Microsoft Project (MSP) is a project management software that was designed to aid Project Managers with their professional needs. This suite of tools provides users with an effective means to manage portfolios and projects. Project was released commercially in 1984, and was the first of its kind in project management tools. In the time since, this software has been continually updated to reflect the most relevant and timely features for those tasked with managing projects. This is why it remains a popular option for Project Managers across industries.
Several Project plans are available for different price points. They come equipped with the tools needed for project planning, task delegation, resource management, and reporting. The tools included in Project were designed to be easy to use, flexible for different kinds of projects, and versatile enough to help with both small and large-scale initiatives. Project’s clean, intuitive interface allows users to switch between boards, grids, and Gantt charts to better monitor progress.
With the help of this app’s Project Guide, users can streamline the process of creating projects, keeping track of tasks, and reporting results. Project is a powerful tool that can be used to assign resources to tasks and provide projects with appropriate budgets. Its customizable Wizard feature was designed to guide Project users from the conception of a project through its completion.
Primary Uses of Microsoft Project
There are three main uses for Microsoft Project: portfolio management, resource management, and project management:
- Portfolio management: Project is a helpful tool for managing a company’s programs or projects, and helping them decide which initiatives are most pressing. With the help of business intelligence features, it’s possible to model potential scenarios so that a company can decide on the best path forward. Project’s features are also helpful for evaluating project proposals against various goals.
- Resource management: Teams that use Project can anticipate bottlenecks, foresee resource needs, manage utilization, and deliver projects on time. This software also helps Project Managers decide when additional resources are necessary for project completion and helps them assign these resources. Project also provides a way to compare how effectively resources are being allocated in multiple projects. With the help of pre-built reports, progress across an entire team or organization can be easily monitored.
- Project management: This application includes scheduling tools that aid with managing tasks, such as listing tasks, assigning them, and establishing project duration and completion date. Because it provides an array of views, Project Managers can easily oversee schedules. In addition, this software is collaborative in that it provides a means for team members to co-author components of a project. This helps all team members and stakeholders to remain in the loop about task lists, schedules, and timesheets.
Why Use Microsoft Project?
Microsoft Project is a powerful tool that has applications for both small projects and large initiatives. Project users like working with this platform because:
- It’s easy to use. Unlike other project management tools that can be difficult to learn and work with, Project is simple to get started with, and easy to use for the duration of an entire project. Even those from a non-technical background can learn this software.
- Project is customizable. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach,the Microsoft Project app helps users streamline large or complex projects by providing them with tools and methods most applicable to their project’s needs.
- It facilitates collaboration. When used alongside Microsoft Teams, project collaboration is easier and more efficient. All the team members working on a project can share files, chat or meet with one another, and perform other crucial project tasks, even when working from different parts of the country. With the help of real-time task updates, Project users will never lose sight of what other team members have already completed.
- Project is flexible. In addition to its uses for project management tasks, Project is flexible enough to also be used for financial management purposes.
- It incorporates automated scheduling. Tasks can be automated based on resources, effort, and duration when working with Project to ensure that goals are met and projects are completed on time.
- Project increases visibility. When working with Project for the web, users can design interactive dashboards in Power BI so that visualizations of various project components can be created.
- It has powerful integration capabilities. Project integrates with Microsoft Office 365, Skype, Power BI, Sharepoint, and Teams.
- Project has good customer support. Because it is part of the well-established Microsoft suite, those working with Product have access to reliable support from Microsoft, as well as third-party support services.
- It is robust. Project is a powerful tool for a variety of project management tasks. It provides users with a straightforward way to construct charts and data visualizations, as well as the ability to customize the software so that its full capabilities can be applied to individual projects.
Which Professions Use Microsoft Project?
Microsoft Project has many applications across industries that work with both small and large projects. This app is commonly used in the manufacturing and construction sectors, as well as in government, retail, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Those managing financial portfolios also use Project for their daily tasks, as do those who are tasked with allocating resources to different channels.
In addition to its applications for small-business project management, Project is also used by many large corporations and organizations, such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, Barrick Gold, and Johnson Controls, among others.
Start Learning Microsoft Project with Hands-On Classes
For those looking to learn the skills needed to better manage large projects, look no further than Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Project classes. If you are in the Manhattan area, there are several in-person Project courses available from Noble Desktop and its affiliate schools.
In addition, if you want to learn more about which of these courses are available near where you live, Noble’s Microsoft Project Classes Near Me Tool is designed to help prospective students explore all nearby Project courses. Currently, there are over 40 class listings available, running between three hours and three days in duration.
If you’re looking to work with the entire Microsoft 365 suite, you can also browse approximately 400 in-person and live online Microsoft Office classes in a city near you to find local and remote study options.