Microsoft Project vs. Smartsheet Comparison: Which Should You Use?

Posted on 04/20/2024 by Niko Venev

While there are several popular project management tools on the market, project managers often find themselves choosing between two: Microsoft Project and Smartsheet. Although similar in overall function, each offers unique features that can make selecting the right software essential to project management success.


       

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The Basics of Microsoft Project vs. Smartsheet

When trying to decide whether you want to use MS Project or Smartsheet to manage your projects, consider what you want to get done and how much you want this one piece of software to handle. Microsoft Project offers advanced features that can get into the minutiae of project management. In addition to facilitating project management tasks, however, Smartsheet branches out into providing other business tools, like industry data tracking, and can pull double duty by functioning like office productivity software. If you choose MS Project, similar tasks will have to be completed using Microsoft's other programs (which you may or may not already have and use).

It can be challenging to compare these two project management programs because their perceived advantages and disadvantages can shift depending on the user's needs. For example, while MS Project is renowned for offering numerous project management functions and detailed project views, Smartsheet is known for providing a variety of customization options, from formatting to cross-project views.

 

MS Project vs. Smartsheet Collaboration Features

Invariably, when project managers need to decide between using Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, one of the main determining factors is collaboration capabilities, as collaboration can be essential to a project's success. Although MS Project offers complex project management tools, it can be lacking in collaboration features. In addition, sharing information between two people can require that both use MS Project as well as other Microsoft products, like Microsoft Teams, which can host chat and video conferences. In contrast, Smartsheet offers a number of convenient collaboration features, such as secure file-sharing and attachments, comments, and notifications. These can also be accessed from a mobile device. Smartsheet is also much easier to integrate with third-party applications and platforms.

 

Should You Use Microsoft Project or Smartsheet?

The software that you choose will come down to your professional needs and priorities and your personal preferences.

  • If you prefer to work in a digital environment that resembles a spreadsheet, Smartsheet can be the natural choice.
  • Users who find using templates to be convenient should opt for Microsoft Project.
  • Those who anticipate having to work on complex projects may prefer Microsoft Project.
  • If you have a large team that needs to collaborate in real time, Smartsheet will provide the most benefits.
  • Should you have to work with teams outside of your company, you may want to choose Microsoft Project, since it's considered the industry standard in project management software and you may save yourself from a Microsoft Project vs. Smartsheet conflict.
  • Businesses that have already invested in third-party apps and platforms for their operations may consider choosing Smartsheet to keep costs down.
  • Business owners and project managers who need a little bit more power behind their data analysis and business intelligence would do well to choose Microsoft Project. The program allows for visual representations of your project's status. It may also help you crunch numbers, including those related to budgets, costs and changing rates. Furthermore, the automation of tracking, approvals, reminders and notifications is possible with MS Project, which can save you time and increase your productivity.
  • Cost can be a significant consideration in the Microsoft Project vs. Smartsheet debate for business owners, and for those with modest budgets, Smartsheet is the best choice.
  • Those who anticipate needing regular support while using a project management tool may prefer to opt for Microsoft Project, as it has one of the most robust support communities available.

Examining all of these factors can help you to weigh the pros and cons of both programs and choose the best one for your needs.

 

Get the Most Out of Microsoft Project With Our Training Courses

Should you decide that Microsoft Project is the right choice, Certstaffix Training can provide you with training so that your employees can use this powerful piece of software to its full potential. While Microsoft Project is considered the industry standard for project management software due to its many features, its tools can be challenging for new users to grasp. For this reason, our courses are taught by a knowledgeable live instructor who can help students easily learn the intricacies of the program. Enroll in on-site or online MS Project classes today to begin managing projects like a professional.

 



 


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