external dependencies

[Chris]

As mentioned in earlier post I have 2 plans with milestones linked between
them. Obviously some information is shared by the dependency link between
the 2 plans i.e. start / finish dates. Are there any other fields which
share a dependency link and will be the same in both plans?

TIA

Chris

 

[JulieS]

Hi Chris,

No. No other fields would be changed it you changed information in
the other plan.

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

 

[NH Ralph]

This is a related question. We have multiple Project 2003 files with
external links between them. We also have them captured in a consolidated
file. The problem is that we don't see the correct amount of total slack
unless the consolidated file is open. Just having one of the source files
open shows the incorrect amount of total slack.

 

[JulieS]

Hi NH Ralph,

Total slack is calculated based upon the forward pass/backwards pass
calculation to the end date of the project in question. So, your
task in a subproject will calculate total slack based upon it's
project's end date. If you open the consolidated project, it's
based upon the end date of the entire project.

Try turning on the option "Calculate multiple critical paths" in the
consolidated project. You'll find the command in Tools > Options,
Calculation tab.

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

 

[NH Ralph]

Hi JulieS
I appreciate the help, but that did not work. I tried turning on the
calculate multiple critical paths in the consolidated file and the source
files, but the slack (which happens to be negative) did not calculate
correctly unless I have the consolidated file open. The issue is that we
have 3 people working on a very large, complex project, and each person owns
at least one source file. If the only way to see the correct amount of slack
is to have the consolidated file open, we have conflicts because each person
needs write access to their source files real-time. Any other ideas?

 

[JulieS]

Hi Ralph,

The only work around I can think of is to set deadlines on the tasks
in the subproject file to have the subproject files calculate slack
based upon the due dates for each PMs portions of the larger
project.

If the consolidated project is open, you're correct the individual
PMs cannot have write access to his/her files.

Julie

 

[NH Ralph]

OK, thanks. I guess this is a limitation of Project standard. I know that
if we were using Professional and server then we would have more
collaboration capabilities.

 

[JulieS]

You may find the deadlines do what you need. You're welcome for the
information and thanks for the feedback.

Julie