Project 2007: Modifying Excel Visual Report Templates

[Dean Nichols]

Hi,

I am using MS Project 2007 and am having difficulties modifying an existing
visual report template namely the (Earned Value Over Time) report. I am
trying to add a new couple of fields (Task CPI and Task SPI).

I go to visual reports -> click on the All tab -> select Earned Value Over
Time -> then hit 'Edit'
the
I go into the field picker screen and find the 2 new fields that I want
included in report ' Task CPI' and 'Task SPI' and cick 'Add' to move them
over to the Selected Fields'

I then click on Edit Template. Excel opens up, i click on the chart and
look on the 'Pivot Tables Field List'. I cannot see the 2 new fields that I
just added.

Where am I going wrong?

Thanks

 

[Andrew Lavinsky]

I've always had that issue with Visual Reports. I am not sure if it's a
bug, or part of the design. In the end, it was easier for me to just save
to Excel, and then manipulate the data there.

- Andrew Lavinsky
Blog: http://blogs.catapultsystems.com/epm

 

[JulieS]

Hi Dean,

Task CPI and Task SPI are not time-phased fields in the pivot table so
they will not show in the Timephased portion of the Pivot table. If you
have added the name of the Task to the left side of the pivot table
(remove it from the report filter and add it to Row labels) you can show
the CPI and SPI as a property for the task. Right click on the task and
from the resulting shortcut menu choose "Show properties in report" and
select CPI and SPI.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional
information about Microsoft Project

 

[Dean Nichols]

Thanks for your help Julie. Tried it and not getting the results I was
hoping for.

Maybe I should approach this from another angle that may be simpler.

I would like to produce an Excel Visual Report (Line Chart) that plots
CPI/CV and SPI/SV. I want to use this chart as high level reporting tool to
illustrate project progress to my stakeholders. I want to be in a position
where I can 'prove' that we are/not on track

Can this be done using Visual Reports?

Thanks,

Dean

 

[JulieS]

Hello Dean,

Not directly. However you have the data in the Pivot chart to calculate
the values you are looking for. Assuming you are using Excel 2007, use
the Olap Tools > Convert to Formulas command on the Pivot Table Tools
Option ribbon. That will convert the OLAP cube to values that you then
use to calculate (an subsequently chart) CPI, SPI, SV, and CV.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional
information about Microsoft Project