Link tasks between sub projects with duration?

[Steve]

I have a master project in (MSP7) with 5 inserted subprojects. The master
project has no tasks, its just a container. Four of the subprojects are
deeply detailed with daily information that applies to the stakeowner of that
phase of the program. The fifth subproject is more or less a Summary
project. It reflects key milestones and those viewed as critical tasks
events as an overview.

I have no problem creating an external link such as from one subproject task
as a Start to Start predecessor to a task in Summary subproject. My problem
is I can not bring the Duration information over to feed linked task. MSP7
is not allowing me to do a dynamic link between the duration fields. I have
to manually copy the the durations as they change.

I'm I missing a step or procedure? Or is there a work around?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Colin]

Steve

Why don't you use a hammock task.
Create a new task. Make sure the task type is not fixed duration. You
should be
selecting and copying the date from one cell and then pasting - "paste link"
option. (paste start of first task to start of hammock and finish of 2nd
task to finish of hammock)

Caution is required when using Hammocks - I would read previous disussions on
this before proceeding.

Also, I would make a note in Notes or Text1 field, that this task is a hammock

Colin

 

[John]

I have a master project in (MSP7) with 5 inserted subprojects. The master
project has no tasks, its just a container. Four of the subprojects are
deeply detailed with daily information that applies to the stakeowner of that
phase of the program. The fifth subproject is more or less a Summary
project. It reflects key milestones and those viewed as critical tasks
events as an overview.

I have no problem creating an external link such as from one subproject task
as a Start to Start predecessor to a task in Summary subproject. My problem
is I can not bring the Duration information over to feed linked task. MSP7
is not allowing me to do a dynamic link between the duration fields. I have
to manually copy the the durations as they change.

I'm I missing a step or procedure? Or is there a work around?

Thanks,

Steve

Steve,
Well something is definitely wrong, and not with Project but most likely
with your file structure.

First of all, I've seen many master files similar to what you describe
wherein the user has one file, ("summary file"), for passing links back
and forth between the working files. While on the surface that may sound
like an ok thing to do, my experience is that the users end up with both
forward and backward pass type links - and that's just asking for
trouble. A much better approach is to use filtering or grouping at the
master level to obtain the top level view and forget about the separate
"summary file".

Second, there should be no reason to link durations, in any project
file. Links between tasks, whether they are in the same file or between
files, should be done as predecessors/successors. In the case of links
between files, they should be done as external predecessors/successors,
and not as paste links as some users tend to do. Dynamic linking between
files will provide the necessary data that will allow Project to
automatically update the schedule of each file - unless there are hard
constraints - and those should never be combined with links anyway.

By the way, you need to make sure that under Tools/Options/Calculation
tab, calculation is set for automatic.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[Steve]

Thank you all for your advice. I will rework it.

Steve

 

[John]

Thank you all for your advice. I will rework it.

Steve

Steve,
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback. Good luck with your schedule
restructuring.

John
Project MVP