Assign Resources - View as resources ID order not alphabetical

[eric_amp]

In 2007 it looks like they have changes the way the resources are displayed
in the Assign Resources dialogue box. In 03 it would display the resources as
they were entered in the Resource List. By sorting the Resource List you
could change the way the resources were displayed in the Assign Resource
dialigue box. In 07 it looks like the resources only appear alphabetically
regardless of how there are arranged in your Resources List.

I just had 07 installed on Monday and the first thing I went to do was
change the resources for a task. I have over 150 resources sorted into 4
distinct catagories that are now displayed alphabetically in the Assign
Resource dialogue box. I find this extremely frustrating as alphabetical is
the worst way to sort my resources.

I had to place numbers in front of each resource name so that they would
appear in ID order. Is this the only solution? I'm not sure I see the logic
behind forcing an alphabetical display...

 

[JulieS]

Hello eric_amp,

As you are using the Assign Resources dialog box, you may find the
option to filter the list of resources works a bit better than
scrolling through the 150 names. Add the category for each resource
in Group field in the resource sheet -- using copy/paste or fill
down to speed things along. Then, in the Assign Resources dialog
box, click the Resource List options to show the options. Click the
checkbox under "Filter by:" and select Group. Enter the category
you have entered in the Group field and the list of resources will
now only show that specific group.

The Task form (Window > Split) shown in the lower pane with the
Gantt chart will still show the resources in ID order and can be
used to assign resources.

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

 

[eric_amp]

Hi JulieS,

Thanks for providing a response. Unfortunately, it confirms that I'm stuck
with the alphabetical ordering.

I split the window in the Gant chart view and I'm having the same issue.
Assigned resources appear in the order that I assign them (irrespective of
alphabet or ID#). But if I want to change resources ID#1 named Alpha to ID#2
named Omega the pull down menu shows these in alphabetical order (Omega being
75 resources down).

The Filters are also not a practical solution because I am assigning both
equipment and labour in the same task. I need both of these groups to be
present but I don't want them to be intermingled. Also having to filter for
each group is time consuming. Even within a group I may need to have the
resources ordered in a logical manner that is not alphabetical. Changing
group description will only cause other issues, as these are used to generate
Allocation Reports etc.

To give you an idea of what I am dealing with I'll explain how I'm using
project. I have a Master Schedule made up of 15 to 20 projects at any given
time. When a new project in initiated it is assigned "proposed" resources.
This provides me with an overview of potential resources requirements (4-6
months out). As these projects come closer to execution I will change the
resources to "active". This gives me an overview of actual resources
requirements (0-4months). As the projects progress we have to change
equipment or people depending on work load, availability, vacation, sick time
etc. I generate Allocation reports on a weekly basis but can update schedules
on a daily basis.

My preferred method of changing resources is to double-click a task and in
the Task Information dialoque box>Resource window change the resources from
there. I have the people and equipment organized in the Resource List of my
Shared Resource Pool in a way that when changes are required alternative
resources are within 10 ID numbers of each other.

I'm at a loss to recognize the benefit of forcing the alphabetical ordering,
as (in 03) this option was available by organizing the Resource List in
alphabetical order. Seems like a step backwards.

I'm interested to see if anyone else has issues with this change.

Eric
Projects Coordinator, PMP

 

[JulieS]

Hello eric,

Sorry for the delay in replying. If using the filtering by group
doesn't work in your scenario (and I can understand why it may
night) then I'm afraid you've found the best answer. Artificially
create numbers and names to force the resources to appear in the
best order for your needs.

Sorry, I wish I had a better suggestion.

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

 

[prashanth.sharangapani]

Eric,

you probably need this -

http://groups.google.com/group/micr...+order+in+the+resource+sheet#9e6aca52cc440427

Thanks to Mike Glen for this solution. I had the same issue and found
the solution right away.

To repeat -

1. Go to the 'Resource Sheet'
2. Project -> Sort -> Sort By
3. Choose 'Name' - or whatever you need
4. Select the 'permanently renumber resources' option

Thanks,
Prashanth

 

[JulieS]

Hi Prashanath,

Eric was referring to the way resources appear in the Project 2007
release in the Assign Resources dialog box. Unlike Project 2003
which displayed resources by ID order, the Project 2007 dialog
presents resources sorted alphabetically. Eric wants the resource
to appear in ID order, not alphabetically, hence his post. He has
had to resort to entering an indicator to sort by.

Thanks for your comments.

Julie