Linking tasks in MS Project

[Karuuna]

Hi,

I just had a question about linking tasks in project 2007. When we link two
or more projects, each linkage produces an extra line in the master project.
So, if I link the same task in eight different projects, does that mean the
master plan will have 8 extra lines to show those links?

 

[Gérard Ducouret]

Karuuna,
Yes, you'll have an extra line - an external predecessor or external
successor - for each external link.
You can hide these external predecessors or external successors in Project
Pro : Tolls / Options /Views : Show external pred.... but the row # will not
follow

Gérard Ducouret

 

[Karuuna]

Thank you Gerard! The information was helpful.

Karuuna

 

[DavidC]

Hi,

For what it is worth. I also run a multitude of projects interlinked.
There is a major risk though with this, and that is if additional tasks are
added before a linked task subsequent to linking the tasks. Project tracks
these links on the taks ID, and of course that changes if a new task is added
or one is deleted before it. To overcome this I set all tasks that link
into other projects at the very top of the schedule as a group allowing the
main body of the schedule to be changed without impacting on the links. Also
I create milestones linked to the task in the main part of the schedule and
link the milestone to the external project. That way the visual sense of the
project flow can be retained.

Downside. Significantly more lines of tasks.

Hope this is of some value

regards

DavidC