Projects containing projects

B

BAndrews

Is it common using Project Server to work with projects containing other
projects? It seems a bit tough juggling around the multiple projects we use
day to day especially when we are juggling resources and checking avails
etc.

I tried to save one that i opened with New Window (all the open project
files) but it replied that i could not save master projects to this server.
Is this a setting i can enable -- or is this not appropriate when using
enterprise functionality.

Anything that will help me manage multiples... (especially because I have to
open and close them all at home and work).

Thanks.
 
D

Dale Howard [MVP]

BAndrews --

If you wish to save master projects in the Project Server database, your
Project Server administrator must enable this permission. He/she should do
the following:

1. Log into PWA with administrator permissions
2. Click the Admin menu
3. Click the Server configuration link
4. Select the "Allow master projects to be saved to Microsoft Project
Server" option
5. Click the Save Changes button

Hope this helps.
 
B

Bryan Andrews

Is this "how its done"? Is this a recommended configuraiton for Enterprise
projects? When you enable enterprise features -- this is disabled by
default...

Can you recommend a resource that speaks specifically to Project Management
Strategies using project server 2003 enterprise features? There are so many
ways to do things with and without the enterprise features that it is quite
difficult to know the "right" way to approach PM with the tools...
 
D

Dale Howard [MVP]

BAndrews --

I'm not sure I understand your question, but saving a master project in the
Project Server database is perfectly acceptable. It is not enabled by
default by Microsoft, but enabling this feature should cause you no
problems.

Concerning a book, we have several books on Project Server 2003 that are at
the printer right now and will go on sale to the public in a couple weeks.
We'll be making an annoucement in this newsgroup when the books are
available. Hope this helps.
 
B

BAndrews

So is this "normal" to use master projects to view all your projects now?

I am trying to get a grip on the most efficient way for one PM to manage
approximately 12 projects effectively... including the best way to open and
close them each night (this takes a long time and is a pain)...

Thanks!
 
D

Dale Howard [MVP]

BAndrews --

Yes, the use of master projects is normal. You can safely save a master
project in the Project Server database, but you should never publish the
master project. Hope this helps.
 
B

BAndrews

Hmmm.... is there a way that when you accept updates it uses the open
subprojects within the master project rather than opening each on your
desktop (in addition to the master that you have open)?

Also is there benefit to saving the master to the server? Most of the
Project documentation mentions to save it local...

Thanks Dale for the help!
 
D

Dale Howard [MVP]

BAndrews --

I believe that the system will open each individual project rather than
using the subproject in the master project. If you save the master project
in the Project Server database, it takes less clicks to open. Otherwise,
saving it as an .mpp file will work fine as well. Hope this helps.
 
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