Actual Task Time

[Jeff]

I'm using Project 2003 and new to the product. I'd like to know if it's
possible that after defining a Task with start and finish times, to input the
actual time that elapsed to complete the task. So for example, There's task A
that was scheduled to be completed in 90 days. But it actually took 120 days.
Can project track that sort of thing to report on, see in the various pane
windows so forth and so on. To see and report on project not following the
"original" plan, over runs with respect to time etc.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

First advice: read a book on Project or follow a (generally 2 days) course,
if not you will stumble from question to question and maybe never get the
big picture...

For one, Project's objective is to CALCULATE dates!
For instance, setting both Start AND finish times on a task is really not
the right way to use Project: normally Start is calculated from the finish
of predecessor tasks and then finish from start and duration.. you normally
set NEITHER start nor finish!

To answer your question, YES, all of that and much more.
To record the original plan, set a baseline (look for help on baseline)
To enter actual data, (a) Tools, Customize, Toolbars, Toolbars pad, select
Tracking, OK

Select the task you want to record actuals on, click teh Update Tasks icon
on the tracking toolbar.
That allows you to enter any actual data on the task.

Hope this helps
--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
+32 495 300 620
For availability check:
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/Calendar.pdf