What Microsoft Planner does
Planner offers a visual and flexible way to organise tasks and projects. Basic plans, formerly known as Planner, are suitable for simpler tracking. Premium plans, previously Project for the Web, provide more advanced features like dependencies, resource management, and Gantt charts. Key elements include assignments, buckets (for grouping tasks), and labels for customisation. Microsoft Copilot is now integrated, offering AI-powered assistance with task creation and summarisation.
Planner in Australian tenants today
For AU mid-market organisations, Planner often sits between Microsoft Lists (for basic tracking) and Microsoft Project (for formal project management). The dominant entry point is typically through Microsoft Teams tabs, reflecting the shift towards Teams-centric workflows. Premium Planner functionality necessitates a Microsoft 365 Business Premium licence, impacting cost considerations. Organisations should review their licensing posture to ensure appropriate access and compliance with internal governance policies.