Calendars, task lists, and project planning are crucial business tools. Many people use Microsoft’s apps like Planner, Microsoft To Do, and Project for the web to power these processes. These tools keep workflows on track and enable task accountability. But they’re separate apps, and switching between them can be cumbersome, adding complexity to workflows.

On average, employees switch between 22 different apps 350 times per day (Harvard Business Review). Microsoft is addressing app overload by rolling out a brand-new version of Microsoft Planner in early 2024. It’s packed with features designed to simplify your project management journey (Microsoft 365 Blog).

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, boosting collaboration, and achieving your goals with more ease.

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

Say goodbye to juggling several apps and hello to a streamlined experience. The new Planner goes beyond basic to-do lists, seamlessly integrating tasks, plans, and projects under one roof. Manage everything from simple daily tasks to complex multi-phased projects within a single, intuitive interface.

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 key in today's fast-paced world, especially with remote work becoming the new normal. The new Planner empowers teams to work together seamlessly. Real-time updates ensure everyone stays on the same page. Features like shared task ownership and comments foster clear communication and efficient collaboration (Microsoft Tech Community).

AI-Powered Insights: Your Smart Copilot for Success

The new Planner incorporates the power of AI with Microsoft Copilot built in. This intelligent assistant helps you stay on top of your work by suggesting 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 (Microsoft Security Blog).

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. It can adapt to your specific requirements, whether you're managing a personal grocery list or planning a large-scale company transformation (Forbes).

Pre-Built Templates: Get Started Fast & Save Time

Microsoft Planner provides several ready-made templates to get you 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 key features:

• Improved Navigation: A redesigned interface makes finding what you need faster and easier (Microsoft Tech Community).

• Enhanced Task Views: Customize how you see and organize your tasks with different views, like grid and board views (Microsoft Mechanics).

• Microsoft App Integration: Planner integrates with many Microsoft tools including Power BI, Teams, Microsoft Viva Goals, Power Automate, and more (Microsoft 365 Blog).

• Customizable Fields: Add custom fields to tasks to capture specific information relevant to your project needs (Microsoft Tech Community).

• Goal Setting: Define clear goals and track progress visually within your plans (Microsoft 365 Blog).

• Critical Path: Identify the essential tasks needed to complete your project on time (Microsoft Mechanics).

• Improved Search: Find the information you need quickly and easily with powerful search functionality (Microsoft 365 Blog).

Access and Availability

Mark your calendars. The new Planner will be available in preview in early 2024, with general availability 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 (Microsoft Planner Blog).

The Future of Tasks, Planning & Project Management

The new Microsoft Planner 2024 exemplifies the trend of "less is more," meaning fewer apps to juggle and more streamlined interfaces. Planner’s powerful features make it an invaluable tool for individuals and teams alike, leveraging its intuitive interface and AI-powered assistant to drive productivity.

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