Planview, implemented for life sciences performance at scale
As a trusted Planview project management services partner,
we empower life sciences companies by connecting strategy, portfolios, financial planning, capacity and delivery execution in a centralized ecosystem, with smart integrations that sync workflows and raise portfolio visibility.
We help address common portfolio and delivery challenges for life sciences leaders and deliver end-to-end Planview PPM services.

Strategic Integrated Portfolio Management
We help you address any lack of strategic alignment and poor visibility in your life sciences programs, by structuring your portfolio around business strategy and governance needs in the Planview platform. Our goal is to strengthen your decision-making and ensure that investments support major enterprise priorities.

Financial & Capacity Planning
Our experts give a simplified structure to complex financial and resource planning, by setting up connected planning workflows that brings discipline and aligns demand with real capacity. This way, we help improve accuracy in forecasting and support optimal resource utilization in your everyday initiatives.

Prioritization and Scenario Analysis
We leverage the Planview portfolio management tool to operationalize data-driven prioritization and scenario analysis, to reduce inefficient delivery and collaboration in your teams. Through a consistent decision framework, we help senior leaders make informed investment decisions and strategic trade-offs when priorities compete.

Delivery Management
By setting up smart delivery management workflows, we help reduce any inefficiencies or friction points in execution and improve collaboration for your teams. Our delivery management strategy assures accelerated delivery, higher visibility and more coordinated outcomes.

Seamless Integration Ecosystem
Our experts help your life sciences teams overcome the hassle of limited connectivity across toolchains by introducing unified workflows and real-time data synchronization in and out of Planview platforms. It resolves the risk of fragmentation and keeps everybody working from consistent, connected portfolio and delivery data.
Planview Universal Connector (through Planview Hub) creates a pathway to build integrations to any tool in your software toolchain. As a trusted partner, i2e Consulting uses this capability in enabling your life sciences teams to:









5 Best Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tools to look out for in 2026
Project Portfolio Management (PPM) software use cases have evolved in 2026, from a reporting layer to an operating engine that aligns strategy, investments, capacity and operations. Nowadays, teams need advanced PPM tools that automate manual tasks, help make confident go/no-go decisions – and much more. In this blog, we’ll break down five PPM tools to watch in 2026 and describe what makes each one a strong fit for modern-day life sciences portfolios.What is Project Portfolio Management?Project Portfolio Management (PPM) is a structured roadmap for organizations to select, invest on and steer forward a strategic mix of projects to achieve their core business goals.Unlike project management (which focuses on one project), PPM takes all initiatives into consideration to answer big-picture questions, such as: Which projects should we start, pause, or stop for utmost value realization? Do we have the resource capacity to deliver without fail? What are our precautionary measures if priorities shift or timelines are missed?Learn more about how PPM tools promote better collaboration: click here What are the key PPM goals to look forward in 2026?SPM/PPM synchronizationThe priority is shifting towards connecting strategy to delivery in one decision loop. That means aligning Strategic Portfolio Management with PPM. The goal: stronger strategic alignment, accelerated trade-offs and higher visibility from strategic themes down to milestones and outcomes.AI enablement approachAdoption of AI is growing to reduce manual work and accelerate portfolio decision-making. The most valuable use cases are auto-classifying work, flagging risk early, predicting resource overload etc.The goal: adopting an AI-enabled ecosystem that improves planning, prioritization and portfolio performance.Growing need for defined processes Lastly, strong PPM outcomes will depend on clearly defined ways of working. This includes standardizing how demand is captured, priorities are set, resources are assigned and changes are approved. Alongside, data governance becomes non-negotiable with clear ownership, audit trails, and quality checks. The goal: converting the PPM tools ecosystem into a trusted source of truth for ultimate value realization. .card-component { display: flex; border-radius: 17.5px; border: 1px solid #CEE0EB; background: linear-gradient(126deg, #EBF7FF 28.88%, #FFF 86.32%); font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; width: 80%; margin-bottom: 20px; } .card-image { width: 30%; } .card-image img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; } .card-content { width: 70%; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; padding: 24px 30px; gap: 8px; } .card-tag { color: #008BFF; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0; } .card-title { color: #232322; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 21px; margin: 0; } .card-description { color: #272727; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20px; margin: 0; } .btn-card { display: flex; width: 124px; height: 36px; justify-content: center; align-items: center; border-radius: 83px; background: #008BFF; color: white; font-weight: 700; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 10px; } .btn-card:hover { background: #007ACC; } /* Responsive */ @media (max-width: 768px) { .card-component { flex-direction: column; } .card-image { width: 100%; } .card-content { width: 100%; padding: 20px; } } PROJECT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT A comprehensive buyer’s checklist for PPM software Use this practical checklist to evaluate modern PPM solutions and select the right fit for your organization’s needs. Learn more 5 best Project Portfolio Management tools to achieve your goalsIn 2026, the “best” tool is the one that fits your portfolio maturity, governance and operations model. Here’s a breakdown of the five best options recommended by our PPM experts:1. SmartsheetTo start our list of project portfolio management tools, we take Smartsheet, a flexible work management platform that many PMOs configure for PPM. It’s best known for its spreadsheet-style interface, real-time dashboards, and workflow automation. It also scales portfolio execution using add-ons like Control Centre for standardization and roll-up reporting.Why choose Smartsheet – in a nutshellEasy adoption for new users due to the familiar grid viewStrong dashboards with automation feature for status reportingGood standardization at scale with templates/control featuresDisadvantages of the platform: Not ideal for high-complexity PPM use cases, compared to othersCan become complex to govern at enterprise scale2. PlanviewPlanview is an advanced PPM solution built for connecting portfolios, programs, resources, and financials to business outcomes, built for PMOs managing large portfolios. We recommend Planview due to its strong emphasis on balancing capacity with demand, portfolio visibility, and real-time tracking. Why choose Planview – in a nutshellPortfolio visualization and resource allocation for cross-team delivery planningAI-enabled capabilities to support portfolio strategy and executionSupports forecasting and what-if scenarios to guide resourcing decisionsDisadvantages of the platform: Budget/cost management can feel limited, compared to some alternativesCapacity planning can be hard to master; UI usability can be improved3. OnePlanOnePlan is a Project Portfolio Management (PPM) software designed to connect strategy to execution, with built-in focus on portfolio planning, resource capacity, and financial visibility. It’s a strong fit for organizations standardizing on the Microsoft ecosystem (Project, Teams, Power BI, Azure DevOps), and it’s often evaluated as a path forward as Project Online retires on September 30, 2026.Why choose OnePlan – in a nutshellStrong Microsoft alignment and integrations (good for Project Online migrations) Clear portfolio, resource and financial planning in one platform Pre-built Power BI reporting helps teams attain higher value realizationDisadvantages of the platform: Pricing is not fully transparent; typically, volume-based and sales-led Licensing/permissions can be complex across roles4. PlaniswarePlanisware (Orchestra/Enterprise version) is an end-to-end PPM platform built for complex, regulated portfolios, mostly used among medium to large pharmaceutical and medical devices leaders. It supports the full flow from idea intake and prioritization to scenario planning, capacity planning, and financial control.Why choose Planisware – in a nutshellStrong portfolio management for prioritization against strategic goalsPlanisware Orchestra emphasizes real-time visibility and standardized best practicesDeep financial and resource capacity management for large-scale projectsDisadvantages of the platform: Higher cost is a common concern, especially for smaller teamsSteeper learning curve due to depth of configuration and controls5. JiraLast on our list of best PPM software is Jira. Primarily considered an issue-tracking and agile delivery tool, but many PMOs also le it as part of a broader PPM stack. For portfolio-level planning, organizations typically layer in Advanced Roadmaps (to plan work around multiple teams) and Jira Align (to connect strategy, roadmaps, and delivery at scale).Why choose Jira – in a nutshellStrong for execution tracking across teams and workflows Useful for cross-team planning with Advanced Roadmaps (Jira Premium/Enterprise) Can extend to portfolio/enterprise alignment with Jira AlignDisadvantages of the platform: Deeper portfolio needs may require add-ons and configurationScenario planning, portfolio financials, and capacity management are limited How to select the best PPM tool for your needs?PPM selection criteria should be driven by needs based on how you oversee governance, fund programs, manage capacity and make portfolio decisions. Here’s a checklist to consider while making the decision: Selection criteria for PPM softwareStrategic planning: supports both strategy and executionUser-friendly: intuitive UI with a short learning curveRight features: matched to your core business goals Scalable: handles growth in users, data, and portfolio complexityIntegrations: connects cleanly with your existing tools ecosystemCustomizable: adapts to your workflows without any frictionCost + ROI: evaluates total cost of ownership and expected value over timeVendor support: reliable help, services, and a clear release roadmap At i2e Consulting, we bring 15+ years of PPM expertise to tool selection and implementation. We don’t stop at recommending a platform; we build the structured processes that ensure portfolio success – offering you increased visibility, coordination, and oversight.Here’s how our experts do it:Align tool requirements to your portfolio goals and decision needsStandardize workflows and governance around all teamsSet strong data governance, so that the reporting is trustedBuild a practical roadmap for rollout and custom integrations (and more)Begin your PPM tool selection and implementation with a trusted partner – connect with our PPM consulting experts to find the right fit for your portfolio needs. Frequently Asked Questions .faq-wrapper { max-width: 850px; margin: 20px auto; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; } .faq-item { border-bottom: 1px solid #e0e0e0; padding: 10px 0; } .faq-item summary { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; position: relative; padding-right: 30px; } /* Remove default marker */ .faq-item summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; } /* Down arrow (closed state) */ .faq-item summary::after { content: "▼"; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; font-size: 16px; transition: transform 0.3s ease; } /* Up arrow (open state) */ .faq-item[open] summary::after { content: "▲"; } .faq-item p { margin-top: 12px; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.7; color: #272727; } 1. Is a project management tool the same as a PPM tool? No, it’s not. Project management focuses on delivering one project well. PPM manages many projects together, prioritizing the right work, balancing funding and capacity, and supporting portfolio-level decisions. 2. What should life sciences teams prioritize when selecting a PPM tool for 2026? Look for strategic planning and execution alignment, strong capacity and scenario planning, audit-ready governance, and integrations with your existing systems. Remember, user adoption and data governance matter as much as features. 3. How long does it take to see value from adopting a new PPM solution? You can get early visibility within weeks if workflows and data standards are defined upfront. Full value is realized after processes are standardized, reporting stabilized and teams adopt new ways of working seamlessly.

Complete guide: Upstream and downstream PPM integrations in life sciences
IntroductionManual consolidation is not a PPM capability gap; it is an integration architecture gap.The PPM tool is live, adoption is reasonable, dashboards look good, but still, there is dependency on spreadsheet, and manual reconciliations. A modern life sciences PPM platform sits at the center of a complex ecosystem of clinical, financial, operational, and analytics systems. If those connections are weak, delayed, or manually reconciled, portfolio decisions lose credibility. The root cause is rarely the PPM tool itself. In most cases, the value gap is created by weak or fragmented integrations with upstream and downstream systems. When PPM operates as a standalone system, it becomes a reporting layer over partial, delayed, and manually curated data. When PPM is tightly integrated across the enterprise, it becomes a decision platform that orchestrates work, capital, and risk in near real time.For PPM decision makers in life sciences, the path to sustainable ROI is clear: design PPM as the hub of an integrated operating ecosystem, not as an isolated application.Why does this matter now?The urgency is clear. Life sciences organizations are prioritizing stronger enterprise data foundations, governance, and interoperability to make analytics usable and to operationalize AI in daily workflows. AI cannot function reliably if portfolio, clinical, and financial data are misaligned.At the same time, clinical systems buyers increasingly expect integrated clinical operations platforms, such as CTMS connected with eTMF and adjacent systems, to reduce daily friction for study teams. This reinforces the need for integration-first PPM designs that reflect real operational data flows.Industry narratives for 2026 consistently emphasize digital transformation and data integration as core priorities in life sciences. Standalone PPM tools no longer meet executive expectations. Connected PPM ecosystems accelerate decision cycles, strengthen compliance posture, and reduce reconciliation effort across clinical, finance, and R&D.What systems should integrate with PPM in life sciences?In life sciences, a PPM tool governs prioritization, stage-gate processes, portfolio balancing, resource and capacity planning, financial forecasting, and scenario modeling across R&D, clinical development, regulatory, and manufacturing initiatives.It must answer questions such as:Which studies and programs align to strategy?Do we have the right therapeutic mix and risk profile?Where are resource bottlenecks across functions and regions?How do actual costs compare to forecasts and capitalization plans?Without integration, these answers rely on manual spreadsheets and offline adjustments. Credible portfolio governance requires real-time or near real-time inputs from clinical systems, HR master data, and ERP actuals. PPM becomes the decision hub only when it reflects operational truth.What is upstream integration in life sciences PPM?Upstream integrations provide the inputs that shape portfolio decisions and project setup. Typical upstream systems include:Strategic planning and corporate portfolio toolsR&D pipeline and asset management systemsClinical trial design and protocol management systemsDemand intake and idea management platformsResource capacity planning and HR systemsFinancial planning and budgeting toolsThese systems define what work should be done, why it matters, and what constraints exist.What downstream systems should connect to PPM?Downstream integrations connect PPM to systems where work is executed and where operational evidence is generated. These typically include:CTMS (Clinical Trial Management Systems)EDC (Electronic Data Capture)eTMF (electronic Trial Master File)IRT/RTSMCRO vendor systemsERP and financial actuals systemsTime tracking and effort reporting toolsThese systems provide real-world progress, cost, quality, and compliance data.Without both sides connected, PPM becomes disconnected from reality; either strategic plans are not grounded in execution, or execution data is not translated into portfolio-level insight. .card-component { display: flex; border-radius: 17.5px; border: 1px solid #CEE0EB; background: linear-gradient(126deg, #EBF7FF 28.88%, #FFF 86.32%); font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; width: 80%; margin-bottom: 20px; } .card-image { width: 30%; } .card-image img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; display: block; } .card-content { width: 70%; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; padding: 24px 30px; gap: 8px; } .card-tag { color: #008BFF; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; margin: 0; } .card-title { color: #232322; font-family: Montserrat; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 21px; margin: 0; } .card-description { color: #272727; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20px; margin: 0; } .btn-card { display: flex; width: 124px; height: 36px; justify-content: center; align-items: center; border-radius: 83px; background: #008BFF; color: white; font-weight: 700; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none; margin-top: 10px; } .btn-card:hover { background: #007ACC; } /* Responsive */ @media (max-width: 768px) { .card-component { flex-direction: column; } .card-image { width: 100%; } .card-content { width: 100%; padding: 20px; } } PROJECT PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT Unify planning and execution across your portfolio Connect upstream strategy with downstream delivery to improve alignment, streamline workflows, and gain real-time portfolio insights. Learn more How upstream and downstream integrations improve PPM ROI in pharmaUpstreamUpstream integrations ensure that PPM is aligned with strategic intent and real-world constraints from day one.1. Strategy-to-portfolio traceabilityIntegrating strategic planning and asset pipeline systems with PPM enables clear traceability from corporate objectives to funded projects and programs. This allows leadership to:Validate that investments align with therapeutic area prioritiesIdentify over- or under-investment across portfoliosRapidly re-balance funding based on changing strategyThis traceability is a core driver of ROI because it reduces capital misallocation and improves strategic focus. 2. Demand intake and portfolio shapingWhen idea intake and early-stage demand systems are integrated with PPM, organizations can apply consistent evaluation criteria and gating processes. This enables:Earlier visibility into emerging workStandardized business casesData-driven portfolio shaping before commitments are madeThe result is fewer low-value projects entering execution and better utilization of limited R&D and clinical resources. 3. Capacity-constrained planningIntegration with HR and resource management systems allows PPM to model real capacity, not theoretical headcount. Decision makers can:See portfolio feasibility under realistic constraintsIdentify skill bottlenecks earlyMake informed trade-offs between timelines and resourcingThis directly improves delivery predictability and reduces downstream rework.DownstreamDownstream integrations close the loop between plans and reality, a critical requirement in regulated, data-intensive life sciences environments.1. Real-time progress and milestone confidenceIntegrating CTMS, eTMF, and related systems provides automated updates on site activation, patient enrollment, monitoring, and document completeness. PPM leaders gain:Near real-time milestone statusEarly warning signals on trial delaysObjective evidence to support executive reportingThis reduces surprise-driven decisions and increases confidence in portfolio-level forecasts. 2. Financial actuals and forecast accuracyIntegration with ERP and financial systems enables PPM to reconcile forecasts with actuals. This supports:More accurate cost-to-complete projectionsEarly detection of budget overrunsImproved capital planning across portfoliosOver time, this improves forecast quality and reduces systematic bias in portfolio financials. 3. Vendor and CRO performance visibilityDownstream integrations with CRO and vendor systems allow organizations to monitor performance across trials and programs. PPM leaders can:Compare vendors across timelines, quality, and costIdentify systemic performance issuesIncorporate vendor risk into portfolio decisionsThis transforms PPM from a planning tool into a performance management platform.The compounding effect: Integrated PPM as a decision platformThe true ROI impact emerges when upstream and downstream integrations operate together. In this model, PPM becomes the system where:Strategy informs executionExecution informs strategyFinancials reflect realityRisks are quantified and managedThis creates a compounding effect:Better data leads to better decisionsBetter decisions improve delivery outcomesImproved outcomes increase confidence and adoptionHigher adoption further improves data qualityThis virtuous cycle is how organizations move from basic portfolio reporting to enterprise portfolio optimization.Integration is an operating model choice, not just an IT choiceMany integration initiatives fail because they are treated as technical projects rather than operating model transformations. To maximize ROI, life sciences organizations must address:Data ownership and governanceProcess alignment across functionsStandard definitions for milestones, costs, and statusClear accountability for data qualityWithout this foundation, even the best technical integrations will underperform.Key considerations when setting up PPM integrationsPrioritize high-impact business processes Start with integrations that directly influence capital allocation, resource planning, regulatory milestones, or revenue forecasting. Early value builds executive confidence and accelerates adoption.Architect for scale and portfolio growth Life sciences portfolios expand across therapeutic areas, geographies, and modalities. Integration design must accommodate increased data volumes, new systems, and evolving operating models without rework.Minimize data redundancy to preserve a single source of truth Avoid replicating the same dataset across multiple systems. Clear system-of-record definitions reduce reconciliation effort, improve reporting accuracy, and strengthen governance.Select the right interface model based on enterprise architecture Choose between APIs, middleware, or data lake approaches depending on existing infrastructure maturity, security requirements, and latency expectations. The integration strategy should align with enterprise IT standards, not operate in isolation.Enforce robust data mapping and standardization Standard taxonomies for projects, resources, financials, and milestones are critical. Without harmonized data structures, integration only accelerates inconsistency.Automate data flows to eliminate manual consolidation Manual data aggregation across clinical, finance, and portfolio systems introduces latency and error. Automated pipelines enable near real-time visibility, faster decision cycles, and measurable ROI from the PPM platform.i2e Consulting: Designing PPM for maximum ROIAt i2e, we see consistently that PPM ROI is driven less by tool configuration and more by how the PPM platform is architected within the broader enterprise ecosystem.Our point of view is grounded in three principles:1. PPM as the portfolio nerve centerPPM should act as the central orchestration layer connecting strategy, execution, finance, and risk, not as a passive reporting tool. This requires intentional design of upstream and downstream integrations as part of the PPM operating model.2. Fit-for-purpose integration architectureNot every system needs deep, real-time integration. The right approach balances:Business criticalityData volatilityDecision cadenceRegulatory and audit requirementsi2e helps life sciences organizations design pragmatic, scalable integration architectures that focus on investment where it drives the highest decision value.3. From data movement to decision enablementThe goal is not just to move data between systems. The goal is to enable better portfolio decisions. i2e focuses on:Standardizing portfolio KPIsEmbedding financial and operational logicEnabling scenario-based decision supportThis ensures that integrated PPM becomes a true decision platform for R&D and clinical portfolios.For life sciences leaders, the message is clear: PPM ROI is unlocked when integrations are treated as strategic enablers of portfolio intelligence. With the right operating model and integration strategy, PPM becomes a catalyst for faster, more confident, and more capital-efficient portfolio decisions.About i2ei2e partners with life sciences organizations to design, implement, and optimize PPM and portfolio operating models that connect strategy to execution through data-driven, integrated platforms. Our approach helps clients move beyond tool adoption to sustained portfolio value creation.
Project Structures: Overview and establishing with Planview, Planisware, and Project Online
Project Structures: Overview and establishing with Planview, Planisware, and Project OnlineFrom a pharmaceutical R&D context, project structures can be seen as a reliable process to organize, track, and deliver the tasks while keeping the stakeholders informed. If you don’t have a well-planned project structure: Portfolio decisions usually suffer from low visibilityTeams start losing alignmentMissing critical deadlines become normal With a strong project structure, key decision-makers can: Have a clear view throughout the entire pipeline,Easily prioritize high-value portfolio assets Manage risks more efficiently Project portfolio management tools like Planisware, MS Project Online, and Planview help establish organized structures that accelerate pharma projects, ensure compliance and success. That said, let’s dive into what project structures mean in pharmaceutical context, and how these tools help establish them seamlessly. Types of project structures in pharmaceutical R&DSelecting the right structure is your first step to ensure on-time project delivery with the right resources, without bleeding budgets. Here are three types of project structures to consider: 1. Functional structure As the name suggests, functional structure involves grouping all teams as per specialized functions – be it clinical, manufacturing, regulatory etc. In this model, the departmental head usually manages the team members, while coordinating the projects within functional silos.Functional structures are best for:Small-scale pharma companiesLimited cross-functional project needsWhat to look out for?On the flipside, these models are also known to create communication gaps and slow down decision-making in accelerated R&D settings. 2. Projectized structure In this model, the project manager has 100% authority over the research team and key resources, unlike the former. The PMOs assign their teams to specific projects, often outside their everyday functional roles.Projectized structures are best for:Large-scale pharmaceutical project management needstime-sensitive, high-priority, high flexibility research initiatives What to look out for?Unfortunately, this model can also cause resource duplication and higher costs, particularly when multiple projects are running at the same time. 3. Matrix structure (Best suited for Pharma)Last, but most importantly, the matrix structure brings the best of both functional and projectized structures under one umbrella. Here, teams report to both functional and project managers. This way, resources can be shared across different projects without compromising on functional supervision.Matrix structures are best for:Mid-to-large organizations juggling between numerous programsHigh operational continuity & innovation-led settingsWhat to look out for?Despite being the most common project structure in pharma R&D, it calls for strong communication and higher role clarity, to avoid conflicts or confusion. How to establish Pharma-specific structures using Planisware, Project Online and Planview?Designing and implementing project structures that suit the complex requirements of pharmaceutical R&D become easier with PPM tools. Users can configure project hierarchies, governance models, allocate resources efficiently and support decision-making at every phase. Here are your options and steps to do it:Tool #1: PlanviewFirst on our list, Planview is a major contender in terms of portfolio management and resource optimization. With a little upfront tailoring, its project templates can align well with pharma workflows.How to set up a project structure in Planview?Configure project types: label templates (for example, “Phase I asset”, “Platform”)Define swimlanes as per function (clinical, regulatory, manufacturing)Set up a clear stage-gate workflow in roadmap view with well-defined gatesAttach gate checklists and deliverables to each stageEnable demand/capacity views for cross-functional resource alignment Tool #2: PlaniswareThe Planisware project management tool is purpose-built for life sciences projects, and mirrors pharma R&D workflows like none other in this list. For example, it embeds stage gate logic at every level. The platform natively supports clinical/CMC deliverables, molecule hierarchies, as well as regulatory milestones. Here, teams can easily set up projects that map exactly to asset phases, while having total control over gates and finances.How to set up a project structure in Planisware?Create a project template with WBS (discovery, preclinical, phase 1/2/3)Embed gates after every single phase, linking back to the decision criteria and business case scorecardsAdd key deliverables (for example: IND, CMC dossiers, clinical trial authorizations)Link back the financial/resource modules to WBS for seamless budget/version trackingRoll up to portfolio to maintain proper visibility across molecules and indications Tool #3: Project OnlineLastly, Project Online is a great choice for schedule-level planning; it’s not entirely built around pharmaceutical project management structures in focus. Here, teams need to build everything from ground up. The good part, however? Integrating with Power BI, Teams, and Power Automate.How to set up a project structure in Project Online?Start by designing your custom project template Define tasks for regulatory deliverables and project milestonesTrigger notifications at gate milestones by integrating Power Automate Integrate Power BI to access customized dashboards aligned to R&D phases’ progressManage resources via PWA to assign functional roles How to choose the right tool for your project structure needs?More than chasing latest features, choose project portfolio management tools that fit your team’s needs the best. This means judging the tool by how well it aligns with your project structure, people, and strategic goals. Choose Planisware if you would:Manage a mid-to-large pharma/biotech firm with a complex R&D asset portfolioRequire built-in stage-gate models, modifiable for drug development lifecyclesNeed strong portfolio governance & what-if scenario planning at scaleUse Project Online if you would:Require a quick, at-budget tool for basic-level project scheduling/ trackingFocus on daily task management, instead of strong portfolio governanceNeed hassle-free, end-to-end automation integration (Teams, Power BI, Outlook) Go for Planview if you would:Be transitioning from project-level to portfolio-level strategy while scaling upWant to have strong resource demand vs. capacity modelling Need visualized roadmaps, high financial visibility, cross-functional planning etc. Key takeaways at a glanceProject structure informs smart portfolio decisions, points out risks early and surfaces resource conflicts Matrix project structure is the best-suited for pharma/biotech teams, as it comes with a mix of agility, governance, and resource efficiencyMore features don’t ensure success; choose your tool that best fits your team’s maturity level, complexity of portfolio assets, and other key indicators.Planisware project management tool is best for enterprise players with deep pipelines; Project Online suits mid-sized teams focused on scheduling; Planview is the go-to option for strategy-driven PMOsNeed help getting started? Let’s talk about how we can help. i2e Consulting brings 15+ years of PPM expertise. We’ve partnered with leading pharma organizations to establish fit-for-purpose project structures that drive clarity, speed, and smarter portfolio decisions. Connect with us – let’s build a project structure that accelerates your portfolio growth.