To use or not - Microsoft Project
July 16, 2015

To use or not - Microsoft Project

Janet Montgomery MMIS, BS, PMP®, ITIL®, | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Project 2007

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is the primary scheduling tool used within the Data Center Project Management team. Microsoft Project can be used to show an accurate timeline of how long it takes for projects to progress through a defined project provisioning process.

Other departments within my company are also utilizing Microsoft Project as their primary scheduling tool. Reports can also be generated within the tool. Output can further provide management with accurate visions of project status.

  • Microsoft Project is used for project planning. It allows you to list all tasks needed to complete a project.
  • Microsoft Project allows you to assign resources to any tasks within your plan.
  • Microsoft Project allows you to set project durations for any tasks within your project.
  • Microsoft has the best support when needed. As this is critical when issues arise that are unresolvable. Reliability of support is important when deadlines are due.
  • Learning the tool can be somewhat cumbersome if you don't spend quality time using it. I find that the more one uses it the more comfortable it seems. The more familiarity gained, the more usage of features within the tool.
  • Compatibility issues can be an problem. All users must have Microsoft Project installed in order to take full advantage of the complete project plan.
  • Cost can be a disadvantage for some environments. As licensing can be expensive depending on the required features.
  • Using Microsoft Project has allowed the team to provide better reporting to upper management.
  • Using Microsoft Project has allowed the team to better track project status.
  • Using Microsoft Project has been very useful for resource management too.
The only other product used instead of Microsoft Project has been Microsoft Excel, however, using a full blown scheduling tool has its advantages. As Excel is great for documenting tasks, however the need for certain graphs when reporting was limited with Excel. The Microsoft Project software tool when used correctly can definitely enhance the project manager's ability to deliver within a defined date.
Microsoft Project serves it's purpose within my work environment. The primary usage is project planning and scheduling. It gives a very controlled way to manage the work.

Microsoft Project Feature Ratings

Task Management
9
Resource Management
10
Gantt Charts
10
Scheduling
10
Workflow Automation
7
Team Collaboration
3
Support for Agile Methodology
Not Rated
Support for Waterfall Methodology
Not Rated
Document Management
Not Rated
Email integration
Not Rated
Mobile Access
7
Timesheet Tracking
6
Change request and Case Management
Not Rated
Budget and Expense Management
Not Rated
Project & financial reporting
5