Microsoft Project

What differentiates Microsoft Project from other similar products?

The depth of its features is unmatched. When I’m working on a large, complex project with multiple dependencies, I find the advanced scheduling tools—like critical path analysis and resource leveling—are lifesavers. Simpler tools like Trello or Asana just don’t offer that level of detail. What really sets it apart for me is the customization. I can tailor Gantt charts, reports, and even the fields to fit exactly what my team needs. It’s a bit of a learning curve at first, but once you figure it out, it's great.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

I love the resource management features. It’s not just about assigning tasks—I can track workloads, spot over-allocations, and make adjustments before they become problems. For bigger teams or shared resources, this is a game-changer. Another thing I appreciate is how well it integrates with the Microsoft ecosystem. I use Excel, Teams, and SharePoint regularly, so being able to seamlessly pull in data or share updates across these platforms saves me a ton of time. It’s like everything is designed to work together.

What do you dislike most about this product?

From my perspective, the biggest drawback of Microsoft Project is its complexity. While the depth of features is great for managing large-scale projects, it can feel overwhelming, especially for someone new to the tool. It took me a while to get comfortable with it, and I’ve seen teammates struggle with the steep learning curve. Another frustration is the cost. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, and for smaller teams or simpler projects, the investment can feel hard to justify. There are other tools out there, like Trello or Asana, that are more affordable and easier to use for straightforward project management.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

Start with built-in templates to save time and get a sense of how the software works. You can customize these as you become more comfortable.

What differentiates Microsoft Project from other similar products?

Very large suite of Microsoft products so it allows you to utilize it in cooperation with other Microsoft products which in return allows more features and capabilities.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

We use teams for our daily communication so Microsoft Project is integrated perfectly.

What do you dislike most about this product?

No dislikes with this product.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

Check it out and see if it works for you.

What differentiates Microsoft Project from other similar products?

The product is stable and easy to use. My direct reports enjoyed the product. The training that we received was excellent. The ease of use and knowing that support was available when needed provided a level of comfort for me and my team.

What is your favorite aspect of this product?

The Gantt Charts and the ability to change line items promptly when needed. We are able to track the amount of billable hours to help with the monthly, quarterly and annual reviews to help solidify the return on our investment.

What do you dislike most about this product?

I did not have any dislikes when using the product. The product allowed me to get items completed and use some of the schedules for the next project as a template.

What recommendations would you give to someone considering this product?

I would advise the person to identify what is really needed in their PMO. Next, document the benefits that will help their organization and allow the Project Managers to review and modify the product items when needed.