Can't Find Generic Resources

[iCarbon]

I've seen mention of generic resouces in some of the online help. But I
can't seem to find them in my installation. Is there an option I need to
check somewhere?
Is my installation faulty? Haven't used this version (2007 SP1) for long,
but no other problems so far.

When I bring up the "resource information" dialog, there is no checkbox
labeled "generic" on any of the tabs.

Help appreciated. This feature sounds exactly like what I want to assign
skilled trades people to a task (e.g. I just need to allocate one of the
electricians, not a specific person.)

 

[JulieS]

Hello iCarbon,

The generic checkbox is on the General tab of the Resource Information
dialog box under the material label text box. Generic resources are
used in conjunction with the Resource Substitution Wizard and Project
Server. The checkbox may not be included if you are using Project
Office Standard as that version has no tie-in to server.

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

 

[iCarbon]

I must have the standard installation because I have no link to Project
Server (i.e. I stand alone) and there is no checkbox on that dialog. Thanks
for that help.
Does that mean there is no way to manage generic resources with this
version? I have an installation job to schedule and I need various trades
(electrician, millwright, etc.). I can't exceed my available labor force,
but almost everyone within a trade group is interchangable.

 

[JulieS]

You're welcome and thanks for the feedback.

You certainly can work with resources in circumstances where you have
several individual resources with interchangeable skills. On the
resource sheet, use a max. unit of greater than 100% to indicate
multiple of that named resource. For example, if you have 4
millwrights, you can create the Millwright resource and set the max.
unit at 400%. Then, as you assign resources to tasks, if you have a
task where you need 3 millwrights, assign 300% to that specific task.
You still have 100% (1) Millwright available for other assignments.
If you exceed the 4 Millwrights assigned at any given moment, the
resource will be flagged as overallocated.

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

 

[iCarbon]

That looks like it will work. Thanks for your help.

 

[JulieS]

You're welcome. Glad to have helped and thanks for the feedback.

Julie