Project Template for testing/lab support issues.

[jeffscharpf]

I am new to Project. I am going to learn what I can. I'm wondering if anyone
knows of a template to start with that would be useful for the following:

I'm a test technician who builds automated test systems for our lab. I am
also responsible for calibration, repair, upgrade of old equipment, technical
assistance (tutoring), computer upgrades, etc..

I have been asked to build an MS Project for my work. I have struggled with
the way it linking and indenting. I am looking for any advice or help.

I have various projects that have stages that may or may not follow each
other.
I wish to have some categories that might have sub categories

For example:

Main Project 1: "Tester A"

Categories:

R&D:
R&D Sub category: research into a method, hardware software, etc.
R&D Propose a plan: Get management to buy it

Hardware
Hardware Subcategory: Acquisition: Call, email, buy, get the stuff here.
Hardware Subcategory: Build the system

Software
Software Subcategory: Begin code
Software Subcategory: Test/Debug

Misc.
Subcategory: Calibrate, Test

In some cases they will all have to follow the other, in other cases, some
might run parallel. (for example, I might outsource the hardware while I'm
writing the software).

This is one of many projects I have. Some will have more or less categories.
Some will have "breaks" of time where I'm not working on it.


How do I even begin something like this? I am fighting with the indents and
the links lol..

I apologize if this is a vague question, any advice or help is greatly
appreciated!

Regards,

Jeffrey Scharpf

 

[Mike Glen]

Hi Jeff,

Welcome to this Microsoft Project newsgroup

You might like to have a look at my series on Microsoft Project in the
TechTrax ezine 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 articles 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

 

[DavidC]

Hi Jeff,

Not aware of a specific template availabe for what you are looking for, but
you can easily build your own template. Build a network first and save it
not as a project file but as a project template. Then you have a standard
for all future networks.

First start slow and build on the knowledge you agin each time.

You need to set up the project parameters first. These are found under
Project\Project Information. Here you set the project start date and the
calendar that you will use.

Let's look at the item you call Hardware.

In project Type Hardware on one line as a task. Do nothing else to that
'task'.

In the next line type 'Acquisition'. Now select the solid arrow facing to
the right on the task bar which is labelled 'indent' on the formatting bar.
This will 'push' that line of text in to the right and change the previous
line to bold. The first line is now a summary task of the second line. Do
nothing to this 'task'.

The next line type 'Call'. Now select the solid arrow facing to the right on
the task bar which is labelled 'indent' on the formatting bar. This will
'push' that line of text in to the right and change the previous line to
bold. The Second line is now a summary task of the third line. Now you can
add duration against the task.

Next line type 'email' and fill in the duration

Next line type 'buy', and fill in the duration

Next line type 'get the stuff here' and fill in the duration

Linking the tasks can be done in a number of ways the best way is through
the Task Entry view usually the default view at the bottom of the screen.
Here you can select the task number which will preceed and succeed the
relevant task.

This process is continued for as many tasks and summary tasks as you need.
remember though do not link summary tasks or give them resources, durations
etc. They are simply a way of giving an overview of the underlying tasks.

Hope this helps to at least get started.

For a more comprehensive tutorial as such, visit Mike Glenn's tomes at:

http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMFrame.asp?CMD=ArticleSearch&AUTH=23

They are good and worth following.

Mike if you read this I hoep you don't mind my referencing to your site.

Hope this is a help to getting you started

Regards

DavidC