Problem with linking of summary tasks

[Henk]

(I am using the Dutch version op project 2003, so I don't know if I use
the right English substitutes.)

Hello,

I'm dealing with the following problem:

I have a custom made field "number3" in which I let calculate the work
that has been done in the last two weeks. The summary tasks in this
field get the sum of the individual tasks.

So far so good.

But when I am creating a link from one summary task from one project to
another summery task in another project, the subtotals from the linked
project are counted within the summary of the actual project. Resulting
in getting the wrong total amounts of work (field "number3"), since it
is appearing twice!

Is anyone of you familiar with this problem and know how to fix it?

I know I can fix it by not linking summary tasks anymore, but I find
this convenient, so I prefer this method.

Best regards Henk.

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi Henk,

Welcome to this Microsoft Project newsgroup

This is one of the problems inherent in linking summaries - not a
recommended feature - see FAQ Item: 48 on linking summaries.FAQs, companion
products and other useful Project information can be seen at this web
address: http://www.mvps.org/project/.

The alternative is to link from the end task of the predecessor summary's
last task to the beginning task of the receiving summary. If this is not
easy to identify, then set up milestones denoting the begining and end of
each and link these.

Hope this helps - please let us know how you get on

Mike Glen
Project MVP
See http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for Project Tutorials

 

[Henk]

Hello Mike,

Thanks for your help. I already understood that linking summery tasks
is not the most perfect way. But it is convenient and it is possible,
so I thought let use it en see what happens. Until now I haven't had
any problems with these.

You said:

If this is not
easy to identify, then set up milestones denoting the begining and end
of
each and link these.


And that is what I m going to do now. That sounds like an useful
solution. I linked the summary tasks, because the individual tasks to
link aren't easy to find among all the other tasks.

Best regards Henk.

 

[Mike Glen]

You're welcome, Henk, I hope it goes well - please keep us informed

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP
See http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc for Project Tutorials