Material resource costs 0 for 0 duration task

[LawrenceRose]

If I have a material resource allocated to a zero duration task, why are the costs of this resource for this task 0? Why must I have a non-zero duration for material costs to work? Nowhere does it say that Material costs depend on duration (whereas Work resource costs do). Thank you

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

Why, oh Why?
Fortunately, knowing Why MS did this is not very relevant is it?
There is no logical explanation IMHO.
Unfortunately the reverse is true also. Setting consumption ("Work") for a
material resource to 0 turns duration to 0.
Absolutely contrary to all help, material resources should by no means
influence plan or duration.
But can I help?

Greetings,


--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
+32 495 300 620
For availability check:
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/Calendar.pdf

 

[Steve House]

How could a zero duration task have a material cost associated with it?
Zero duration tasks, ie milestones, aren't really tasks at all, they're
merely sign-posts flagging the point in time where a particular event has
taken place. Zero duration means that no physical activity happens. If
nothing is happening, no materials are being consumed. If no materials are
consumed, no costs are incurred. Assign the material to the actual physical
activity that uses it and the costs will work out properly.