Need to calc end dates for many simultaneous tasks with one resour

[Graham J]

I have a number of independent tasks that have been sized to take a certain
amount of effort each. I have a single resource that will be working on
these tasks simultaneously. Start dates cannot be delayed, so leveling can't
be used. I have flexibility to change the end dates for each task though. I
need to calculate these end dates when one resource is working on all these
tasks simultaneously.

Originally I've tried changing the resource's allocation to reflect the
number of tasks. e.g. with 5 tasks, I set the allocation to 20%. The
problem with doing this is that MSP assumes that the 20% allocation lasts for
the entire duration of each task. Each task has a different duration, so
there are times when there are 5 simultaneous tasks, and other times there
are 4, other times 3, etc. So assuming 20% allocation for the life of each
task isn't realistic. There will be times when I can allocate a resource 25%
(4 simultaneous tasks), and 33% (3 simultaneous tasks).

Is there a way that I can have the percentage allocation on each task
automatically change based on the number of simultaneous tasks? Is there any
other way I can calc end dates for this scenario?

 

[davegb]

I have a number of independent tasks that have been sized to take a certain
amount of effort each. I have a single resource that will be working on
these tasks simultaneously. Start dates cannot be delayed, so leveling can't
be used. I have flexibility to change the end dates for each task though. I
need to calculate these end dates when one resource is working on all these
tasks simultaneously.

Originally I've tried changing the resource's allocation to reflect the
number of tasks. e.g. with 5 tasks, I set the allocation to 20%. The
problem with doing this is that MSP assumes that the 20% allocation lasts for
the entire duration of each task. Each task has a different duration, so
there are times when there are 5 simultaneous tasks, and other times there
are 4, other times 3, etc. So assuming 20% allocation for the life of each
task isn't realistic. There will be times when I can allocate a resource 25%
(4 simultaneous tasks), and 33% (3 simultaneous tasks).

Is there a way that I can have the percentage allocation on each task
automatically change based on the number of simultaneous tasks? Is there any
other way I can calc end dates for this scenario?

Your best bet is to use the Task Usage or Resource Usage view and put
in the hrs on the dates you want each resource to work on each task.

Hope this helps in your world.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

In my world I rarely find tasks where start is an absolute must.
People are mainly, if not solely, interested in end dates and delivering the
goods.
Are you sure there ia any advantage in making people spread their time over
many different tasks?