Planner is that random screwdriver in the kitchen drawer that’s always handy, but not always the right tool for the job. It’s a simple, straightforward tool designed for smaller projects. But, while a screwdriver might be perfect for tightening a loose hinge, it’s not much use if you’re trying to build an entire house.
So, why is Planner the go-to choice for managing small projects?
First off, it’s an absolute doddle to use. Planner uses a simple, board-based approach, where you can create ‘cards’ for individual tasks, assign them to team members, and move them around as they progress through stages. It’s simple, effective digital Post-It board. For the smaller teams, it’s a brilliant way of keeping everyone in the loop quickly and efficiently.
Second, Planner is light on features, which, counterintuitively, is a blessing in disguise for small projects: it’s quick to learn and quick to set up.
Third, Planner plays nicely with other Microsoft tools like Outlook and Teams, so each team member can access their tasks in their preferred tool.
So far so good, right? Well, hold your horses. Microsoft Planner, as brilliant as it is for small projects, isn't exactly cut out for the big league
Here’s why:
When it comes to larger, more complex projects, Planner falls short.
Firstly, Planner lacks advanced features like Gantt charts or detailed resource management, crucial for planning and executing larger projects.
Secondly, Planner doesn’t handle task dependencies well. Let’s say Task B can only start once Task A is finished. Planner doesn’t allow for this level of intricacy.
Lastly, while simplicity is Planner’s strong suit, it can also be its Achilles heel for complex projects. Planner’s user-friendly design and lack of complex features make it fantastic for smaller projects, but when faced with the rigours of a larger, more complex project, it’s likely to fall behind.
A simple tool for simple projects
To sum up, when it comes to small projects, Microsoft Planner is perfect for the job. It’s simple, straightforward and easy to use. However, there are better options for larger, more complex tasks.
Project tool decision tree
Not sure if your project is simple enough to work with Planner, or whether you need something more robust? Use my decision tree to find the right style of tool for your needs.