Microsoft Project Server vs. WorkOtter PPM

Microsoft Project Server I believe is best for any organization from small to large. As I mentioned, it is a little pricey so I would do research into alternative software and depending on your needs maybe look at all options, competing software. This is a tool with a learning curve and some may not be able to easily navigate this software. There isn't really great training, resources available for this tool however there are some free YouTube tutorial videos. This is great for cross company, department project management, sharing, managing of projects and timelines.

Incentivized

I know it works well for IT but not sure how it would work for construction. I think construction has a different set of needs.

• Project planning: tasks assignments, resources allocation, progress and cost tracking. The Server version is the natural extension of the Microsoft Project standalone.
• Provides one place to manage all projects, accessible by everyone in the team. This opens the plan updates to team members as well(on their tasks), as opposed to being done only by the project manager.
• Reporting and visualization - resources utilization, timeline etc
• The integration with the Microsoft Project standalone: if you don't like the web version, you can download the latest and work locally. When done just sync it back to the server.

Incentivized

• Users find it easy to use which is important if you have a large number of users who don't have time for a lot of training or when new hires come on-board.
• WorkOtter has a lot of advanced features that we don't use but when we do need one, it is nice to know the feature is waiting for us. We have used several of these features for special projects.
• It does a good job with resource management.

• Resource loading and leveling extremely complicated within the tool
• Software makes incorrect assumptions and changes without user knowledge
• Inconsistencies within the tool make it hard to predict & troubleshoot

Incentivized

• Nothing significant. Maybe could be faster at times but I'm not sure if that is our own internet connection.

We don't have to worry about maintenance, upgrades, or compatibility issues. All the capabilities we need are there, and are easily customizable.

Per Microsoft, Project Online provides more value long-term by reducing infrastructure cost and increase feature release cycle time

One of the key advantages of Microsoft Project Server (MSPS) is its ecosystem. It gels very well with SharePoint, Office, Office 365. The support from Microsoft is also a key driver and they are very experienced and many ways to resolve issues. Also, Microsoft has bridged the gap of cloud offering from other competitors by providing Project Online. It is an offering through Office 365 which is very lean and low maintenance.

Incentivized

• We've been able to reduce the number of staff in our PMO by utilising the Project Server data in Power BI, reducing the need for manual reporting.
• Being able to forecast utilization in the product allows us to accurately estimate resource needs to ensure optimum staff levels.

Incentivized

• I think it has really helped us make sure we are using resources effectively but I think it is hard to prove. Although we don't have hard ROI numbers, I believe the general feeling is that you really need a good PPM tool or will waste a lot of time and money.
• It helps with communication since we have a standard process.