Process Bridge is an add-in to Microsoft Project that we use to reorganize the elements (toolbars, views, tables, filters, groups, fields, etc.) in Microsoft Project to accomplish these objectives (download pdf):  

1. Provide a planning & tracking process that fits with the way Microsoft Project is conceptually designed for PMs to follow when using Project

2. Organize the MS Project around all of the features we use to manage projects vs. what features Microsoft decided to advertise

3. Reduce the learning curve by 75% if resource management is a primary objective of using MS Project

4. Create a way to use the tool more efficiently by eliminating much of the hunt & peck interface

5. Offer a conceptual learning path to follow that would facilitate becoming an expert with the MS Project in a much shorter period of time

Process Bridge has been available for Microsoft Project since Version 4 released in 1993 with the macro capabilities introduced in Version 3 a year earlier.

 

 

 

Sample screen for Process Bridge:

	Click to enlarge screen With Process Bridge, the MAP graphic shown above becomes available right within Microsoft Project. Click on one of the steps on the Project MAP graphic and MS Project is automatically set up for what you need to do during that planning or tracking step. For instance, click on the step  Level Workload and a tool bar opens that walks you through the three steps of Identifying Resource Overallocations, Analyzing Resource Workloads, and Leveling Resource Workloads.    Click on the second button of this toolbar and the MS Project screen is formatted with what you need in order to analyze actual workloads.
	Click to enlarge screen Process Bridge also provides other features such a Reports dialog box that organizes reports around the MAP planning and tracking methodology as shown below, and includes reference points to the Project Management Institute's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®).
	Click to enlarge large Experienced Microsoft Project users tell us that Process Bridge dramatically cuts down on the frustrating screen manipulation necessary in Microsoft Project for planning and tracking activities. Process Bridge facilitates planning, explaining, and reporting with teams and other stakeholders in real time.  New MS Project users tell us that it gets them up and running on their first plans much faster than they expected, and that it makes Microsoft Project more intuitive and easier to use. Individual copies of Process Bridge or site licenses are available.