Microsoft Project, or MS Project, is a work management software that supports professionals within their field of work by handling their requirements and day-to-day tasks. The management solution offers a variety of tools that can be altered depending on initiative size, project specifics, and visibility to the entire organization (Cicala, 2020). Its primary uses include project, portfolio, and resource management. The tools allow for users to list tasks, delegate them to team members, prioritize certain assignments over others, evaluate project trajectories, forecast resource needs, and ensure timely completion of any action or task.
The software has multiple advantages, which include integration with other software, dependability, customer support, and flexibility. The MS Project solution can be tied to other Microsoft products the company utilizes such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, Power BI, and all the entire 365 Office suite. This allows for seamless transmission of information and communication between the different tools when managing a project with many team members. MS Project is software that has existed for nearly four decades and has been improved, made stable, and reliable over the years. Microsoft provides support to their users, and MS Project team members of the project will be able to receive assistance with the software when necessary. The software is also substantially flexible and can be used to roadmap and manage finances alongside general project management. All these aspects combined offer both the leaders and members of a project time for creative thinking, problem-solving, and brainstorming while the technical aspects of the project are handled by the software.
However, MS Project also has a few disadvantages which consist of cost constraints, necessary training, and file compatibility problems. The software is not viable for smaller businesses or projects with small teams as the tool is on-premise or cloud-based and costly. Though the user interface of the software has improved, totally new users may find themselves lost and overwhelmed, which means that certain time allotted to a project may be spent on training. Lastly, the software saves files in a proprietary format which can only be opened from PCs that have it installed. This means that when sending information to clients, the user must confirm that the client has the correct software or must convert the material into a readable format.
References
Cicala, G. (2020). Introduction to Microsoft Project 2019. The Project Managers Guide to Microsoft Project 2019, 31-71. Web.