Chapter 1: Introducing Project Operations

Microsoft Project Operations begins a new generation of project management capabilities combined with the power of the Microsoft 365 platform! Many years ago, Microsoft entered the office solution category and now Microsoft 365 dominates all other solutions. Project Operations is designed to provide you with the tools to expand your customer base by providing a connected environment from sales through delivery through planning to financial reporting and profitability.

Project Operations optimizes an already-proficient organization by providing optimized resource utilization and project economics. It allows you to amplify communication across project teams, collaborate externally and internally, and act upon up-to-date insights in a project. Furthermore, Project Operations simplifies time tracking and expense management while at the same time evolving with a modern and adaptable platform.

In this chapter, you will understand the key principles of the Project Operations solution and how it works. This chapter will help you to understand the key principles and concepts of the project business industry. People with the titles of project manager, practice manager or portfolio managers and consultants alike will understand the value of the solution and how it will improve project planning, execution, and accounting. Understanding where we intend to be is the first key to success. This chapter will define the success criteria of the Project Operations solution.

In this chapter, you will learn about the following concepts:

• Key principles and concepts for project managers, project leaders, or business consultants so that you know how you, personally, fit into the solution for your clients
• Project businesses at a glance to get to know how your company fits into similar industries
• The value of the Microsoft Project Operations solution so you can determine how this solution benefits your company, you (personally), and your industry peers
• Key performance results of implementing a Project Operations solution benefitting the firm by knowing your key performance statistics
• The overall solution value of a connected organization so you can connect internally and externally
• How to achieve more profitable projects in Project Operations so your firm benefits from the hard work performed
• Better decision making through better tools so you can spend the most time on the most beneficial activities
• Better customer/client relationships through communication, collaboration, and information so that you can enjoy the journey with your clients