MS Project Server 2003 and Timesheets

[LTN]

Hi,

We are a mid-size software development company and are looking at
implementing an Enterprise Scheduling, Resource Planning and Timesheet
application in one.I have been looking into MS Project Server 2003. We
currently are using MS Project 2000 as a desktop app. I was wondering how
Microsoft has changed the timesheet functionality? Is there now built in
functionality that will prevent Project from automatically changing
previously entered actual time?

I was also reading on the site and one suggestion was to apply an add onto
MS Project for Timesheets for payroll. What capabilities does MS Project not
hold? Is there an 'all in one' solution?

I was also wondering if the resource leveling has been improved in Server
2003?

Thanks for your help in advance.
L

 

[Gary L. Chefetz [MVP]]

LTN:

Project Server has its own timesheeting system which includes the ability to
set managed time periods, which effectively locks down the actual work
record in a table outside the base Project data. Project will warn you if
you try to make changes to the project that would put it out-of-synch with
the protected actuals. With that said, IMO, it's an effective solution for
collecting billable work, however it's not auditable enough to drive
payroll. If you were contemplating a payroll driving system, I'd definitely
look at third-party tools like HMS Software's Time Control. The 2007 version
of Project Server does a much better job handling time tracking with a brand
new model, plus it has the audit capabilities that make it more suitable for
payroll time collection. I'll save my recommendation on this when I see the
next Beta.

With regard to leveling, not much has changed, but I don't think the tool
feature is as useless as many people think it is, which I believe is
frustration based on misunderstanding both the tool behavior and the goals
of resources leveling. You might call it an "expectation issue."