Introducing the New Microsoft Planner (Everything You Need to Know)

by | May 31, 2024 | Microsoft

Project planning, task lists, and calendars are crucial business tools. Microsoft’s apps are often used to power these procedures. comprising Project for the web, Microsoft To Do, and Planner.

Task accountability and process tracking are made possible by these tools. They are independent apps, though. Changing between apps might be time-consuming. It makes a workflow more complex.

Employees switch between 22 different apps 350 times a day on average.

App overload is being lessened by Microsoft. Early in 2024, the business will release a completely redesigned version of Microsoft Planner. It has a ton of fascinating features that will make project management easier for you.

What apps does the new Planner include?

The new Microsoft Planner combines:

  • The current Planner’s collaboration features
  • The simplicity of Microsoft To Do for task management
  • The capabilities of Microsoft Project for the web
  • The automation of Microsoft Copilot (the company’s AI companion)

The new Planner promises to be a powerful tool for staying organized. As well as boosting collaboration and achieving your goals with more ease.

Unifying Your Workflow: Tasks, Plans & Projects in One Place

Embrace a simpler experience and bid adieu to juggling many apps. Basic to-do lists are not all that the new Planner offers. It combines projects, plans, and tasks together in a smooth manner.

Thus, everything from big to tiny is within your reach. From straightforward daily chores to intricate multi-phase projects. And accomplish everything using a solitary, user-friendly UI.

Microsoft Planner
Image source: Microsoft

You can use the new Microsoft Planner from within Microsoft Teams or via a web browser. Here are some of the exciting things you will be able to do with it.

Enhanced Collaboration: Working Together Made Easy

Collaboration is essential in the fast-paced world of today. Working from home is now considered the standard. In other words, people need tools to stay synchronized no matter where they are.

Teams can collaborate more effectively thanks to the new Planner. Updates in real time guarantee that everyone is informed. Functionalities like comments and shared task ownership promote effective teamwork and transparent communication.

AI-Powered Insights: Your Smart Copilot for Success

The new Planner integrates Microsoft Copilot with AI capabilities. This intelligent assistant keeps you on top of your tasks. Based on your needs and the situation, it can provide strategies, tasks, and objectives that are pertinent. It can even evaluate your development and recommend changes to help you stay on course..

Scaling with Your Needs: From Simple Tasks to Enterprise Projects

There’s no one size fits all. The new Planner is aware of this. It provides flexibility to meet the demands of complicated company initiatives as well as individual needs. Microsoft Planner can adjust to meet your unique needs. It is adaptable enough to meet both large and little needs. Utilize it to keep track of your own grocery list. or to organize and implement a significant business change.

Pre-Built Templates: Get Started Fast & Save Time

Unless you choose to, you are not required to begin from “square 1.” Microsoft Planner comes with a number of pre-made themes. These will help you jump start a new project or ambition.

You’ll see templates for things like:

  • Project Management
  • Software Development
  • Sprint Planning
  • Marketing Campaign
  • Commercial Construction
  • Employee Onboarding
  • and more
Pre-built Template
Image source: Microsoft

Here’s a sneak peek at some key features of the new Microsoft Planner 2024:

  • Improved Navigation: A redesigned interface makes finding what you need faster and easier.
  • Enhanced Task Views: It has different views, like grid and board views. These let you customize how you see and organize your tasks.
  • Microsoft App Integration: Planner integrates with many Microsoft tools. Including, Power BI, Teams, Microsoft Viva Goals, Power Automate, and more.
  • Customizable Fields: Add custom fields to tasks. Use them to capture specific information relevant to your project needs.
  • Goal Setting: Define clear goals and track progress visually within your plans.
  • Critical Path: Identify the essential tasks needed to complete your project on time.
  • Improved Search: Find the information you need quickly and easily. The app has powerful search functionality.

Access and Availability

Mark your calendars! The new Planner will be available in preview in early 2024. It will become generally available soon after. Some features will roll out later in the year. You can visit Microsoft’s site to sign up for updates and see a feature roadmap.

The Future of Tasks, Planning & Project Management

The latest iteration of Microsoft Planner 2024 exemplifies a trend observed in the digital realm. Less is more. This translates to simpler UIs and fewer programs to manage.

Planner is a very useful tool because of its strong features. One that may be used by teams and individuals alike to improve workflows. To increase efficiency, it also features an AI-powered assistant and an easy-to-use UI.

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