Item: Microsoft Project
Rating: 7
Author: Erica Weiner

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Currently, at our company, Microsoft Projects is used during the estimating phase while
planning timeline and phasing of a project, and by Project Management when
needed to create and revise schedules and manpower to see where and when
resources will be used. The program allows us to plan accordingly and see where
along with our schedule, we have a hole or time to make up if issues present themselves.

Pros and Cons

Planning
Scheduling

Not easy to learn

Return on Investment

Time tracking
Project outlook

Alternatives Considered

In terms of how our company uses Microsoft Projects, which is mostly for scheduling and resource tracking, we have not used many other comparable programs. Previously we used Excel, which in itself is much easier, but does not have the reports, and complexity that Projects does and is not as valuable for time tracking. We also use Procore, but that does not so much create a schedule and is better at allowing for collaboration on a project from multiple sources, ie. General Contractors, Superintendents, Subcontractors, etc.

Support Rating

I have not had to contact support much for this program. I personally took a 3-day course which was very helpful in learning the program. There are still certain things that are more difficult, but as with anything, the more you use it the easier it becomes.

Key Insights

Do you think Microsoft Project delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Microsoft Project's feature set?

Yes

Did Microsoft Project live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Microsoft Project go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Microsoft Project again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Procore, Foundation Software, Skype for Business (formerly Lync)

Likelihood to Recommend

Microsoft Projects is great for creating project schedules and tracking subcontractors, manpower and adjusting timelines based on issues or changes that come along throughout the lifetime of a project.

For what it’s used for it is a good product but the program can be difficult to learn and isn’t something you will pick up in a day. The cost is also expensive for a program that focuses on one specific area of a project.

Projects Can be a Project

Overall Satisfaction with Microsoft Project