MS Project Leveling Algorithm

[Matt]

Good Day,

I am interested in knowing which algorithm MSP 2002 uses to
level its resources. For the numerous methods I have
checked I have come up with a counter example.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Matt

--
Dale A. Howard [MVP]
Enterprise Project Trainer/Consultant
Denver, Colorado
http://www.msprojectexperts.com
"We wrote the book on Project Server"

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Matt --

To the best of my knowledge, Microsoft has never published the exact
algorithm that the software uses to level overallocated resources.
Essentially, the software uses a combination of five factors in the
Standard order to determine which tasks to split or delay: Predecessor,
Amount of Total Slack, Start Date, Priority, and Constraints. After 7 years
with this software, I'm still not sure which of these five factors is
considered first when using the Standard order, and like you, I can find
counter examples. If you set the leveling order to Priority, Standard then
the Priority number factor is considered first. If none of the factors
determine which tasks to move or delay, then the software uses the ID number
to make its determination.
Hope this helps.

--
Dale A. Howard [MVP]
Enterprise Project Trainer/Consultant
Denver, Colorado
http://www.msprojectexperts.com
"We wrote the book on Project Server"

 

[Matt]

Thanks for your prompt reply, but your message appears to
be empty

Thanks again,
Matt

 

[John Beamish]

In addition to what Dale Howard described, you should be aware that MS
Project levels by pushing tasks out and not by bringing tasks in to
"backfill" a resource's available but unallocated time.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi All,

IMHO it is not a matter of "absolute" first, then second...
I'm convinced it makes a sort of weighted sum of all this and takes that
number or whatever.
For instance, "days already postponed" ("Start" if you like) takes over from
Totals slack if it is large enough and slack is small enough. That is one
you can check with reasonable small examples.

Not that I laie awake over it..

Greetings