DecisionEdge for Microsoft Office Project

[Hardip]

Hi All

I've been investigating visual tools to help report with MS Project 2003 and
2007. I've came across DecisionEdge and would appreciate the experiences of
other Project Managers using this product in a live environment.

The website doesn't show a complete list of the charts available. It does
state "Bundled with over 100 best-practice charts, reports and dashboards".
Does anyone have a complete list? I'd also like to view the dashboards to see
how configurable they are i.e. can you select which charts with want to see
on the dashboard or are templates set.

In the features section it states that "Combine and compare up to 50
projects and subprojects" - that's exactly what I'm looking for. Also,
"Easily send filtered chart and report data to Microsoft Excel" - does this
mean the charts/dashboard and the data is exported to Microsoft Excel, as I'd
reformat some of the series, labels or make other slight adjustments.

It seems to meet all my requirements but it could all be wishful thinking
However, it looks like a great tool and I haven't found anything other
than this product when it comes to a tool for reporting charts/dashboard on
standalone MS Project. Correct me if I'm wrong.

If you have experience of this tool I'd appreciate your thoughts and
insights (pros and cons).

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

Regards,
Hardip

 

[Hardip]

Hi All

I found a view of all the graphs and charts and a tutorial here:

http://www.decisionedge.com/decisionedgeforMSPintro.html

Can anyone confirm the export to Microsoft Excel functionality?

Regards, Hardip

 

[Jim Aksel [MVP]]

Yes, we use the Decision Edge product forProject and it works well. Take
the time to understand and verify it is calculating the parameters as you
expect them. It will export to Excel as CSV

Jim Aksel,MVP
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[Hardip]

Hi Jim

I'm led to understand that is only exports the data and not the charts. As
I'm not a whiz with charts I was hoping it would export both. Am I mistaken?

Thanks for responding and hope you can can clarify things for me

Cheers, H

 

[Jim Aksel [MVP]]

Sorry, it exports data only.

Hi Jim

I'm led to understand that is only exports the data and not the charts.
As
I'm not a whiz with charts I was hoping it would export both. Am I
mistaken?

Thanks for responding and hope you can can clarify things for me

Cheers, H

 

[Hardip]

Hi Jim

Thanks again for responding. So you export the data into Excel/CSV and
create the charts from scratch - is this difficult ? Could you send me an
example of the the resource dashboard if its not too much trouble?

Hopefully speak soon, Hardip

 

[Jim Aksel]

We don't export from DE, I was just explaining it was possible. If you need
Excel charting assistance, you can post to the Excel group. Actually it is
not that hard since they have Excel Chart Wizards for just about everything.

We use or modify the DE charts as they exist by saving them as BMP or PDF
and then putting them into PowerPoint. It works well for us as we are able to
adopt color schemes, etc. that match our customers and programs logos, etc.

DE sells another tool called DE Designer which allows you to change make
charts from scratch. It is how you can create different charts for use with
the DE Suite for Project. However, before you go off and spend $800 on the
Designer, the normal DE Suite for Project allows filtering, color changes,
etc. and will handle about 90% of your needs.

If you need further assistance, there is a Contact Us form on my blog (URL
Below). We can certainly $upply A$$i$tance.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim Aksel, MVP

Check out my blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[Hardip]

Hi Jim

I assumed you were exporting the data into Excel and then creating charts
from the ground up. I've taken your advise and am looking at the data and
parameters behind the charts and getting good charts that reflect my
understanding.

I know about the DE Designer but its a little out of my price range - I work
as a contractor and my assignment may not be long enough to pay back the
investment

Designer is a great tool and something I would certainly consider! I wish
more organisations just had Project Server!

Cheers and thnaks for the responses, H

 

[Loofted]

Hi All,

I downloaded an evaluation version of DecisionEdge and was so impresse
I purchased a copy of DecisionEdge for MS Project. In my opinion it i
the BEST management Information tool that extracts "Information"
charts and reports - directly from Ms Project.

I then visited "LA" and purchased a "DecisionEdge Designer" trainin
course so that I could design bespoke charts and reports for individua
client requirements.

DecisionEdge Does:-

- Export CSV
- Direct emails charts, reports
- Direct saves PDF copies of charts, reports

Bundles at least 100 standard charts, reports with the product.

I have used this product to provide management with resource, resourc
usage, resource availability and cost management information. IT Work
!!

The downside is that there is not much of a market yet in UK. So if
can help I will.