The New Microsoft Planner: Bring together to-dos, plans and projects

Introduction

Microsoft Project for the web becomes Microsoft Planner.

In the dynamic world of collaborative work management, staying ahead is crucial, and today’s announcement of changes to Microsoft Planner & Microsoft Project are nothing short of thrilling. As we embark on a journey to redefine how we approach work, Microsoft Planner is set to be a game changer for all.

The updates promise to streamline project management, enhance collaboration, and provide a more intuitive user experience. These advancements are poised to transform the way we plan and execute projects, making Microsoft Planner a versatile platform for a diverse range of projects, from coordinating software development teams or orchestrating a multimedia production.

Here’s a breakdown of the new Microsoft Planner:

• Microsoft Planner: Effective from 15th November 2023, the Tasks by Planner & To-Do app in Microsoft Teams will be renamed "Planner". This change signifies a major step in streamlining project management processes, enhancing team collaboration, and offering a more intuitive user experience.
• Spring 2024 Transformation: Project for the web (Project Plan 1) will evolve into Planner Premium. This shift underscores Microsoft's commitment to providing versatile, powerful tools for diverse project management needs – from software development coordination to multimedia production orchestration.
• Continued Support for Project Applications: The existing Project desktop applications, Project Online, and Project Server for on-premises use will continue as Project Plan 3 & 5, integrating the new Planner features. Current customers can continue to use Project Online. There is currently no end-of-service date for Project Online
• Introducing Copilot Functionality in Planner: We're excited about the upcoming introduction of Copilot in Planner, with details on the rollout timeline to be announced.
• Pricing: There will be no alterations to the existing pricing structure, ensuring continuity and stability for all users.

Watch the Microsoft Ignite pre-recorded session.

New and upcoming features to look out for:

• Utilise the power of AI with Copilot to effortlessly generate projects and tasks. For instance, simply instruct Copilot with, "Create a construction project online with 20-30 tasks."
• Organise your workload efficiently by centralising all tasks and projects in one location through "My Tasks & Plans," which seamlessly integrates To-Do, Planner, and Loop functionalities.
• Enhance your audit capabilities with the advanced features of Microsoft Purview. Ensure comprehensive data retention policies by integrating Purview with Project.
• Unlock new planning capabilities within Planner, providing innovative tools to strategise and organise your projects more effectively.
• Later in 2024, the web experience of the new Planner app will be generally available. The features you know and love in Microsoft Project for the web will be available in the new Planner Teams app and web app.

We are eagerly anticipating the rollout of these changes, and it’s clear that the future of collaborative work management is bright. To ensure you’re well prepared, we’ll provide various pieces of content between now and Spring 2024, delving into the nuances of the enhanced features and demonstrating how they can elevate your project management experience.

For existing CPS clients, your CPS Account Manager will be your go-to resource for personalised insights and guidance. Contact them to get ahead – they will guide and help you get value from the upcoming changes.

And for those who have not yet partnered with CPS, we invite you to explore the possibilities. We are more than just service providers; we collaborate in your journey towards efficient project management. Whether you’re curious about the upcoming updates or seeking advice on optimising your workflows, we’re here to help you.