MC910987 – Microsoft Project for web: Roadmap admin toggle | Microsoft Planner: New Portfolios feature (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, Planner, Project, Project for the web, Teams

Platform:

Online, Teams And Surface Devices, TeamsAndSurfaceDevices, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Admin impact, Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

187140

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft is introducing a new Portfolios feature in Planner for Premium license holders, which includes a list of plans and a Roadmap. Admins can enable/disable this feature and the existing Roadmap in Project for the web via the Microsoft 365 admin center. Rollouts begin late October 2024, with full availability in late December 2024. The features are enabled by default.

Details:
Updated November 19, 2024: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
\Coming soon for Microsoft Planner customers with Premium Planner licenses (P3 and P5):
Users will be able to create Portfolios in Planner, which will have a list of plans and an associated Roadmap, giving Planner users an upgraded experience compared to the Roadmap in Microsoft Project for the web. The Project for the web Roadmap will not be changed and will continue to work as it currently does.
Admins will be able to enable/disable the Roadmap in Project for the web and Portfolios in Planner in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 187140.
[When this will happen:]
Public Preview: We will begin rolling out late October 2024 and expect to complete by late October 2024.
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early November 2024 and expect to complete by late December 2024 (previously mid-November).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2024-10-15

updated:
2025-01-15

Public Preview Start Date

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Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Feature Enablement without Preparation
The new Portfolios feature in Planner and the Roadmap in Project for the web will be enabled by default, potentially leading to confusion among users who are not prepared for the changes, resulting in decreased productivity and user frustration.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Members
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=187140

Lack of Documentation and Training
If admins do not prepare documentation or training for the new features, users may struggle to utilize the new functionalities effectively, leading to underutilization of the tools and a negative impact on project management efficiency.
   - roles: IT Administrators, End Users
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=187140

Potential Configuration Issues
Automatic rollout of features without prior configuration checks may lead to settings that do not align with organizational needs, causing disruptions in project tracking and management processes.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Project Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=187140

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced Project Management with Portfolios
The new Portfolios feature in Planner allows users to structure their plans into portfolios, providing a comprehensive overview of multiple projects. This enhancement can improve project tracking and management, leading to better resource allocation and prioritization.
   - next-steps: Conduct training sessions for project managers and team leads on utilizing the Portfolios feature effectively. Monitor the adoption rate and gather feedback for further improvements.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leads, Executives
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=187140

Improved Administrative Control
With the ability to enable/disable the Roadmap in Project for the web and Portfolios in Planner via the Microsoft 365 admin center, IT admins can better manage the features available to users, ensuring that only necessary tools are accessible, thus streamlining user experience.
   - next-steps: Review current admin settings and configurations to align with organizational needs. Prepare documentation and communication for admins regarding the new toggles and their implications.
   - roles: IT Administrators, System Administrators
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=187140

Increased User Engagement and Collaboration
The integration of Portfolios and Roadmaps can foster greater collaboration among teams by providing a unified view of project statuses. This can lead to enhanced communication and engagement across departments, ultimately driving project success.
   - next-steps: Organize cross-departmental workshops to demonstrate the benefits of the new features. Set up a feedback loop to assess user engagement and areas for improvement.
   - roles: Team Members, Department Heads, Project Stakeholders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=187140

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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