Am I using multiple resources correctly?

[Rich N]

Hi,

I've got a question about multiple resources. I've had a look through the
FAQ and searched through some old posts, but I couldn't find anyone with the
same problem.

I've got two developers and two tasks. Task A (50 hours of work) can only be
done by Bob, but Task B (100 hours of work) can be done by either Bob or
Steve (or both together). I'd like to able to level resources to find the
minimum duration for these tasks, but I'm not sure how to do this.

The solution that I'd like is for Bob to work on Task A until it is
complete, during which time Steve will work on Task B. Once Bob has finished
he can help Steve with the remaining 50 hours of work on Task B, which should
take a further 25 hours.

So the total duration is 75 hours (50 hours with Bob on Task A and Steve on
Task B, 25 hours with both on Task B).

If I assign Bob to Task A and both developers to Task B, then level
resources, then they are assigned as I expect for the first 50 hours, but
Steve then stops work whilst Bob continues to toil on Task B for the next 50
hours. I can resolve the problem by manually redistributing the work on Task
B so Bob does 25 hours and Steve does 75, but I'd like this to happen
automatically. Is this possible?

If anyone can help I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Rich

 

[Dave]

Hi,

I've got a question about multiple resources. I've had a look through the
FAQ and searched through some old posts, but I couldn't find anyone with the
same problem.

I've got two developers and two tasks. Task A (50 hours of work) can only be
done by Bob, but Task B (100 hours of work) can be done by either Bob or
Steve (or both together). I'd like to able to level resources to find the
minimum duration for these tasks, but I'm not sure how to do this.

The solution that I'd like is for Bob to work on Task A until it is
complete, during which time Steve will work on Task B. Once Bob has finished
he can help Steve with the remaining 50 hours of work on Task B, which should
take a further 25 hours.

So the total duration is 75 hours (50 hours with Bob on Task A and Steve on
Task B, 25 hours with both on Task B).

If I assign Bob to Task A and both developers to Task B, then level
resources, then they are assigned as I expect for the first 50 hours, but
Steve then stops work whilst Bob continues to toil on Task B for the next 50
hours. I can resolve the problem by manually redistributing the work on Task
B so Bob does 25 hours and Steve does 75, but I'd like this to happen
automatically. Is this possible?

If anyone can help I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Rich

Rich

The automation you require cannot be achieved using standard Project
features. If you are au-fait with VBA you would be able to find a
solution that way.

From the perspective of the application,it cannot know why you have
given an individual resource only a certain proportion of a task
(skill/capability levels may dictate that for example but project can't
know).

 

[Jim Aksel]

You will need to add Bob to Task B manually after he completes Task A. A
good place to do this is in the Task Usage View.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim
It''s software; it''s not allowed to win.

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for FAQs and more information
about Microsoft Project

 

[JulieS]

Hello Rich,

The short answer is no. The resource leveling command in MS Project
will *never* contour a resource's work load on a task nor redistribute
work on a task. You'll need to handle those situations manually as
Project will not handle it automatically.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project

 

[Rich N]

Thanks for the info everyone - I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing
something.

 

[JulieS]

You're welcome Rich and thanks for the feedback.

Julie