How do i lock the Baseline Start Column?

[Jitin]

I am trying to Lock the baseline start column in my project, is there a way
to restrict people from changing the dates in that column. I need to
distribute this file electronically so i dont want anyone to change my
baseline date

 

[JackD]

There is no way to lock it. Why are you afraid that they will change the
baseline?

 

[Jitin]

I plan to use this as a metrix to compare the baselined and the actual start
date. and since i am planning to give this to my team i dont want them to
manupilate it.

 

[JackD]

Keep a copy for yourself and check it.
Alternatively, copy it into some other fields and use a formula to check for
differences.

 

[Jitin]

I am new to this can you please explain in detail......

 

[JackD]

Go to the insert menu, select column and choose one of the available text
columns
select your baseline column (baseline finish for example) by clicking on the
column head.
Copy.
select your text column
paste.
Now the two are equivalent.
Select the text column and delete it (this just hides it from view)

Now if they change the baseline it will be different from the values in the
text column.
To check if they are equivalent, it is easiest to use a flag field.
Insert one of the flag fields. Right click the column header.
Select customize fields.
Click on the formula button
enter a formula like
iif([Baseline Finish]=[Text1],"Yes", "No")

Now that field will show no for any tasks where the baseline has been
changed.

Finally, create a filter. Set it for all tasks which have a Flag1 value of
"No".

An alternative is to use the compare projects add-in.

 

[Steve House [Project MVP]]

If you are afraid that they will fudge the baseline, don't distribute the
file to them in the first place. I presume you're trying to save a bit of
your time and have them enter their progress information directly as they're
doing the work. My personal opinion is this is a bad idea as you, the PM,
should be reviewing that data before it's posted into the file anyway. The
project file is your persnoal tool to help you manage the project itself and
shouldn't be open in its entirety to the project team any more than you'd
want them to be able to go through your desk's file drawer when you're not
around - don't give ]em the chance to mess around with it. Set up a
reporting system where they report progress to you and you update the files
that track it. Project Server does this sort of thing through PWA, giving
them limited access to update just things that they should be able to
update, but that might be overkill for you.