Every thriving business requires effective tools to manage and allocate workloads. Enter Microsoft Planner - an intuitive, team-based project management application designed to streamline task assignments, optimise productivity, and foster collaboration. For many SMEs, this tool may already be at their fingertips. Included in most commercial Microsoft Office 365 licences, before you're swayed by the allure of the latest advertised solutions, consider the power of what you already possess. Here are compelling reasons why Microsoft Planner might be the best-kept secret in your Microsoft 365 arsenal.

1. Greater Transparency: Know What's Getting Done

Transparency is the foundation of trust, especially in a business setting. With Microsoft Planner, team leaders and members can gain real-time insights into the status of various tasks and projects. Visual dashboards and email notifications mean everyone remains in the loop, and there's never any ambiguity about what's being worked on. This clear visibility promotes accountability and ensures all hands are on deck, propelling projects to completion.

2. Emphasis on Execution: A True Focus on Getting Work Done

At its core, Microsoft Planner is designed to drive action. Its intuitive interface encourages the creation, assignment, and tracking of tasks, ensuring that projects don’t just stay as plans but move forward. With features like prioritisation, integrated calendars, and visual task boards, the emphasis shifts from mere planning to actual execution.

3. Traceability: Track Performance and Progress

With Planner, it's not just about what is getting done, but also who is doing it. Managers can easily trace task completion rates and individual contributions, ensuring that everyone is pulling their weight. This traceability isn't about micromanagement, but rather about understanding team dynamics, rewarding top performers, and offering support where needed.

4. Seamless Integration: A Cohesive Microsoft Ecosystem

Perhaps one of the most compelling features of Microsoft Planner is its impeccable integration with other Microsoft products. If your team already uses Microsoft Teams for communication or Microsoft To-Do for task management, incorporating Planner becomes seamless. Shared tasks, discussions, and files across these platforms mean there's less time spent toggling between apps and more time spent on actual productive work.

Conclusion:

For SMEs already equipped with a Microsoft 365 licence, diving into Microsoft Planner is a no-brainer. Not only does it offer robust project management features, but its alignment with other Microsoft tools ensures a cohesive, integrated, and efficient workflow. So, before being swayed by the next shiny tool that pops up in an online ad, take a moment to explore the potential of what's already at your disposal with Microsoft Planner. With Xaura.io's guidance, make the most of your existing resources and elevate your team's productivity to new heights.