When should I choose Workload vs enterprise PPM?
Don't choose Workload alone if you need Planview-class multi-BU governance or ALM. Choose Workload for capacity + committee PPM (RAG, freeze, showback) and optional holding lite (groups, SCIM) — not a full enterprise PPM replacement.
Opinionated IT PPM: capacity, committee (RAG/freeze), and timesheet — holding lite on Enterprise.
Workload is an opinionated IT PPM: portfolio committee + capacity + timesheet, with Enterprise holding lite (groups, SCIM). It is not Planview / Jira Align feature parity.
Workload vs enterprise PPM
Planview and Sciforma cover portfolio, multi-BU budgets, and governance. Workload focuses on IT capacity and allocation.
Workload is probably not for you if…
- You need a full enterprise PPM (Planview-class multi-BU governance, chargeback, ALM)
- You want to replace Planview, Sciforma or Jira Align with feature parity
- You need nested AD SCIM Groups / single IdP at holding with no per-org SSO
Workload is relevant if…
- You want IT capacity + allocation + timesheet on one system of record
- You run steering committees without Excel (RAG, freeze, CODIR widgets)
- You need multi-BU showback and optional multi-subsidiary consolidation
- You complement a heavy PPM with a tactical IT capacity / committee layer
Frequently asked questions
Is Workload an alternative to Planview?
Don't choose Workload alone if you need Planview-class multi-BU governance or ALM. Choose Workload for capacity + committee PPM (RAG, freeze, showback) and optional holding lite (groups, SCIM) — not a full enterprise PPM replacement.
Can Workload complement an existing PPM?
Yes. Many IT departments keep Planview/Sciforma for heavy portfolio governance and add Workload for capacity, committee RAG/freeze, showback, and optional multi-entity roll-up.
Can Workload complement ServiceNow ITSM the way it complements Planview?
Yes, but it is a different job. Complementing Planview/Sciforma means a capacity layer beside portfolio PPM. Complementing ServiceNow means an allocations SoR beside ITSM (incidents, changes, and CMDB stay in ServiceNow). You do not need SPM Resource Management for that layer. Details: /en/servicenow-itsm-capacity.
When should you choose Workload over enterprise PPM?
When your pain is IT capacity, committee without Excel, showback by BU, and optionally a holding dashboard — not replacing a full multi-BU enterprise PPM or agile ALM suite.
Does Workload offer a free trial?
Yes — 14-day free trial with no credit card at simpleworkload.com/register. CSV import on Starter (~30 minutes for first setup).
Do you need Jira to use Workload?
No. Workload runs standalone with CSV/Excel import (Starter). Jira Tempo and Azure DevOps integrations are on the Professional plan.
What IT team size is Workload built for?
CIO and IT PMO teams from 20 to 500 people. Below 15 staff Excel may suffice; from 30–50 onward a dedicated tool typically pays off quickly.
Can you migrate from Excel or an existing PPM?
Yes. Workload offers CSV/Excel, Sciforma, and MS Project migration kits with guided wizards. Most IT departments migrate teams and projects in hours.
Does Workload replace full enterprise PPM?
Not at multi-BU PPM parity. Workload is the tactical IT capacity layer (teams, allocations, conflicts, timesheet) — often alongside Sciforma/Planview or replacing Excel.
Which timesheet integrations are available?
Jira Tempo, Azure DevOps, Toggl, and Clockify (Professional plan). Workload compares planned vs actual for CIO reporting and PvA variance.