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Does Microsoft Planner Support Dependencies Between Projects?
Question details
The user is evaluating the new Microsoft Planner for project portfolios and wants to know if it supports cross-project dependencies similar to Project Online.
- Product
- Microsoft Planner
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Evaluating project management tools for enterprise portfolio management and tracking dependencies across multiple projects.
- Observed behavior
- Looking for confirmation on whether cross-project dependencies and portfolio functionalities are supported in Microsoft Planner Premium.
Before planning your project portfolios, clearly define whether your team requires advanced portfolio management or simple task tracking, as this dictates the best Microsoft tool for the job.
Use Project Online or Project Server for Portfolio Management
Since Microsoft Planner Premium does not support cross-project dependencies, you must use Microsoft's enterprise-level project management tools for portfolio functionality.
The new Microsoft Planner Premium is designed for individual project tracking and team collaboration. However, it lacks built-in support for programs, portfolios, and dependencies between multiple different projects.
To link tasks across different projects and manage a comprehensive project portfolio, you will need to utilize Project Online or Project Server.
Determine if your organization requires true cross-project dependencies, centralized resource management, and portfolio tracking.
Set up Microsoft Project Online or Project Server, which natively supports cross-project links through the use of master projects and subprojects.
In Project Online, open your master project and establish dependencies by linking tasks directly between the inserted subprojects.
Manage Your Project Data Efficiently with WPS Office
While Microsoft Planner requires premium subscriptions for advanced project management, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight alternative for organizing project data, timelines, and cross-project resources using familiar spreadsheet tools.
- 1. Download and install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download and install the free WPS Office suite on your device.
- 2. Open a project tracking template: Launch WPS Spreadsheet, navigate to the templates library, and select a Gantt chart or project management template.
- 3. Link project data: Input your project tasks and use cross-sheet formulas to manually track dependencies between different project portfolios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I link tasks between different plans in Microsoft Planner?
No, Microsoft Planner does not currently support linking tasks or creating dependencies between different plans. Task dependencies can only be set and tracked within a single Premium plan.
Does the new Microsoft Planner Premium include portfolio management?
No, the new Planner Premium does not include comprehensive programs and portfolio functionality. You will need to upgrade to Project Online or Project Server for dedicated portfolio management.
How can I track dependencies across projects without MS Project?
You can use advanced spreadsheet software like WPS Spreadsheet or Microsoft Excel to build custom project tracking files that pull data from multiple sheets, allowing you to manually track cross-project deadlines and dependencies.
