414530 – Planner: Baseline with Task level variance (archived)

Product:

Planner, Project

Platform:

US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Links:

Details:

Capture a Baseline of your plan and view plan and task-level variances to know if the plan is on track or delayed.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-09-07

updated:
2025-02-11

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Baseline Capture Failure
If the baseline capture feature is implemented without proper preparation, users may experience data loss or incorrect baseline data, leading to confusion about project timelines.
   - roles: Project Manager, Team Member
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/06/15/whats-new-in-microsoft-planner-june-2021/, https://www.projectmanagement.com/articles/2021/6/what-is-a-project-baseline-and-why-is-it-important

Task Level Variance Misinterpretation
Without adequate training or communication, users may misinterpret task-level variances, resulting in poor decision-making and project delays.
   - roles: Project Manager, Stakeholder
   - references: https://www.smartsheet.com/content/project-baselines, https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/what-is-a-project-baseline

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

In the ever-evolving world of technology, keeping track of project progress is crucial for ensuring that everything runs smoothly and on schedule. Imagine you're planning a big event, like a wedding. You have a timeline for when each task should be completed, from sending out invitations to booking the venue. Now, what if you had a tool that could help you capture this initial plan and then track how well you're sticking to it? That's essentially what the new feature in Microsoft Planner aims to do.

Microsoft Planner is introducing a new capability called "Baseline with Task Level Variance." Think of the baseline as your original wedding plan. You set this baseline at the beginning, and it serves as your reference point. As you move forward, you can compare your current progress against this baseline to see if you're on track or if there are any delays.

For example, let's say you planned to send out invitations by the end of March, but it's now mid-April, and the invitations are still not sent. The tool will show you this variance, highlighting the delay. This is similar to having a wedding planner who keeps reminding you of the tasks that are falling behind schedule.

This feature is particularly useful for project managers, HR staff, and lawyers who often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines. It provides a clear visual representation of where the project stands compared to where it was supposed to be. Just like how a wedding planner helps ensure that everything is done on time, this tool helps you keep your projects on track.

By capturing a baseline and monitoring task-level variances, you can quickly identify any issues and take corrective actions before they become bigger problems. This proactive approach helps in managing resources efficiently and ensuring that deadlines are met.

In summary, the new "Baseline with Task Level Variance" feature in Microsoft Planner is like having a meticulous wedding planner for your projects. It helps you capture your initial plan and then continuously monitors your progress, alerting you to any deviations. This ensures that you stay on track and meet your project goals efficiently.