Import / Export across project plans

[Craig]

I am building a project plan that now needs to be combined with an existing
project plan. Both plan are in MS project. I am wondering if there is a way
to import the one plan into the other. This would require an import from the
one plan to the other of:

1. WBS (task list)
2. Resources
3. Calendar

For the WBS, I could also just copy and paste in, but it seems that the
hierarchy is lost when I do this. Does anyone know a way to paste in the
tasks without losing the hierarchy.

I am hoping there is a somewhat easy way to do this, as it would be a pain
to do manually.

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Jim Aksel]

Create a master file. Open both files. Window/New Window... Select both
files and then OK. What you have is a new (third) file that contains the two
subproject files.

Use custom grouping if you want ot see it by WBS, etc.
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Jim Aksel, MVP

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

 

[John]

I am building a project plan that now needs to be combined with an existing
project plan. Both plan are in MS project. I am wondering if there is a way
to import the one plan into the other. This would require an import from the
one plan to the other of:

1. WBS (task list)
2. Resources
3. Calendar

For the WBS, I could also just copy and paste in, but it seems that the
hierarchy is lost when I do this. Does anyone know a way to paste in the
tasks without losing the hierarchy.

I am hoping there is a somewhat easy way to do this, as it would be a pain
to do manually.

Thanks,
Craig

Craig,
I support Jim's suggestion for a master file. But let me add one more
step to the process. Since it sounds like you want to end up with a
single project file, you will need to convert the dynamically
consolidated master into a static master (i.e. a single file).

When you create a master file from two or more subproject files, that
master is dynamic in that it only contains pointers to each of the
individual subprojects. Those subproject files are not actually IN the
master file. However if you instead create a static master, the result
will be a single new file comprised of the other files. The best way to
create a static master is to uncheck the "link to project" option in the
lower right corner of the Insert Project window. By the way, you won't
see that window when you use Jim's exact method. I suggest you create
the master using Insert/Project from Project's menu.

Be advised that using the above approach will create a whole new
structure in the WBS field. If you need to retain the original WBS, I
suggest you first copy it to a spare text field in each file and then
overwrite that structure into the WBS field of the new file after it is
created.

Resources from both files should both appear in the new static file.
Calendars are another matter. The new static master will have a normal
default calendar. You may need to use the Organizer to transfer
calendars as appropriate.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP