Master File vs. Huge Project

[Robert]

I'm looking for opinions here. In general do people find it easier to use master project files to consolidate numerous "sub-projects" or to simply create huge project files with numerous phases and summary tasks. Our company is working on several (over a dozen) projects throughout the year that are all centered around the same goal (from different angles). Having never used project before, I went at it by constructing one monstrous file that contained each project shown as summaries of the whole. Now that I've been working with Project for awhile and I've read up on it a bit, I think the master file/individual projects approach would work better when coupled with a resource pool.
I know I'm giving you a very vague scenario here, but anyone have any opinions? The current file is large (17mgs), takes awhile for calculations, and likes to corrupt itself. I figure if I was working with lots of individual files working out the bugs would be much easier. Are there any major drawbacks to this approach?

-Robert

 

[John]

Robert,
I think you answered you own question. A single Project file with a
couple thousand tasks is about as large as practical for most users.
Very large files (several thousand tasks) will work fine but it takes
quite a bit of experience using Project to be able to work effectively
with projects that large.

You are correct in your thinking that working with and troubleshooting
multiple smaller files is generally much easier. Set up a separate dummy
file for the resource pool. Related tasks between files can be linked
using external links. If desired, there are ways to create a static
(i.e. no external links) master file that retains all inter-file links
for historical purposes.

As far a downsides to a master file with subprojects, I can't think of
any. Just keep in mind that the consolidated master file (if it is
dynamic) is not a single large file. The master is a shell file that may
have some of its own tasks but it comprised mostly of pointers to the
subproject files. As such, the task IDs will repeat for each subproject.
You may find a few things that do not act (or react) the same at the
master level versus the subproject level. The best approach is to track
and maintain each subproject on its own and use the master mainly for
summarizing and looking at the overall picture.

At least this is my 2 cents. Hope this helps..

John

 

[Rob Schneider]

Definitely go with smaller subprojects files, with one or more master
files. Divide up the files based on some logic with respect to the
organisation, project strategy, or something.

At minimum, sounds like you'll want to have a dozen files for the dozen
projects. Each of these projects may also be useful to break down into
subprojects.

Hope this is useful to you. Let us know.

rms

 

[Shannon]

Hello

I have recently created a master file of six sub projects. Currently the projects are not linked within the master file. However, the finish dates of a couple sub projects have changed. I narrowed the problem down to a link within one of the sub projects for which the lead time is no longer reflected in the master file. I had entered a 50% lead time but the master file does not reflect that. Although when I click on the link within the master file it says the lead time is in there. This change is also getting reflected in the associated sub project file

Has anyone else run into this problem when inserting projects into a master file? I hope this makes sens
Any help would be appreciated. This problem is resulting in the finish date being pushed out one month
Shannon

 

[John]

Shannon,
I just tried what I interpreted as your file structure to a subproject
in a test master file. In the subproject I put a Predecessor of XXFS+50%
on a task. I then checked the master and saw it reflected on the same
task on the master file. (Be sure calculation is set to automatic, or
hit F9.)

However, maybe my interpretation is not correct. You mentioned that you
"clicked on the link". What exactly do you mean? Clicking on a link
tells me an external link is involved but your post says the projects
are not linked. I'm a little confused.

John