PPM Express has rolled out exciting updates in the first quarter of 2024, bringing new features, enhanced functionalities, and improvements to optimize project management workflows. Here are all the latest developments that are shaping the PPM Express platform.
Enhanced Authentication Management
PPM Express now offers administrators greater control over users' authentication options. The Tenant Settings page includes a feature to restrict the available sign-up and login methods based on selected authentication providers. Administrators can now specify which authentication methods are allowed for the organization, such as Office 365 or Google.
This customization ensures that only the pre-approved authentication methods are visible during user login, helping streamline the login process and maintain security. However, if an authentication method is currently in use, administrators must first deactivate users utilizing that method before it can be restricted. The Default Authentication Provider setting is also available, allowing administrators to pre-select the login method for user invitations, further simplifying user onboarding.
Demand and Innovation Management Plan
A new Demand and Innovation Management plan is now available in PPM Express. This plan includes essential tools for managing resources, tracking business challenges, monitoring strategic priorities, and generating detailed Power BI reports. It’s a perfect solution for organizations looking to innovate and align their projects with overarching business goals.
AI-Powered Risk and Task Generation
Artificial intelligence is continuing to enhance project management within PPM Express. The platform now includes AI-powered capabilities to generate project risks and tasks based on project data. With the integration of PPM Insights AI, project managers can leverage AI to automatically generate risk assessments and tasks, helping them stay ahead of potential issues and better organize their project workflows.
For tasks, simply input project context and the AI will generate a detailed task list. Project managers can preview and modify tasks before finalizing them, streamlining task creation and reducing manual planning time.
New 'Tasks' Column
A new "Tasks" column has been added to the Projects page, featuring the PPM Express Tasks icon and icons from any connected systems linked to the project. Clicking any icon will open the Tasks page for easy navigation and management.
Improved Navigation with Updated Menu Placement
The additional menu, previously accessed via the ellipsis button, has been relocated next to the Name field for better navigation. This update improves usability without changing any settings. The Name field for entities with additional settings is now fixed, ensuring a consistent layout across sections like Iterations, Risks, Issues, and more.
Updates to the Lessons Learned Section
The Lessons Learned section has been updated. The multiline field is now renamed Description, though any custom names will remain intact. A Lesson Name field and additional settings have also been added. The new field will be required but empty, and bulk updates can be made via CSV import/export. Both the Name and Description columns have been added in OData, while the Lesson Learned column remains for compatibility with existing reports.
Embedded Content Section
The Embedded Content section lets users embed external links, videos, web pages, or Power BI reports directly into their dashboards. This integration provides easy access to external resources without leaving the PPM Express environment, making it more efficient for users to manage their projects.
View Tasks Button
A new ‘View Tasks’ button has been introduced, allowing users to quickly navigate to the Project Schedule.
New Resource Management Plan
PPM Express now offers a Resource Management subscription plan (available monthly or annually), which includes:
- Unlimited Project Management functionality.
- Integration with Microsoft Project and the ability to publish MPP tasks as linked projects within PPM Express.
- Resource Planning and detailed My Space dashboards for better resource tracking and allocation.
- Access to over 100 Power BI reports, providing valuable insights into resource usage and project performance.
Project Digest via AI
The AI Project Digest feature has been introduced, enabling project managers to generate automated project summaries. These digests can be customized to include project data such as statuses, milestones, risks, and issues and sent directly to stakeholders via email. This functionality helps save time and ensures that all stakeholders are updated with project developments, enhancing communication and reducing manual reporting efforts.
Streamlined People Management and Permissions
PPM Express has improved its People Management capabilities by adding more granular permissions for managing Objectives. Users can now grant specific access to the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) module based on role type, allowing for greater flexibility and control over who can view or edit objectives. These changes make managing user permissions more straightforward and customizable.
Enhanced Benefits Management
For those managing project budgets, a new Benefits section has been added to Projects, Programs, Portfolios, and Ideas. This section helps track the expected positive outcomes from project implementation, including financial metrics like Estimated ROI. Project managers can now assess the benefits of their projects alongside budget forecasts, providing a clearer picture of project success and alignment with strategic goals.
Bulk Actions for Project Management
PPM Express now allows bulk actions for tasks, making it easier to manage large numbers of tasks at once. Project managers can select multiple tasks and apply changes using the toolbar, including actions like Indent/Outdent, Link/Unlink, Set Progress, and Clone. This feature reduces the time spent on repetitive tasks and enhances the overall efficiency of task management.
Conclusion
PPM Express continues to evolve with these exciting updates, providing project managers with the tools to streamline their workflows, enhance collaboration, and improve project outcomes. Stay tuned for more features and improvements in the coming months!
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