Planview Project Portfolio Management Review for 2025
Planview is a project portfolio management tool that helps organizations align their projects with strategic goals. It best serves large enterprises and industries like IT, finance, and healthcare, where managing complex project portfolios is critical. Planview's value lies in its ability to provide clarity and control over resources, enabling your team to make informed decisions and achieve strategic outcomes.
In this article, you'll find a detailed review of Planview's features, pros and cons, best and worst use cases, pricing, and more. If you're looking to enhance your project management capabilities and align your team's efforts with your strategic goals, this guide is for you.
Planview Evaluation Summary
- Pricing upon request
- Free trial available + free demo
- Core Features
- Standout Features
- Ease of Use
- Onboarding
- Customer Support
- Value for Money
In my opinion, Planview is a strong player in the project portfolio management space, excelling in flexibility and resource management. It offers superior customization in dashboards and real-time analytics, aiding informed decision-making. However, its complex setup and steep learning curve may deter users from seeking a more intuitive interface.
While its extensive functionality benefits large enterprises, it can overwhelm smaller teams or those new to PPM software. Planview’s resource management features are ideal for organizations needing efficient allocation and tracking across multiple projects.
However, it falls short in user interface simplicity and onboarding, where other tools may offer a more user-friendly experience. For businesses prioritizing analytics and resource management, Planview is a strong choice, but those seeking quick implementation and ease of use might consider alternatives.
Why You Can Trust Us
Planview Overview
pros
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The tool scales well for large enterprises managing complex portfolios.
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Its project visualization features enhance your team's strategic planning.
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Planview's robust reporting tools help your team make data-driven decisions.
cons
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Planview might feel overwhelming if your team has simpler project needs.
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The initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming for your team.
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Some end users find the interface less intuitive than they’d like.
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Are You a Good Fit for Planview?
Who Would Be a Good Fit for Planview?
Planview is built for large enterprises in IT, finance, and healthcare that manage complex projects. It helps teams align strategic goals with execution through strong reporting and visualization tools.
With detailed resource management and oversight features, it’s well-suited for departments handling large portfolios. Its scalability supports growing project demands.
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IT Departments
Planview's detailed resource management helps your IT team allocate and track resources efficiently.
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Finance Teams
Its strategic alignment features ensure your finance projects meet organizational goals
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Healthcare Organizations
The tool’s scalability supports your complex and evolving healthcare project needs.
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Large Enterprises
If your company manages extensive portfolios, Planview’s robust features are a perfect fit.
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Project Managers
Planview’s visualization tools enhance your project planning and execution.
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Strategic Planners
Its reporting capabilities help you make informed, data-driven decisions for your team.
Who Would Be a Bad Fit for Planview?
Planview may not be suitable for small businesses or startups with simple project needs. Its complexity can be overwhelming for teams that prefer a straightforward, user-friendly interface.
If your company doesn’t require detailed resource management, strategic alignment, or scalability, Planview’s extensive features might be more than you need.
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Small Startups
If your startup values simplicity, Planview’s complexity could be more than you need.
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Freelancer
Planview’s robust features are excessive for individual project tracking.
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Creative Agencies
If your agency requires intuitive interfaces, Planview might feel cumbersome.
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Non-Technical Teams
Planview’s detailed configurations can overwhelm teams without technical expertise.
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Simple Projects
For projects with straightforward needs, Planview’s extensive tools may be unnecessary.
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Budget-Conscious Companies
If your company prioritizes cost-efficiency, Planview’s advanced features might not justify the expense.
Our Review Methodology
How We Test & Score Tools
We’ve spent years building, refining, and improving our software testing and scoring system. The rubric is designed to capture the nuances of software selection and what makes a tool effective, focusing on critical aspects of the decision-making process.
Below, you can see exactly how our testing and scoring works across seven criteria. It allows us to provide an unbiased evaluation of the software based on core functionality, standout features, ease of use, onboarding, customer support, integrations, customer reviews, and value for money.
Core Functionality (25% of final scoring)
The starting point of our evaluation is always the core functionality of the tool. Does it have the basic features and functions that a user would expect to see? Are any of those core features locked to higher-tiered pricing plans? At its core, we expect a tool to stand up against the baseline capabilities of its competitors.
Standout Features (25% of final scoring)
Next, we evaluate uncommon standout features that go above and beyond the core functionality typically found in tools of its kind. A high score reflects specialized or unique features that make the product faster, more efficient, or offer additional value to the user.
We also evaluate how easy it is to integrate with other tools typically found in the tech stack to expand the functionality and utility of the software. Tools offering plentiful native integrations, 3rd party connections, and API access to build custom integrations score best.
Ease of Use (10% of final scoring)
We consider how quick and easy it is to execute the tasks defined in the core functionality using the tool. High scoring software is well designed, intuitive to use, offers mobile apps, provides templates, and makes relatively complex tasks seem simple.
Onboarding (10% of final scoring)
We know how important rapid team adoption is for a new platform, so we evaluate how easy it is to learn and use a tool with minimal training. We evaluate how quickly a team member can get set up and start using the tool with no experience. High scoring solutions indicate little or no support is required.
Customer Support (10% of final scoring)
We review how quick and easy it is to get unstuck and find help by phone, live chat, or knowledge base.Tools and companies that provide real-time support score best, while chatbots score worst.
Customer Reviews (10% of final scoring)
Beyond our own testing and evaluation, we consider the net promoter score from current and past customers. We review their likelihood, given the option, to choose the tool again for the core functionality. A high scoring software reflects a high net promoter score from current or past customers.
Value for Money (10% of final scoring)
Lastly, in consideration of all the other criteria, we review the average price of entry level plans against the core features and consider the value of the other evaluation criteria. Software that delivers more, for less, will score higher.
Core Features
Resource Management: Planview lets your team allocate and track resources efficiently, ensuring you use them optimally. It provides a clear view of resource availability and utilization.
Project Visualization: You can use Gantt charts, kanban boards, and dashboards to visualize your projects, making planning and tracking simpler. This feature helps your team stay aligned with project timelines.
Reporting Tools: With robust reporting, you can generate detailed reports to make informed decisions. It helps your team understand project performance and areas needing attention.
Portfolio Management: Planview allows you to manage multiple projects within a portfolio, aligning them with strategic goals. It provides oversight and control over your project landscape.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate project risks with Planview’s risk management tools. This helps your team anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate.
Strategic Alignment: Ensure your projects align with your organizational goals through Planview’s strategic alignment features. It guides your team in prioritizing initiatives that matter most.
Standout Features
Scenario Planning: Planview lets you create and evaluate different scenarios to foresee potential project outcomes. This feature helps your team prepare for uncertainties and make strategic choices.
Financial Management: You can track project costs and budgets with Planview’s financial management tools, ensuring financial control. It supports your team in maintaining budgetary discipline and optimizing expenditures.
Ease of Use
Planview offers a wide range of features, but its complexity can be challenging for new users. The interface may feel overwhelming for teams unfamiliar with advanced project management tools.
However, once users adapt to the layout, they gain access to powerful functionality that supports complex project needs. The learning curve is noticeable, but the depth of tools can be worth it for managing large portfolios.
Onboarding
Planview’s onboarding process can take time and may be challenging at first. The setup and configuration require a learning commitment, but the platform offers plenty of resources to help.
With detailed tutorials and customer support, teams can gradually adapt and make the most of its features. While the initial effort is substantial, the available support helps teams unlock long-term value.
Customer Support
Planview provides reliable customer support to help your team resolve issues quickly. Users value the multiple support channels, including live chat and email, which offer fast access to assistance.
The knowledgeable support staff delivers timely solutions, reducing project disruptions. Comprehensive resources like tutorials and documentation also help your team navigate the platform with confidence, supporting ongoing productivity.
Value for Money
Planview pricing is generally higher than other project portfolio management software, reflecting its comprehensive feature set and capabilities designed for large enterprises and complex project environments.
Pricing is available upon request. While the cost may be substantial, the value it offers in terms of strategic alignment, resource management, and advanced features justifies the investment for organizations with complex project needs.
- Planview ProjectPlace: Provides unlimited projects, Kanban boards, Gantt charts, document management, communication tools, meeting management, mobile apps, task and work management, and collaborative workstreams.
- Planview AgilePlace: Includes Kanban boards, Lean metrics, custom workflows, integrations with agile tools, real-time updates, agile product management, reporting, analytics, user roles and permissions, and mobile access.
- Planview Portfolios (formerly Planview Enterprise One): Offers financial management, resource management, project portfolio management, scenario planning, reporting, analytics, strategic alignment, capacity planning, and risk management.
- Planview AdaptiveWork: Features demand management, client project planning, resource planning, portfolio management, dynamic reports, dashboards, goals management, automated PowerPoint reports, risk management, and centralized data architecture.
- Planview PPM Pro: Includes project management, resource management, time tracking, financial management, reporting, analytics, portfolio management, and customizable dashboards.
Planview Details
Planview Specs
- API
- External Integrations
- Gantt Charts
- Google Apps Integration
- Resource Management
- Task Scheduling/Tracking
Planview Videos & Screenshots
Alternatives to Planview
Planview Frequently Asked Questions
How does Planview handle data security and compliance?
Planview prioritizes data security with strong encryption and compliance with industry standards like GDPR and ISO. Data is stored in secure data centers, which undergo regular audits to maintain compliance. The platform also offers access control tools, allowing you to manage who can view or edit sensitive project information.
Can Planview support remote teams effectively?
Yes, Planview supports remote work with cloud-based access to all features. Your team members can collaborate and manage projects from anywhere using real-time updates and communication tools. This flexibility helps keep remote teams aligned and productive.
Is Planview suitable for agile project management?
Planview supports agile methodologies with features like Kanban boards and customizable workflows. These tools can be tailored to your agile processes, making it easier to manage sprints, track backlogs, and adapt quickly. This flexibility helps your team stay agile throughout project execution.
How customizable is Planview for specific project needs?
Planview offers extensive customization, allowing you to tailor dashboards, reports, and workflows to fit your project needs. You can configure these elements to match your team’s specific processes and goals, ensuring the platform aligns with how you work.
What kind of training resources does Planview provide?
Planview provides a range of training resources, including online tutorials, webinars, and documentation, to help your team learn the platform. These materials guide users through its features and support teams in making the most of Planview for their projects.
How does Planview facilitate strategic planning?
Planview supports strategic planning with tools for scenario analysis and portfolio management. You can evaluate different project scenarios and align them with your strategic goals, helping your team prioritize initiatives that drive success.
Can Planview integrate with my existing tools and systems?
Planview does offer integrations with various third-party tools and systems like ServiceNow, Microsoft Azure DevOps, Jira, and Micro Focus ALM to streamline your project management processes. These integrations help in creating a seamless workflow by connecting Planview with your existing tech stack.
How does Planview ensure user adoption and engagement?
Planview promotes user adoption through an intuitive interface and strong support resources. Its onboarding process, along with ongoing customer support, helps your team learn and use the platform effectively. This approach encourages high adoption rates and long-term engagement.
Planview Company Overview & History
Planview is a leading provider of project portfolio management solutions that help organizations manage their projects, resources, and strategic initiatives. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Planview employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people. The company is known for its innovative approach in the PPM industry, and it owns other products, including Projectplace and LeanKit.
Planview is recognized for its strong work culture and has been featured in various Planview news articles. Notable clients include Fortune 500 companies that rely on Planview's solutions to drive their project management strategies.
Planview Major Milestones
- 1989: Founded in Austin, Texas, by Patrick Durbin.
- 1997: Released the first version of its project portfolio management software, Planview Enterprise
- 2004: Established itself as the industry leader in cloud-based PPM software by launching a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution.
- 2014-2020: Planview expanded its solution suite with acquisitions, including Projectplace (2014), Troux Technologies (2015), Innotas (2016), LeanKit (2017), Spigit (2018), and Aptage (2020).
- 2022-2023: The company reached a record revenue
What's Next?
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