Welcome to the ultimate guide for navigating Office 365 Groups in your everyday work life! Office 365 Groups are a powerful collaborative tool that brings together people, conversations, files, and tools all in one place. Whether you’re new to Office 365 or a seasoned user, this guide will provide you with essential tips and tricks for effectively utilizing Groups in your daily routine.
With Office 365 Groups, you can easily create a hub for your team or project, where you can communicate, share files, schedule meetings, and collaborate seamlessly. No matter where you are or what device you’re using, you can access and contribute to your Groups anytime, anywhere. This guide will show you how to get the most out of Office 365 Groups, making your work more efficient and collaborative.
Throughout this guide, you’ll learn how to create and manage Groups, invite members, share files, and streamline your workflow. We’ll also explore advanced features like connecting Groups with other Office 365 apps, customizing settings, and leveraging the full potential of Office 365 Groups. Whether you’re working on a small team or collaborating with colleagues across different departments, this guide has got you covered!
What are Office 365 Groups?
Office 365 Groups are a key feature in Microsoft’s everyday guide to office productivity. They allow users to collaborate and work together more efficiently within the Office 365 suite of applications.
Office 365 Groups bring together a team of people, combining a variety of Microsoft apps such as Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, and more, all into one workspace. This makes it easy for team members to communicate, share files, and manage tasks together.
Benefits of Office 365 Groups
There are several benefits to using Office 365 Groups:
- Easy collaboration: Office 365 Groups provide a centralized space where team members can easily collaborate on projects, share information, and stay connected.
- Integrated tools: With Office 365 Groups, team members can access and work on shared files, schedule meetings, and communicate with each other seamlessly using various integrated Microsoft apps.
- Efficient communication: Office 365 Groups facilitate efficient communication through features like group emails, shared calendars, and group conversations, making it easy to stay updated and connected.
- Enhanced productivity: By bringing together all the necessary tools and resources, Office 365 Groups help streamline workflows and improve overall productivity within a team.
Overall, Office 365 Groups offer a powerful and convenient way for teams to collaborate effectively and achieve their everyday tasks and goals within the Office 365 environment.
Benefits of Using Office 365 Groups
Office 365 Groups offer numerous benefits that can enhance everyday collaboration and productivity in the office. Here are some key advantages of using Office 365 Groups:
Simplified Communication and Collaboration
Office 365 Groups provide a centralized platform for communication and collaboration within a team or project. With features like shared calendars, file sharing, and email conversations, team members can easily stay connected and work together on projects in real time. This streamlined communication helps eliminate the need for back-and-forth emails and ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Improved Document Management
One of the biggest challenges in a team environment is managing and keeping track of project documents. Office 365 Groups solves this problem by providing a shared workspace where team members can store, access, and collaborate on documents. With version control and the ability to co-author in real time, everyone can contribute and work on the documents simultaneously, saving time and reducing errors.
Furthermore, by leveraging the power of SharePoint Online, Office 365 Groups offer advanced document management capabilities such as metadata tagging, document approval workflows, and advanced search options. This ensures that team members can easily find and organize documents, increasing overall productivity.
In conclusion, Office 365 Groups simplify communication, streamline collaboration, and enhance document management, making it an essential tool for everyday office productivity. By leveraging the capabilities of Office 365 Groups, teams can work more efficiently and effectively together, leading to increased productivity and success.
How to Create an Office 365 Group
Creating an Office 365 Group is a simple process that allows you to collaborate with others within your organization. Follow these steps to create a new group:
Step 1: Accessing Office 365
Open your Office 365 account by navigating to the Office 365 website and logging in with your credentials.
Step 2: Navigating to Groups
Once you’re logged in, find the “Groups” tab in the navigation menu. Click on it to start the process of creating a new group.
Step 3: Creating a New Group
On the Groups page, click on the “Create” button to initiate the creation of a new group. You will be prompted to provide some details for the group, such as a name and a description.
Step 4: Managing Group Settings
After providing the necessary details, you can further customize the group by managing its settings. This includes adding or removing members, assigning permissions, and configuring group preferences.
Step 5: Saving and Accessing the Group
Once you are satisfied with the group settings, click the “Save” button to create the group. You can now access and manage the group from your Office 365 account, enabling seamless collaboration and communication with other group members.
| Tips: |
|---|
| – Provide a clear and descriptive name for your Office 365 group to make it easily recognizable to others. |
| – Regularly review and update the group settings to ensure the security and efficiency of collaboration within the group. |
Managing Group Membership
In Office 365 Groups, managing the membership of a group is an important task that allows you to control who has access to the group’s resources and collaborate in the environment.
There are several ways to manage group membership in Office 365:
1. Adding Members: To add members to a group, you can use the Admin Center, PowerShell, or the Office 365 Groups interface. Adding members allows them to access the shared resources, such as documents, calendars, and conversations.
2. Removing Members: If a member leaves a project or organization, you can easily remove them from the group. This ensures that they no longer have access to the group’s resources and prevents them from receiving notifications and updates related to the group.
3. Changing Member Roles: Office 365 Groups allows you to assign different roles to members within a group, such as owners, members, and guests. Owners have administrative privileges and can add or remove members, while members have access to the group’s resources. Guests are external users who can participate in group activities, but have limited access.
4. Managing Group Permissions: In addition to managing membership, you can also control the permissions that members have within the group. This includes determining who can view, edit, or delete shared documents, as well as managing the group’s privacy settings.
By effectively managing group membership in Office 365, you can ensure that the right people have access to the right resources, while maintaining the security and privacy of your organization’s data.
Take advantage of the features and tools available in Office 365 Groups to effortlessly manage group membership and enhance collaboration in your everyday office tasks.
Communication and Collaboration with Office 365 Groups
Office 365 Groups is a powerful tool that enables seamless communication and collaboration within an organization. With Office 365 Groups, teams can easily share files, schedule meetings, and engage in discussions, all in one centralized location. In this everyday guide, we will explore the various features and functionalities of Office 365 Groups to help you make the most out of this indispensable tool.
Benefits of Using Office 365 Groups
Office 365 Groups offers several benefits that enhance team collaboration and streamline communication:
- Unified platform: Office 365 Groups brings together email, calendar, files, and conversations, providing a single platform for all team collaboration needs.
- Easy file sharing: With Office 365 Groups, team members can easily share and collaborate on files, ensuring everyone has access to the latest version and eliminating the need for email attachments.
- Efficient communication: Office 365 Groups’ threaded conversations allow for efficient and organized discussions, reducing the clutter in email inboxes.
- Integrated calendar: The integrated calendar feature enables teams to schedule and manage meetings within the Office 365 Groups interface, simplifying the coordination process.
Key Features of Office 365 Groups
Office 365 Groups offers a range of features designed to facilitate effective communication and collaboration:
- Email: Office 365 Groups includes an email address that team members can use to send and receive messages, ensuring easy and direct communication.
- Shared inbox: The shared inbox allows team members to view and respond to emails as a group, ensuring no communication is missed and providing visibility into ongoing discussions.
- Group calendar: The group calendar allows teams to schedule, manage, and view events and appointments, making it easy to stay organized and coordinate meetings.
- Document library: Office 365 Groups provides a centralized document library where team members can store, access, and collaborate on files, ensuring everyone has the information they need at their fingertips.
- Planner: The built-in Planner tool within Office 365 Groups enables teams to create and manage tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress, ensuring projects stay on schedule.
By leveraging the power of Office 365 Groups, teams can communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and stay organized, leading to increased productivity and better outcomes.
Sharing Files and Documents
As a guide to Office 365 Groups, it is essential to understand how sharing files and documents works within these collaborative workspaces.
Office 365 Groups provide a seamless way to share and collaborate on files and documents with other team members. Whether you need to share a document for review or collaborate on a presentation, Office 365 Groups offers a secure and efficient platform.
To share a file or document in an Office 365 Group, you can simply navigate to the desired file, right-click on it, and select the “Share” option. From here, you can choose whether you want to send a direct link to the file or invite specific team members to access it.
When you share a file with an Office 365 Group, all members of the group will have access to it. However, you can also set specific permissions for each file, allowing you to control who can view, edit, or delete the document.
Collaborating on files and documents within an Office 365 Group is straightforward. Multiple team members can work on the same document simultaneously, making real-time edits and updates. This eliminates the need for version control and ensures that everyone is working on the most up-to-date version of the file.
Furthermore, Office 365 Groups also integrate with other Microsoft applications like SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook. This integration allows for seamless file sharing and collaboration across different platforms, making it even easier for teams to work together.
Overall, Office 365 Groups provide a comprehensive and user-friendly solution for sharing files and documents within a team or organization. By utilizing the features and functionality of Office 365 Groups, you can streamline your workflow, increase collaboration, and improve productivity.
Scheduling and Managing Group Events
Office 365 Groups provide a great way to schedule and manage group events. Whether it’s a team meeting, a project deadline, or a social gathering, you can easily coordinate and stay organized with your group members.
Scheduling Events
To schedule an event for your group, you can use the built-in calendar feature in Office 365. Simply navigate to the Group calendar and click on the desired date and time to create a new event. You can add details such as the event title, location, description, and any other relevant information.
Once the event is created, it will be visible to all group members on the Group calendar. They can easily view the event details and RSVP to indicate their attendance. You can also set reminders for the event to ensure that everyone remembers and stays on track.
Managing Events
Managing group events in Office 365 is a breeze. You can easily track attendees, send updates or reminders, and make changes to the event details if needed. Group members can also add comments or attachments to the event, allowing for better collaboration and communication.
If you need to reschedule or cancel an event, simply navigate to the event on the Group calendar and make the necessary updates. All group members will be notified of any changes, ensuring everyone stays updated.
Furthermore, you can use the Group calendar to view all upcoming events at a glance. This allows you to plan and prioritize your time effectively, ensuring that you don’t miss any important meetings or deadlines.
Conclusion
With Office 365 Groups, scheduling and managing group events has never been easier. The built-in calendar feature provides a centralized place for all your group’s events, making it simple to stay organized and collaborate effectively. Start using Office 365 Groups today and streamline your group’s event management processes.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Efficient scheduling | Office 365 Groups make it easy to schedule group events and ensure that everyone is on the same page. |
| Collaborative management | Group members can easily collaborate on event details, providing a seamless and efficient management experience. |
| Visibility and transparency | All group members have access to the Group calendar, allowing for better visibility and transparency. |
Using Office 365 Groups on Mobile Devices
As part of our everyday guide to Office 365 Groups, it is important to understand how to use them on mobile devices. With the increasing reliance on mobile devices for work, being able to access and collaborate within Office 365 Groups on the go is essential.
Office 365 Groups can be accessed on mobile devices through the dedicated mobile apps available for both iOS and Android. These apps provide a seamless and intuitive user experience, allowing you to stay connected and productive no matter where you are.
Once you have downloaded and installed the Office 365 Groups app on your mobile device, you will be prompted to sign in with your Office 365 account. After signing in, you will be able to view all the Office 365 Groups that you are a member of.
The mobile app provides various features to help you stay organized and collaborate efficiently. You can access group conversations, files, and calendar events directly from the app. This allows you to easily stay up to date with the latest discussions, access important files, and manage your group’s schedule while on the move.
When you open a group conversation, you can read and respond to messages just like you would on a desktop computer. You can also create new conversations, reply to messages, and tag specific group members using the @mention feature. This makes it easy to have real-time discussions and keep everyone in the loop, even when you are away from your desk.
The mobile app also allows you to access and edit files stored within your Office 365 Groups. You can view documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, make changes, and save them back to the group’s file repository. This ensures that you have the latest version of the files and can collaborate with your team members effectively, regardless of your location.
Additionally, the Office 365 Groups app provides seamless integration with other Office 365 apps, such as Outlook and SharePoint. This means that you can easily access and manage group emails, schedule meetings, and access SharePoint sites directly from the app.
By leveraging the power of Office 365 Groups on your mobile devices, you can stay connected, collaborate, and be productive while on the go. Whether you are traveling for work, attending meetings, or simply working from home, having access to your Office 365 Groups on your mobile device ensures that you are always connected to your team and can work together effectively.
| Guide | Everyday | Office | Groups |
Customizing Office 365 Groups
Office 365 offers a variety of customization options for your groups, allowing you to make them unique and tailored to your specific needs. With these customization options, you can ensure that your groups reflect your organization’s branding and workflow.
One of the first customization options you can explore is changing the display name and description of your groups. This can be done by navigating to the Office 365 admin center and selecting the group you want to customize. From there, you can edit the group’s display name and description to provide more context and make it easier for users to identify what the group is for.
Additionally, you can upload a custom logo or image for your groups to further align them with your organization’s branding. This can be done by selecting the group in the admin center and navigating to the “Group settings” section. From there, you can upload an image and choose whether it should be displayed as a square tile or a round profile picture.
Another customization option is setting the privacy level for your groups. Office 365 offers three privacy levels: public, private, and hidden. Public groups are open for anyone in your organization to join and view content, private groups are invite-only and require approval to join, and hidden groups are not discoverable and require an invitation to join. By selecting the appropriate privacy level, you can control who has access to your groups and their content.
Lastly, you can customize the email address and URL for your groups. By default, Office 365 assigns a unique email address and URL to each group, but you have the ability to change them to something more meaningful or easier to remember. This can be particularly useful if you want users to be able to easily access and share group resources.
Overall, Office 365 provides extensive customization options for your groups, allowing you to personalize them to fit your organization’s needs. By taking advantage of these customization options, you can ensure that your groups are not only functional but also visually appealing and aligned with your organization’s branding.
Security and Privacy in Office 365 Groups
In the everyday use of Office 365 Groups, security and privacy are essential considerations to ensure the protection of sensitive information and maintain the confidentiality of communications within the group.
Data Protection
Office 365 Groups follow stringent security protocols to safeguard your data. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular backups. All data transmitted within Office 365 Groups is encrypted to protect it from unauthorized access.
As a user, you can also further enhance data protection by setting up permissions and access controls. You can control who has access to your group content and choose whether or not external users can be added to the group.
Collaboration and Sharing Controls
Office 365 Groups offer collaboration and sharing controls to help you manage and control the flow of information within your group.
You can specify the level of permissions for group members, allowing you to restrict certain actions or grant specific privileges. Additionally, you can choose whether to allow external users to access and collaborate within your group.
Compliance and Privacy
Office 365 Groups are designed with compliance and privacy in mind. They adhere to various industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, to ensure the protection of personal data.
Administrators have the ability to set legal hold policies to preserve the content of a group, even if it is deleted by a user. This feature ensures that data is retained for compliance purposes and can be recovered if necessary.
Summary
In conclusion, Office 365 Groups provide robust security and privacy features to protect your data and ensure compliance with regulations. By taking advantage of these features and implementing best practices, you can confidently collaborate within your group, knowing that your information is secure.
| Security and Privacy Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Protection | Office 365 Groups use encryption and access controls to protect data. |
| Collaboration and Sharing Controls | Specify permissions and control external access to your group. |
| Compliance and Privacy | Office 365 Groups comply with industry standards and allow for data preservation. |
Integrating External Apps and Services
In this guide to Office 365, we will explore the process of integrating external apps and services into your everyday workflow. By leveraging the power of Office 365, you can connect with a wide range of tools and platforms to enhance your productivity and streamline your tasks.
With Office 365, you have the ability to seamlessly integrate external apps and services into your existing workflow. This means you can access and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using your favorite tools and platforms, all within the Office 365 environment.
There are several ways to integrate external apps and services into Office 365. One option is through the use of connectors, which allow you to bring in information and content from other tools and platforms directly into your Office 365 Groups. This means you can stay updated with the latest information and collaborate with your team without leaving the Office 365 environment.
Another way to integrate external apps and services is through the use of Microsoft Flow. Microsoft Flow is a powerful workflow automation tool that allows you to connect different apps and services together, creating automated processes and streamlining your tasks. With Microsoft Flow, you can create custom workflows that include Office 365 apps and external tools and platforms, making it easier than ever to automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
Additionally, Office 365 provides a wide range of APIs and development tools that allow you to build custom integrations with external apps and services. With these tools, you can create tailored solutions that meet your unique business needs and enhance your productivity.
| Benefits of integrating external apps and services in Office 365 |
|---|
| Enhanced collaboration and productivity |
| Streamlined workflows and automated processes |
| Access to a wide range of tools and platforms |
| Customizable solutions to meet your business needs |
In conclusion, integrating external apps and services in Office 365 can significantly enhance your everyday productivity and streamline your workflows. Whether through connectors, Microsoft Flow, or custom integrations, Office 365 provides the tools and resources you need to seamlessly connect with your favorite apps and services, all within the familiar Office 365 environment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While using Office 365 Groups can greatly enhance collaboration and productivity, like any tool, it can sometimes encounter issues. Here are some common problems you may come across when working with Office 365 Groups and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Email delivery issues
If you are experiencing problems with receiving or sending emails in your Office 365 Groups, there are a few things you can check:
- Ensure that the email address associated with the group is correctly configured.
- Check if the group’s email is being delivered to the spam or junk folder.
- Verify that the sender is using the correct email address and has the necessary permissions to send emails to the group.
2. Permissions problems
If you are having trouble with permissions within your Office 365 Groups, consider the following:
- Check if the user has been added as a member or owner of the group.
- Review the permissions settings for the group to ensure that the user has the appropriate level of access.
- Make sure that the user’s account is not experiencing any temporary issues or restrictions that could affect their access to the group.
It’s also worth noting that sometimes it may take a little time for changes to take effect, so if you have made recent updates to the group’s settings or membership, allow some time for those changes to propagate throughout the system.
If you are still experiencing issues with email delivery or permissions, it may be helpful to contact your IT administrator or Microsoft support for further assistance. They can help troubleshoot the specific problem and provide guidance on resolving it.
Remember that troubleshooting common issues with Office 365 Groups is part of everyday management, and with a little patience and perseverance, you can keep your collaboration efforts running smoothly.
Best Practices for Office 365 Groups
When it comes to utilizing Office 365 Groups in your everyday workflow, there are some best practices that can help streamline communication and collaboration.
1. Clearly define the purpose and scope of your groups:
Before creating an Office 365 Group, it’s essential to clearly define the purpose and scope of the group. This will help ensure that the group is created with the right members and that everyone understands its goals and objectives.
2. Set up appropriate permissions:
Make sure you set up permissions accordingly to control who can access and contribute to the group. This will help protect sensitive information and ensure that only authorized individuals can interact with the group’s content.
3. Regularly review and manage membership:
Periodically review and manage the membership of your Office 365 Groups. Add new members as needed and remove those who are no longer involved or relevant to the group’s activities. This will help keep the group’s membership up-to-date and ensure that the right people have access to the group’s resources.
4. Utilize naming conventions:
Develop and follow a naming convention for your Office 365 Groups to ensure consistency and easy identification. A clear naming convention can make it easier for users to find and join the right groups and avoid confusion.
5. Encourage active participation and engagement:
Encourage all members to actively participate and engage in the group’s discussions and activities. This helps ensure that the group remains useful and relevant to its members and maximizes the benefits of collaboration.
6. Regularly communicate updates and changes:
Keep all group members informed about any updates or changes related to the group’s purpose, goals, or activities. Regular communication helps maintain transparency and keeps everyone on the same page.
7. Leverage Office 365 Group tools and features:
Take advantage of the various tools and features available within Office 365 Groups, such as shared calendars, shared files, and group conversations. These features can enhance collaboration and productivity within the group.
By following these best practices, you can make the most out of Office 365 Groups and optimize your everyday workflow in the office environment.
Training and Resources for Office 365 Groups
Whether you’re a new user or an experienced one, it’s always helpful to have a guide to navigate the features and functionalities of Office 365 Groups. Here are some training and resources that can assist you in getting the most out of your Office 365 Groups experience:
1. Office 365 Help Center
Microsoft’s Office 365 Help Center is a valuable resource for finding step-by-step guides, tutorials, and FAQs about Office 365 Groups. It provides comprehensive information and answers to common questions, helping you troubleshoot issues and learn new features.
2. Online Courses and Webinars
Microsoft offers a range of online courses and webinars specifically designed to help users understand and utilize Office 365 Groups. These courses cover various aspects such as creating and managing groups, collaborating within groups, and integrating with other Office 365 applications.
3. Community Forums and Blogs
Engaging with the Office 365 community is an excellent way to learn from other users’ experiences and gain insights on how to effectively use Office 365 Groups. Microsoft’s official community forums and various tech blogs often have discussions, tips, and best practices shared by users and experts alike.
4. YouTube Video Tutorials
YouTube is a treasure trove of video tutorials on Office 365 Groups. Visual learners can find step-by-step demonstrations that walk them through various tasks, providing a practical and visual guide to using Office 365 Groups.
5. Office 365 Training Templates
Microsoft provides a variety of training templates that can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. These templates include training materials, presentations, and documentation to help you conduct effective training sessions for your team.
By utilizing these training and resources, you can enhance your knowledge and skills in using Office 365 Groups, enabling you to collaborate effectively and efficiently with your colleagues.
Future Updates and Enhancements
As Office 365 Groups continue to evolve, Microsoft is constantly working on updates and enhancements to improve the functionality and user experience.
- Integration with other Office apps: Microsoft is focused on increasing the integration between Office 365 Groups and other apps such as Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams. This will allow users to seamlessly collaborate across different platforms and access group content from various applications.
- Enhanced administration controls: Microsoft is working on providing administrators with more control and management options for Office 365 Groups. This includes features like the ability to set group policies, manage membership permissions, and configure data retention policies.
- Improved mobile experience: Microsoft is investing in improving the mobile experience for Office 365 Groups. This includes optimizing the Groups mobile app for better performance and adding new features specifically designed for mobile users.
- Enhanced security and compliance features: Microsoft understands the importance of security and compliance for organizations. They are working on enhancing the security and compliance features of Office 365 Groups to ensure that user data is protected and meets regulatory requirements.
- Usability improvements: Microsoft is constantly gathering user feedback to identify areas for improvement and make Office 365 Groups more user-friendly. This includes making the user interface more intuitive, streamlining workflows, and adding new features based on user needs.
With these future updates and enhancements, Office 365 Groups will continue to be a valuable tool for collaboration and teamwork in the modern workplace.
Question-answer:
What is Office 365 Groups?
Office 365 Groups is a collaboration feature in Office 365 that enables users to create and manage groups of people who can work together and share resources such as emails, calendars, files, and more.
How can I create an Office 365 Group?
You can create an Office 365 Group by going to the Office 365 portal, selecting the “Groups” option, and clicking on “Create a group”. From there, you can provide a name for the group, add group members, and choose the privacy settings for the group.
What are the benefits of using Office 365 Groups?
Using Office 365 Groups provides several benefits. It allows for easy collaboration and communication among group members, as well as the ability to share and access shared resources. Office 365 Groups also integrates with other Office 365 services, such as Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams, providing a seamless experience.
Can I add external users to an Office 365 Group?
Yes, you can add external users to an Office 365 Group. When creating the group, you have the option to choose the privacy settings and specify whether external users are allowed to join. You can also add external users later by going to the group’s settings and managing the members.
How can I access the shared resources of an Office 365 Group?
You can access the shared resources of an Office 365 Group by going to the group’s page in the Office 365 portal. From there, you can view and edit shared files, access the group’s calendar, and participate in group conversations. You can also access the group’s resources directly from other Office 365 applications, such as Outlook or SharePoint.
What is Office 365 Groups?
Office 365 Groups is a collaboration feature in Office 365 that allows users to create and manage groups of people, resources, and tools for better collaboration and communication.
How do I create an Office 365 Group?
To create an Office 365 Group, you can go to the Groups section in Outlook on the web or use the Outlook desktop application. Click on “New” and select “Office 365 Group.” Fill in the necessary details and click “Create.”
What can I do with an Office 365 Group?
With an Office 365 Group, you can collaborate with members through shared conversations, files, and calendar. You can also create and manage SharePoint sites, Planner plans, OneNote notebooks, and more.
How can I add members to an Office 365 Group?
To add members to an Office 365 Group, you can go to the Group’s settings in Outlook on the web or use the Outlook desktop application. Select “Edit group” and enter the names or email addresses of the members you want to add. Click “Save” to add them to the Group.
Can I add external users to an Office 365 Group?
Yes, you can add external users to an Office 365 Group. You can invite them as guests, and they will have limited access to the Group’s conversations, files, and calendar. However, external users cannot create or manage Group resources like SharePoint sites or Planner plans.