Project schedule consolidation

[Max Currentus]

Hello Everybody!

I'm new to this discussion group and also new to using MS Project. I was
wondering if anybody could help me with what project schedule consolidation
is?
Does this mean putting many projects together into a master project? If
yes, do I create individual project files first and then insert them into one
project file (is this known as a master file?)?

Sorry for asking so many questions because I feel so overwhelmed as a newbie
to MS Project. Thank you very much for your time!

Max

 

[Kay]

Max,
Consolidated Projects and Master Projects seem similiar, but actually serve
different pruposes. A consolidated project is often used as a temporary view
of two or more projects when you want to analyze one large file rather than
flipping back and forth through several. It is a great tool when you want to
create a Predecessor-Successor relationship between tasks in different
projects. Once you set the linked relationship, you can save the individual
projects and then close the consolidated project without saving it. To use
the consolidated project technique, you should have the project schedules
completed and open.

The master project is usually a repository for multiple projects or
sub-projects that support the creation of the product. The master can have
it's own tasks as well as the Inserted Projects, which you can choose to Link
or not, or to Link as read only. The sub-projects are created separately and
do not need to be opened to get them to show up in the Master. You actually
do an Insert, Project option. It is pretty straight forward and there is a
lot of help in the Help Libray within MS Project. Of course, if you search
in the archives in this discussion group, you will see lots of info on Master
Projects.

Like the cosnolidated file, you can create Predecessor and Successor
relatioships between the tasks in different subprojects.

Hope this helps!

KF

 

[John]

Hello Everybody!

I'm new to this discussion group and also new to using MS Project. I was
wondering if anybody could help me with what project schedule consolidation
is?
Does this mean putting many projects together into a master project? If
yes, do I create individual project files first and then insert them into one
project file (is this known as a master file?)?

Sorry for asking so many questions because I feel so overwhelmed as a newbie
to MS Project. Thank you very much for your time!

Max

Max,
Welcome to the group. Master files basically come in two varieties -
static and dynamic. A statically consolidated master file is simply a
single large Project file that is created from one or more individual
Project files. Once the master is created, it is a new single entity and
is no longer linked to the individual files. A dynamically consolidated
master file is actually a shell file of pointers to one or more
individual Project files. Once a dynamic master is created, it remains
linked to each of the "subproject" files and changes made to either the
master or subproject files are reflected in the other.

Often it is convenient to create individual files for each Cost Account
Manager or describe a large project in more convenient functional work
breakdown chunks (i.e. software, hardware, etc.). Tasks in separate
files can be linked using external links so the workflow is dynamic.
Then to see the overall picture, a master file is created. To create
either type of master, go to Insert/Project and select one or more files
to include in the master. If the "Link to Project" option at the bottom
of the Insert Project window is checked (the default), the master that
is created will be a dynamic master. If the option is unchecked, the
resulting master will be a new separate static master.

As a new user, Project can be very overwhelming. It is not a quick study
application but it can be very rewarding and useful once the basic
elements are learned. The best way to learn (in my opinion) is a
combination of formal training, self help via the help file and a whole
lotta hands on effort.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi Max,

Welcome to this Microsoft Project newsgroup

You might also like to have a look at my series on Microsoft Project in the
TechTrax ezine, particularly #17 & 18 on Multiple Project s, at this site:
http://tinyurl.com/2xbhc or this:
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMFrame.asp?CMD=ArticleSearch&AUTH=23
(Perhaps you'd care to rate the article before leaving the site,
Thanks.)

FAQs, companion products and other useful Project information can be seen at
this web address: <http://www.mvps.org/project/>

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

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP

 

[Max Currentus]

Hi Kay,

Thank you very much for clarifying the differences between a consolidated
and master project!
I think it'll take me a lot of practice in order to get this down packed.

Max

 

[Max Currentus]

Hi John,

Thank you very much for your help! It will definitely take me a while to
understand Project. I was wondering if there are any examples (i.e. files)
around the web that you can suggest me to?

Thank you,
Max

 

[Max Currentus]

Hi Mike,

Thank you very much for directing me to the site! I will definitely read
all the series that you have! It's really nice that you've provided examples
and screen shots as well with your explainations! I've always found it
easier to learn with examples and your series are a very good start for me!
As I get into Project more, I'm sure I will have plenty more questions.
It's very reassuring to know that this discussion group is active with so
many people who are so very, very helpful!

Thank you very much!

Max

 

[John]

Hi John,

Thank you very much for your help! It will definitely take me a while to
understand Project. I was wondering if there are any examples (i.e. files)
around the web that you can suggest me to?

Thank you,
Max

Max,
There are probably several samples of Project files somewhere in
cyberspace but I haven't a clue how to find them easily. I think Mike's
website is a great place to start. You could also take a look at the
sample templates provided with your installation of Project. To view
them, go to File/New Project Templates tab.

Hope this helps.
John
Project MVP

 

[Mike Glen]

You're welcome, Max, and thanks for the compliment!

If you go to File/New you will be offered the ability to select a template
from those supplied with Project or go to an online site for more.

Mike Glen
MS Project MVP