello, and Asana, allowing teams to manage their projects using tools they are already familiar with. 

Use Cases for Azure in Project Management 

Azure is particularly useful for managing projects in specific industries and scenarios: 

Software Development Projects: Azure DevOps is ideal for teams following agile or DevOps methodologies, as it supports the entire software development lifecycle. 

Cloud Infrastructure Projects: Azure can be used to manage and monitor cloud infrastructure projects, providing tools for automation, monitoring, and security. 

Data-Driven Projects: Azure offers services like Azure Data Factory, Azure Databricks, and Azure Machine Learning, which can be used to manage data-driven projects and workflows. 

Trovve: A Simpler Alternative for Managing Software Projects 

If you’re looking for a simpler, easier tool to manage your software projects that is not as complex as Azure DevOps and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for storing documentation, user stories, and more, Trovve is an excellent alternative. 

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

Key Features: 

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

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

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

Centralized Workspace: Brings all project elements into one place within MS Teams. 

Collaboration Tools: Enables easy sharing of documents, 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 

You might also be interested in: 

Is Dynamics 365 good for project management? 

Is Microsoft Planner a project management tool? 

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project? 

 Is project management included in Office 365? 

Posted on 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 

You might also be interested in: 

Is Planner included in Office 365? 

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project? 

How do I get MS Project in Office 365? 

What is the best Microsoft planning tool? 

Posted on 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 

You might also be interested in: 

Should I use MS Planner or MS Project? 

What is the difference between Office 365 Planner and Project? 

Can Microsoft Planner do or create a Gantt chart? 

How much does it cost to add Project to Office 365?  

Posted on 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 

  1. Log in as an administrator to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. 
  1. Purchase the Desired Plan: Navigate to the billing section and select Planner Plan 1, Project Plan 3, or Project Plan 5. 
  1. Follow the prompts to purchase and activate the plan. 
  1. Assign Licenses to Users: After purchasing, assign the appropriate licenses to users in your organization. 
  1. 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. 

You might also be interested in: 

How do I enable Microsoft Project in Office 365? 

How do I get MS Project in Office 365? 

What is the difference between Office 365 Planner and Project? 

Does Office 365 include a project plan? 

Posted on by Nicole

Yes, Office 365, now known as Microsoft 365, includes project management capabilities through the new Planner app, but there are some details to consider regarding the inclusion of advanced project management features. 

The New Planner App 

Microsoft 365 has introduced the new Planner app, which consolidates features from Microsoft Project, Planner, and To Do into a single, unified tool. This means that basic project planning and task management features are included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. However, to access the full suite of advanced Microsoft Project features within this app, you may need to upgrade your subscription. 

Basic and Advanced Features 

Basic Planner Features: These are available with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions and include core project management functionalities like task assignments, visual Kanban boards, and integration with Microsoft Teams for easy collaboration. 

Advanced Project Features: To access advanced project management tools such as Gantt charts, detailed scheduling, and resource management (formerly exclusive to Microsoft Project), you need to upgrade to Project Plan 3 or Plan 5. These plans unlock the comprehensive project management capabilities within the new Planner app. 

Integration with Microsoft Teams 

One of the significant advantages of the new Planner is its seamless integration with Microsoft Teams. You can manage all your project tasks, collaborate with your team, and track project progress directly within the Teams interface, streamlining your project management experience. 

You might also be interested in: 

Is Planner included in Office 365? 

Is Microsoft Project Planner free? 

How do I enable Microsoft Project in Office 365? 

What Microsoft tool is used for project management? 

Posted on by Nicole

Microsoft 365 offers a variety of tools for project management, each designed to meet various levels of complexity and project needs. The main tools used for project management within the Microsoft ecosystem are the new Planner, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Power Automate. Here’s a breakdown of these tools and how they contribute to project management: 

The New Planner 

The new Planner is the primary project management tool in Microsoft 365. It combines the features of the previously separate tools—Microsoft Project, Microsoft Planner, and Microsoft To Do—into a single, integrated platform. 

Features: 

Task management with scheduling and assignments. 

Visual Kanban boards for easy tracking of project progress. 

Advanced project management tools, including Gantt charts and resource management. 

Integrated personal task management from Microsoft To Do. 

Use Cases: 

Managing small to large projects. 

Teams that need both high-level planning and detailed task management. 

Organizations that require comprehensive tracking and reporting. 

 Microsoft Teams 

Microsoft Teams is a central hub for communication and collaboration, playing a crucial role in project management. 

Features: 

Communication: Channels for project-specific discussions, video meetings, and chat. 

Task Integration: Direct integration with the new Planner to manage tasks within Teams. 

Collaboration: File sharing and real-time document editing, integrated with SharePoint. 

Use Cases: 

Managing project communications and meetings. 

Collaborating on project documents and tasks within a unified platform. 

Keeping all project-related conversations and resources in one place. 

SharePoint 

SharePoint is essential for managing project documents, providing a centralized location for file storage, organization, and collaboration. 

Features: 

Document libraries for storing and organizing project files. 

Version control and document collaboration features. 

Customizable project sites for team access and resource sharing. 

Use Cases: 

Managing and sharing project documentation. 

Setting up collaborative spaces for teams to work on project files. 

Ensuring proper document versioning and control within projects. 

Power Automate 

Power Automate is used for automating workflows and processes within project management, helping to streamline repetitive tasks and increase efficiency. 

Features: 

Automation of task assignments, approvals, and notifications. 

Integration with other Microsoft 365 tools to create seamless workflows. 

Customizable automation processes to fit specific project needs. 

Use Cases: 

Automating routine project management tasks. 

Triggering actions based on project milestones or changes. 

Integrating various tools and services to create efficient workflows. 

Simplifying your workflow 

One of the key advantages of using Microsoft 365 for project management is the ability to access and integrate these tools within Microsoft Teams. This allows for a seamless project management experience without needing to log in to multiple platforms. 

Alternative: Trovve 

For those looking for a more unified project management solution, Trovve is an alternative that offers end-to-end project management with deep integration into Microsoft 365. Trovve can be accessed directly from Microsoft Teams and provides AI-powered tools to help manage projects more efficiently. 

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

You might also be interested in: 

Is Microsoft Access a project management tool? 

How do I get MS Project in Office 365? 

What is the difference between Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project?