Aligning organizational strategy with execution is now imperative. With Microsoft’s recent shift in its project management tools, integrating Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project for the web, organizations using the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem are at a pivotal crossroad. This following article explains how OnePlan, a strategic portfolio management software-as-a-service platform, is the crucial solution for organizations striving to achieve this alignment, especially considering Microsoft’s changed product strategy in Project Portfolio Management (PPM).

The Evolving Microsoft Cloud Landscape

Microsoft’s announcement to combine Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project for the web marks a significant shift towards a Planner-based enterprise work management with a focus on task management. This move shows a strategic reorientation, which de-emphasizes enterprise-level project portfolio management requirements in the Microsoft cloud. As a result, organizations that have been relying on Microsoft Project, Microsoft Project Online and Microsoft Project for the web face new challenges in keeping robust project portfolio management practices. In addition, the need to integrate all of the Microsoft collaboration tools – Microsoft Planner, Azure DevOps, and SharePoint, integrated with Microsoft Teams – into a singular project portfolio will continue to be a challenge. View the offical annoucement

Microsoft planner

OnePlan: The Best Choice to Improve your SPM (Strategic Portfolio Management) Capabilities

OnePlan stands out as the best candidate to fill the project portfolio management gap in this shifting Microsoft landscape. As a seasoned player in the strategic portfolio management space, OnePlan offers a comprehensive solution that aligns with Microsoft’s cloud offerings yet addresses the sophisticated needs of enterprise project management offices (EPMOs).

Key Features and Benefits of OnePlan

  1. Comprehensive Portfolio Management: OnePlan provides a holistic view of all projects and portfolios, enabling organizations to align their strategies with execution effectively. Its ability to integrate with existing Microsoft tools ensures seamless transition and adoption.
  2. Enhanced Visibility and Control: The platform offers robust analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing decision-makers to gain insights into project performance, resource allocation, and budget management.
  3. Flexible and Scalable: OnePlan’s cloud-based nature makes it highly scalable and adaptable to the changing needs of organizations, regardless of size or sector.
  4. User-Friendly Interface: Designed with user experience in mind, OnePlan offers an intuitive interface that provides easy navigation and quick onboarding for teams.
  5. Advanced Integration Capabilities: OnePlan’s integration with Microsoft Cloud tools like Teams and SharePoint ensures that communication and collaboration are streamlined across projects.

Strategic Alignment and Execution

The core value proposition of OnePlan lies in its ability to bridge the gap between strategy and execution. By offering a platform that not only aligns with the Microsoft ecosystem but also caters to the nuanced needs of EPMOs, OnePlan enables organizations to:

Align Project Portfolios with Organizational Goals: OnePlan aids in prioritizing projects that align with the strategic objectives of the organization, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.

Improve Decision-Making: The insights generated from OnePlan’s analytics capabilities empower leaders to make informed decisions, enhancing overall project success rates.

Facilitate Agile and Flexible Project Management: In an era where agile methodologies are increasingly prevalent, OnePlan offers the flexibility needed to adapt to various project management approaches.

OnePlan capabilities roles and process flows

Addressing the Shift in Microsoft’s Strategy

The phasing out of Project Online and the emphasis on a Planner-based approach by Microsoft forces organizations that require advanced PPM capabilities to find an alternative. As stated in the Microsoft Ignite Planner presentations, the focus for Microsoft over the next year will be on re-platforming Microsoft Planner and Project for the web to operate as a single product working with Microsoft Copilot Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) initiative.  The focus will no longer be on meeting enterprise strategic portfolio management and project portfolio management scenarios. OnePlan’s compatibility with Microsoft’s cloud solutions, coupled with its advanced features, positions it as the go-to solution for organizations seeking to maintain and elevate their PPM practices in this new environment. OnePlan already integrates Microsoft Planner, Project for the web, Project Professional, Azure DevOps, and PowerApps. An organization can easily leverage its investment in Microsoft and reach its strategic portfolio management objectives by selecting OnePlan.

Portfolio maturity pyramid

OnePlan: A Proven Partner in Strategic Portfolio Management

OnePlan’s track record as a proven partner in the strategic portfolio management space for Microsoft clouds adds to its credibility. Its success stories across various industries show its capability to adapt and deliver results in diverse organizational contexts.

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OnePlan recognized in the 2023 as Gartner’s Top 5 “Voice of the Customer” for Strategic Portfolio Management
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OnePlan Voted One of The 30 Most Reputable Companies in the Year 2022
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OnePlan cited as a top vendor in “Determine the Future of Microsoft Project in Your Organization”

Case Studies and Success Stories

Case studies from various industries where OnePlan has successfully been implemented can provide tangible evidence of its effectiveness. These success stories often highlight improved project delivery times, optimized resource utilization, and enhanced strategic alignment. Customer Stories

Conclusion

The integration of Microsoft Planner and Microsoft Project for the web represents a significant shift in the project management landscape within the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem. For organizations looking to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, OnePlan is the key partner for serious organizations in PPM. Its comprehensive features, strategic alignment capabilities, and proven track record make it an indispensable asset for organizations looking to thrive in this evolving environment.

In conclusion, OnePlan offers a robust, user-friendly, and strategically aligned solution, making it the best candidate for enterprises looking to transform their project management practices and achieve their strategic objectives effectively within the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem.