Microsoft Planner

Plan, Organize, and Collaborate Efficiently with Microsoft Planner

Microsoft Planner is an impressive productivity tool that offers a simple, visual way to organize teamwork. It is a part of the Office 365 suite, requiring an eligible Office 365 work or school subscription. If you are unsure about your subscription or services access, contacting your IT department should provide clarity.

One of Planner's standout features is its visual work organization. Each project, or "plan," has its own board where tasks can be categorized into various "buckets." These buckets can be used to group tasks based on their status or assigned team member. What's more, updating task statuses and changing assignments is a breeze; just drag and drop tasks between columns.

The "My Tasks" view is another exceptional feature, providing a comprehensive list of your tasks and their status across all your plans. This visibility ensures team members are always aware of who is working on what, promoting accountability and clear communication.

Microsoft Planner shines in its collaboration tools. Built for Office 365, Planner allows team members to work together on the same tasks, attach photos directly to tasks, and have task-focused conversations. Unlike other tools, with Planner, your team's discussions and deliverables stay with the plan and don't get scattered across different applications.

Planner's cross-device functionality is another significant advantage. It operates seamlessly across all your devices, ensuring everyone is always on the same page. Whether you're on-the-go or at your desk, you can continue conversations and update tasks.

In summary, Microsoft Planner is a robust and user-friendly tool that takes the hassle out of team project management. It effectively combines task management with real-time collaboration, making it an essential tool for teams looking to streamline their workflow and boost productivity. However, it's worth noting that it requires an eligible Office 365 work or school subscription, so it might not be suitable for everyone.