MC937952 – (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Updated Planner tab experience (archived)

Product:

Planner, Project, Teams

Platform:

Mac, Online, Teams And Surface Devices, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

Feature update, Updated message, User impact

Links:

464175

Details:

Summary:
The Microsoft Teams Planner tab is being updated to include built-in templates for creating plans. The rollout, now rescheduled, will begin mid-January 2025 and end by late January. Users with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Project licenses can also add premium plans. No admin action is required before the rollout.

Details:
Updated January 15, 2025: We have updated the rollout timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Before this rollout, users with a Microsoft 365 license can use the Planner tab in Microsoft Teams to create and add existing basic plans and lists to standard channels in Teams. With this update, these users will be able to use built-in templates in the Planner tab in Teams to create plans. If users have licenses for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Project, they can also create and add existing premium plans to Planner tabs. Plans added to Teams channels with the existing Planner tab will continue to work after the rollout and will not be affected by the rollout. This message applies to Teams for Windows desktop, Teams for Mac desktop, and Teams for the web.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 464175.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-January 2025 (previously early January) and expect to complete by late January 2025 (previously mid-January).

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2024-11-20

updated:
2025-01-16

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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or disruption in their workflow due to the introduction of built-in templates without prior notification or training, leading to potential misuse or underutilization of the new features.
   - roles: End Users, Project Managers
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-and-use-a-planner-tab-in-microsoft-teams-83302f43-f821-47d0-8181-921c36437e22" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-and-use-a-planner-tab-in-microsoft-teams-83302f43-f821-47d0-8181-921c36437e22, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-planner-app#enable-or-disable-planner-in-your-organization " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-planner-app#enable-or-disable-planner-in-your-organization

Increased Support Requests
The rollout may lead to an increase in support requests from users who are unfamiliar with the new features, impacting IT support resources and response times.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464175, https://support.microsoft.com/office/standard-private-or-shared-channels-in-microsoft-teams-de3e20b0-7494-439c-b7e5-75899ebe6a0e

Documentation and Training Gaps
Existing documentation may not be updated in time for the rollout, leading to gaps in user knowledge and potential errors in plan creation and management.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, Documentation Specialists
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-planner-app#enable-or-disable-planner-in-your-organization, https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-and-use-a-planner-tab-in-microsoft-teams-83302f43-f821-47d0-8181-921c36437e22" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-and-use-a-planner-tab-in-microsoft-teams-83302f43-f821-47d0-8181-921c36437e22

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Enhanced User Experience with Built-in Templates
The introduction of built-in templates in the Planner tab will significantly streamline the planning process for users. This will allow teams to quickly set up projects without starting from scratch, improving efficiency and reducing the time spent on project setup.
   - next-steps: Communicate the new features to users and provide training sessions to familiarize them with the built-in templates. Update internal documentation to reflect these changes.
   - roles: Project Managers, Team Leaders, Administrative Staff
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-planner-app#enable-or-disable-planner-in-your-organization, https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-and-use-a-planner-tab-in-microsoft-teams-83302f43-f821-47d0-8181-921c36437e22

Integration of Premium Plans
With the ability to add premium plans for users with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Project licenses, organizations can leverage advanced planning features that may enhance project tracking and resource management, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.
   - next-steps: Identify users who have the necessary licenses and encourage them to utilize premium plans. Provide support and resources to help them transition to using these advanced features effectively.
   - roles: Project Managers, IT Administrators, Department Heads
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=464175, https://support.microsoft.com/office/standard-private-or-shared-channels-in-microsoft-teams-de3e20b0-7494-439c-b7e5-75899ebe6a0e

Improved Documentation and User Guidance
Updating user documentation and providing guidance on the new features will enhance user experience and reduce confusion during the transition. Clear instructions will help users maximize the benefits of the new Planner tab features.
   - next-steps: Review and update all relevant user documentation and training materials. Schedule training sessions or webinars to guide users through the new functionalities.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support Staff, Team Leaders
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/manage-planner-app#enable-or-disable-planner-in-your-organization, https://support.microsoft.com/office/add-and-use-a-planner-tab-in-microsoft-teams-83302f43-f821-47d0-8181-921c36437e22

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

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