Dropdown from an outline code determines duration

[Kathleen]

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to 10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[Jim Aksel]

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values. This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an issue in
Excel than Project.

 

[Kathleen]

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values. This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to 10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[Kathleen]

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small, Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch( Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values. This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to 10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[JulieS]

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set", "High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch( Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[Kathleen]

Hi Julie - that is AWESOME
I did see the error text that you mentioned when I was trying different
formulas

I will implement your suggestions and provide feedback
THANK you for taking the time to assist
K

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set", "High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch( Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[JulieS]

You're most welcome Kathleen and thanks for the feedback. Let us know
if you have any additional questions about the formulas.

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

Hi Julie - that is AWESOME
I did see the error text that you mentioned when I was trying
different
formulas

I will implement your suggestions and provide feedback
THANK you for taking the time to assist
K

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for
each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank
is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you
haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help
out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I
think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one
of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List
with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value
in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you
can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set",
"High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch(
Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

:

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly,
so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a
switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This
can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special...
Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more
an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting
something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user
really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to
assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[Kathleen]

Hi Julie - finally had a chance to try this

I created the Text1 and Duration1 as you instructed and it worked wonderfully
THANK YOU SO MUCH

The issue that I have is that I need the Duration field to mimic the
Duration1 duration so the gantt bars will be accurate.


Currently the fields look like this

Text1 Duration Duration1
Med 1 day? 20 days

Then the Gantt bar for that task is 1 day

Thank you
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set", "High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch( Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[JulieS]

Hi Kathleen,

You're most welcome and thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to know the
formula is working as you need to capture your values in the Duration1
field.

As I think Jim explained, the Duration field in project is not
customizable, so you will need to copy and paste the values from
Duration1 to the Duration field.

The alternative would be to create some VBA code that you could place on
a toolbar button to automate the process and replace Duration values
with Duration1 values. If you are interested in pursuing that route and
are not completely comfortable with the code, I suggest posting your
question to the Project Developer newsgroup and someone there may be
able to point you in the correct direction.

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

Hi Julie - finally had a chance to try this

I created the Text1 and Duration1 as you instructed and it worked
wonderfully
THANK YOU SO MUCH

The issue that I have is that I need the Duration field to mimic the
Duration1 duration so the gantt bars will be accurate.


Currently the fields look like this

Text1 Duration Duration1
Med 1 day? 20 days

Then the Gantt bar for that task is 1 day

Thank you
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for
each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank
is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you
haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help
out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I
think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one
of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List
with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value
in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you
can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set",
"High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch(
Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

:

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly,
so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a
switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This
can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special...
Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more
an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting
something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user
really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to
assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[Kathleen]

Julie and Jim
Thank you very much I will continue the post in the developer section.
I love learning about custom formulas and VBA code as it applies to project
It's so interesting.
Thanks and have a nice weekend.
K

Hi Kathleen,

You're most welcome and thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to know the
formula is working as you need to capture your values in the Duration1
field.

As I think Jim explained, the Duration field in project is not
customizable, so you will need to copy and paste the values from
Duration1 to the Duration field.

The alternative would be to create some VBA code that you could place on
a toolbar button to automate the process and replace Duration values
with Duration1 values. If you are interested in pursuing that route and
are not completely comfortable with the code, I suggest posting your
question to the Project Developer newsgroup and someone there may be
able to point you in the correct direction.

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

Hi Julie - finally had a chance to try this

I created the Text1 and Duration1 as you instructed and it worked
wonderfully
THANK YOU SO MUCH

The issue that I have is that I need the Duration field to mimic the
Duration1 duration so the gantt bars will be accurate.


Currently the fields look like this

Text1 Duration Duration1
Med 1 day? 20 days

Then the Gantt bar for that task is 1 day

Thank you
Kathleen

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for
each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank
is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you
haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help
out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I
think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one
of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List
with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value
in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you
can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set",
"High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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


Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch(
Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

:

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly,
so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a
switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This
can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special...
Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more
an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting
something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user
really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to
assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[JulieS]

You're very welcome Kathleen and thanks for the feedback. I hope you
continue to enjoy your exploration and use of Project and we hope to see
you in the newsgroups again

Julie

Julie and Jim
Thank you very much I will continue the post in the developer section.
I love learning about custom formulas and VBA code as it applies to
project
It's so interesting.
Thanks and have a nice weekend.
K

Hi Kathleen,

You're most welcome and thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to know
the
formula is working as you need to capture your values in the
Duration1
field.

As I think Jim explained, the Duration field in project is not
customizable, so you will need to copy and paste the values from
Duration1 to the Duration field.

The alternative would be to create some VBA code that you could place
on
a toolbar button to automate the process and replace Duration values
with Duration1 values. If you are interested in pursuing that route
and
are not completely comfortable with the code, I suggest posting your
question to the Project Developer newsgroup and someone there may be
able to point you in the correct direction.

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

Hi Julie - finally had a chance to try this

I created the Text1 and Duration1 as you instructed and it worked
wonderfully
THANK YOU SO MUCH

The issue that I have is that I need the Duration field to mimic
the
Duration1 duration so the gantt bars will be accurate.


Currently the fields look like this

Text1 Duration Duration1
Med 1 day? 20 days

Then the Gantt bar for that task is 1 day

Thank you
Kathleen

:

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula
and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for
each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for
blank
is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a
correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you
haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help
out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I
think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use
one
of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List
with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a
value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set"
value
in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code,
you
can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set",
"High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to
multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for
30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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


Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered
Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch(
Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

:

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the
input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation
directly,
so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values
desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a
switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column.
This
can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special...
Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is
more
an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting
something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically
to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user
really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to
assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[Jim Aksel]

Julie - great input! For some reason my brain keeps forgetting about the
duration in minutes, it is displayed in days. [Palm of hand to forehead]

I think there would be a more general way to calculate it, since not
everyone works 5x8=40. Perhaps we could use 30*[Minutes Per Day]. I know I
always get confused when I see a number like 14400 ... honest it made me
think of a modem!
--
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

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set", "High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch( Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly, so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special... Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen

 

[JulieS]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your input as well.

Actually, I misspoke, Duration "shows" based upon the default setting,
but the calculation is in minutes. Yes, you're right, could have used
the [Minutes per day] field in the formula instead of carrying the
numbers.

Julie

Julie - great input! For some reason my brain keeps forgetting about
the
duration in minutes, it is displayed in days. [Palm of hand to
forehead]

I think there would be a more general way to calculate it, since not
everyone works 5x8=40. Perhaps we could use 30*[Minutes Per Day]. I
know I
always get confused when I see a number like 14400 ... honest it made
me
think of a modem!
--
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

Hi Kathleen,

Pardon me for jumping in, but there is an error in your formula and I
have an additional suggestion for you. First the suggestion:

The problem with Outline Codes is they have to be set manually for
each
task and when you add a new task, they are blank. Testing for blank
is
somewhat of a problem in Project and therefore, even with a correct
formula, you'll see #ERROR for each new task you add where you
haven't
set the Outline Code manually. You mention you are trying to help
out a
person who doesn't have a great deal of skills \with Project and I
think
seeing #ERROR everywhere would scare them.

So, my suggestion: instead of using an outline code field, use one
of
the custom Text fields (text1 for example) and create a Value List
with
your values "High", "Medium", "Small". I would also include a value
something like "Not Set" as an option and select the "Not Set" value
in
the list as default. By using a Value List not an outline code, you
can
set a value as the default and each new task you add will have the
default value of "Not Set".

So, assuming you have used Text1 with the values of "Not Set",
"High",
"Medium", and "Small", your formula in Duration1 would read:

Switch([Text1]="Not
Set",[Duration],[Text1]="High",14400,[Text1]="Medium",9600,[Text1]="Small",4800)

Because the Duration fields show values in minutes, I had to multiply
the 30 days by 480 (8 hours times 60 minutes) to get the value for 30
days.

The result in the Duration1 field:
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Not Set" just show the Duration
Tasks with a Text1 value = "High" show 30 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Medium" show 20 days
Tasks with a Text1 value = "Small" show 10 days


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

Hi Jim -
I attempted this today; however, it appears I do not have enough
expertise
creating the correct formulas and although your instructions are
clear, the
formulas I tried through errors. Here's what I did
I created custom outline code and in the value list entered Small,
Medium,
High
No issues
I then created Duration1 and customized it
I created this formula
IIf([Outline Code4]="High",30,"Medium",20,"Low",10,Switch(
Duration)
and it errored on the ")"
after 10

Thank you
K

:

Thanks Jim
I'll give this a try tomorrow - Thank you very much for the input
k

:

Create a custom field with a dropdown value list with the
selections as
required. Make sure to include one that is NA.

I do not see a way to replace the Duration calculation directly,
so
you can
do it with another custom field such as Duration1.

Place a formula in Duration1 that will return the values desired
based on
L,M,H or N/A. In order to do this, you will need to use a
switch
statement
in the forumla.
If the value of the dropdown is L the formula returns 10 to
Duration1, M=20,
H=30. If the value of the dropdown is N/A the forumala for
Duration1 returns
[Duration] not a number.

The requested durations are now in the Duration1 column. This
can
be
copy/pasted to Duration. To be safe Edit/Paste Special...
Values.
This
would avoid a circular reference to [Duration] but that is more
an
issue in
Excel than Project.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

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


:

Hi everyone:
Do you know if I can determine a duration by selecting
something
from an
outline code?
ie
I select from an outline code
Low
Med
High

When I select Low I would like duration to go automatically to
10d, medium
20d and High 30d.

I know this is not the norm for project; however, the user
really
sees a
need for this in a NON PROJECT MGMT role. I would like to
assist
if I can.
Regards

Kathleen