​Calendars, task lists, and project planning are essential tools for any business. Many people rely on Microsoft’s suite of apps, including Planner, Microsoft To Do, and Project for the web, to manage these tasks. These tools help keep processes on track and ensure task accountability. However, using multiple apps can be cumbersome and add complexity to workflows. On average, employees switch between 22 different apps 350 times per day.

Microsoft is addressing app overload by rolling out a brand-new version of Microsoft Planner in early 2024. This update is packed with exciting features designed to simplify project management and streamline workflows.

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, enhancing collaboration, and achieving goals with greater ease.

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

Say goodbye to juggling multiple apps and hello to a streamlined experience. The new Planner goes beyond basic to-do lists by integrating tasks, plans, and projects into a single, intuitive interface. This means you can manage everything from simple daily tasks to complex multi-phased projects all in one place.

You can use the new Microsoft Planner from within Microsoft Teams or via a web browser. Here are some of the exciting features you can expect:

Enhanced Collaboration: Working Together Made Easy

In today’s fast-paced, remote-working world, collaboration is key. The new Planner empowers teams to work together seamlessly, with real-time updates ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Features like shared task ownership and comments foster clear communication and efficient collaboration.

AI-Powered Insights: Your Smart Copilot for Success

The new Planner incorporates Microsoft Copilot, an AI-powered assistant that helps you stay on top of your work. Copilot can suggest relevant plans, tasks, and goals based on your needs and context. It can even analyze your progress and suggest adjustments to keep you on track.

Scaling with Your Needs: From Simple Tasks to Enterprise Projects

The new Planner offers the flexibility to cater to both individual needs and complex enterprise projects. Whether you’re managing a personal grocery list or planning a large-scale company transformation, Microsoft Planner can adapt to your specific requirements.

Pre-Built Templates: Get Started Fast & Save Time

Microsoft Planner provides several ready-made templates to help you get started on a new project or goal quickly. Templates are available for:
– Project Management
– Software Development
– Sprint Planning
– Marketing Campaigns
– Commercial Construction
– Employee Onboarding
– And more

Key Features of the New Microsoft Planner 2024

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the key features of the new Microsoft Planner:
– Improved Navigation: A redesigned interface makes finding what you need faster and easier.
– Enhanced Task Views: Customize how you see and organize your tasks with different views, such as grid and board views.
– 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 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 with powerful search functionality.

Access and Availability

Mark your calendars! The new Planner will be available in preview in early 2024, with general availability to follow. Some features will roll out later in the year. Visit Microsoft’s site to sign up for updates and see a feature roadmap.

The Future of Tasks, Planning & Project Management

The new Microsoft Planner 2024 exemplifies the “less is more” trend in the digital world, reducing the number of apps you need to juggle and offering a more streamlined interface. Planner’s powerful features make it an invaluable tool for individuals and teams alike, driving productivity with its intuitive interface and AI-powered assistant.

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