Loading a resource for a fixed duration task

[Bill Swain]

I have tasks that are fixed durations, lets say one week. The resources
assigned need to be different for each day. For instance the engineer will
work 8 hrs the first day, 6 the second, and 4 the third, and two on the 4th
and 5th day. The technician however will be working in reverse as he takes
over the hands on task so he would be 3 hours the first day, 4 the second, 6
the 3rd, and 8 on the 4th and 5th.

I think I understand how to set resource availability by dates in the
resource tab, but that wouldn't move with the task if things slide and
change. How do I set this type of work loading for resources to a task so
the work assignments move with the task.

Our main concern is when certain tasks slip and then coincide with other
tasks in other areas of the project where we would see a resource
overallocation. e.g. a resources tasks have suddenly stacked up due to
project changes.

I would also like to use this to get the costs out in the "analyze time
data" feature.

Thanks,
Bill

 

[JulieS]

Hi Bill,

What you are describing is what Project calls work contours -- changing
the resource's work to something other than a flat amount per day.

If you look at either the Task Usage View or the Resource Usage view you
can manually contour a resource's work in the timescaled (right side)
portion of the view by simply typing the amount of work you desire.

There are also several pre-set contours that you may wish to explore.
To experiment with the pre-set contours, double click on the assignment
line in the view to display the assignment information dialog box. The
assignment line is represented by the itialicized task name under the
resource's name in the Resource Usage view, and the italicized resource
name under the task's name in the Task Usage view.

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

 

[Bill Swain]

Wow,

I continue to be amazed at the capability hidden in the program. If I
mannually type the contour in will it move with the task if the task moves in
real life?

I like it!!

Thanks Julie,
Bill

 

[JulieS]

Hi Bill,

Yes, if you contour a resource's assignment and the task shifts, the
contour is maintained.

You're most welcome and thanks for the feedback.

Julie
Project MVP