For decades, Microsoft Project has been a go-to solution for project planning and resource scheduling. However, as work has become more dynamic and cross-functional, modern project teams are seeking more flexible, intuitive, and collaborative platforms. This shift has led to a rise in demand for Microsoft Project alternatives that better support agile planning, cross-departmental visibility, and strategic portfolio alignment.
In this article, we examine seven major players in the world of Project Portfolio Management tools—including Triskell, Planview, North Highland, The Digital Project Manager, ProjectManager, Smartsheet, and Wrike. Each tool brings unique capabilities, but one stands out as the most robust and adaptable solution for growing organizations: Triskell.
Let’s explore the landscape of these PPM tools and see how they measure up.
1. Triskell
Overview:
Triskell is a next-generation PPM solution that goes beyond traditional project management. With its structure and architecture, it enables teams to manage projects, portfolios, programs, and strategic objectives all in one platform.
Key Features:
- Strategic alignment of projects and portfolios
- Modules for management, resource capacity and more
- Reporting and dashboards
- Real-time collaboration and customizable workflows
Best for: Organizations that need more than task tracking—particularly enterprises managing multiple portfolios across departments.
2. Planview
Overview:
Planview is a popular enterprise platform offering robust portfolio and work management. It’s recognized for its deep integrations and resource management capabilities.
Key Features:
- Portfolio planning and roadmapping
- Resource capacity planning
- Agile and hybrid methodology support
- Integrations with Jira, SAP, and ServiceNow
Strengths:
Planview’s strength lies in traditional resource forecasting and IT governance.
Weaknesses:
Its complexity can create a steep learning curve, especially for mid-sized teams. Customizations often require IT involvement.
3. North Highland
Overview:
North Highland is not a software tool per se but a consultancy offering project management solutions, including advisory services and tool deployment.
Key Features:
- Strategic transformation consulting
- Enterprise PMO implementation
- Portfolio governance guidance
Strengths:
Highly personalized support with experienced consultants.
Weaknesses:
Not an actual PPM software—requires pairing with third-party platforms. Costly and less agile in responding to fast-changing needs.
4. The Digital Project Manager
Overview:
This platform is primarily a knowledge hub and community for project managers, offering reviews, templates, and training. They recommend tools rather than being a tool themselves.
Key Features:
- Project management training
- Tool reviews and buying guides
- Community forums
Strengths:
Excellent for new PMs looking to compare tools or learn methodologies.
Weaknesses:
Not a functional PPM tool. Users must find and implement tools separately.
5. ProjectManager
Overview:
ProjectManager offers a straightforward SaaS platform for managing projects with Gantt charts, task lists, and reports.
Key Features:
- Gantt charts and Kanban boards
- Time tracking
- Basic portfolio-level views
Strengths:
Simple interface, suitable for small teams and non-technical users.
Weaknesses:
Limited portfolio management depth. Customization and strategic planning features are minimal.
6. Smartsheet
Overview:
Smartsheet combines spreadsheet familiarity with work automation. It’s widely used for collaborative task tracking and simple project portfolios.
Key Features:
- Grid, Gantt, card, and calendar views
- Workflow automation
- Dashboard creation
Strengths:
Low barrier to entry with Excel-like interface.
Weaknesses:
Not purpose-built for strategic portfolio alignment. Limited capabilities for long-term scenario planning.
7. Wrike
Overview:
Wrike offers team collaboration features with customizable dashboards and task management views. It is well-suited for marketing and creative teams.
Key Features:
- Time tracking and workload views
- Automation engine
- Role-based access control
Strengths:
Great for agile collaboration and visual project planning.
Weaknesses:
Portfolio-level visibility and strategic governance features are limited. Resource planning lacks depth.
Comparative Summary Table
| Tool | Portfolio Management | Strategic Planning | Resource Management | Customization | Ideal For |
| Triskell | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Enterprises, PMOs, EPMOs |
| Planview | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | IT & large corporate PMOs |
| North Highland | ★★★☆☆ (via partners) | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Consulting-heavy transformation |
| The Digital PM | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | ☆☆☆☆☆ | PM knowledge seekers |
| ProjectManager | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Small teams |
| Smartsheet | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Admins familiar with spreadsheets |
| Wrike | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Marketing & creative teams |
Why Triskell Is the Top Choice
While many tools offer niche strengths, Triskell is the only solution that delivers across all critical areas of project and portfolio management:
- True scalability: Whether managing five projects or five hundred, Triskell adapts without losing performance or clarity.
- Strategic integration: Unlike most Microsoft Project alternatives, Triskell links daily task execution with enterprise-level objectives, enabling real-time strategic alignment.
- Unified platform: From demand intake to budgeting, KPIs, and scenario planning, Triskell keeps every aspect under a single ecosystem.
- Real resource planning: Capacity vs. demand planning, workload forecasting, and cost control are fully embedded—not just plug-ins.
Real-World Use Cases
Case Study: A Global Retailer
A leading European retail chain replaced three legacy tools (including MS Project and Excel) with Triskell to manage its IT and marketing portfolios. After deployment:
- Resource allocation became 40% faster
- Portfolio decision-making improved due to real-time scenario planning
- The company saved over €250,000 annually by eliminating redundancies
Case Study: Governmental Agency
Facing high regulatory compliance and fragmented workflows, a governmental organization used Triskell to unify its digital project landscape. Results included:
- 80% improvement in reporting accuracy
- Cross-departmental collaboration increased
- Full visibility into over 70 active initiatives
The Limitations of Microsoft Project Today
While still widely used, Microsoft Project has struggled to keep pace with modern team structures and agile methodologies. Key limitations include:
- Lack of real-time collaboration features
- Weak integration with strategic planning
- Steep learning curve for non-PM users
- Fragmented data when used with Excel or Power BI
The rise of cloud-based, modular, and more intuitive Project Portfolio Management tools has made it easier than ever to move beyond legacy systems.
Final Thoughts
When evaluating Microsoft Project alternatives, the best tool is the one that not only manages tasks, but aligns them with larger business goals, adapts to evolving workflows, and scales with organizational growth.
Triskell stands out in this landscape—not just as a competitor, but as a complete platform for modern project teams and decision-makers. Where other tools fall short—whether in portfolio visibility, strategic governance, or flexibility—Triskell delivers.
As the demands on project teams grow more complex, tools must evolve from simple schedulers to strategic engines. For any organization seeking clarity, agility, and control, Triskell is the future-proof solution worth adopting.
