Require multiple resources to work at same time

[WhyIsEverythingSoConfusing]

For some of my tasks I'd like to require that the resources work during the
same times (for example, they all need to be present for a meeting). I guess
it is also important not only that Project schedule all resources for the
same number of hours, but also that is schedule them for the SAME hours (like
1-5 pm).

I can accomplish this overall (I think), by unchecking the "Leveling can
adjust individual assignments on a task" checkbox within Resource Leveling.

I want to be able to choose this on a task-by-task basis. Is this possible?

 

[JulieS]

Hi Justin,

Yes, insert the field [Level Assignments] and you can control on a task by
task basis whether project can adjust individual assignments on a task.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

 

[WhyIsEverythingSoConfusing]

Whoa. Cool. Thanks! It works wonderfully.

I'm still a novice with this, so this might sound dumb, but ... As a general
rule, will Project assign all resources the same way until Leveling is used?
And is leveling simply the process of trying to be as efficient as possible,
or said another way, getting productive work out of every resource over
{insert leveling timeframe here}?

--------------
Justin

Hi Justin,

Yes, insert the field [Level Assignments] and you can control on a task by
task basis whether project can adjust individual assignments on a task.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

For some of my tasks I'd like to require that the resources work during
the
same times (for example, they all need to be present for a meeting). I
guess
it is also important not only that Project schedule all resources for the
same number of hours, but also that is schedule them for the SAME hours
(like
1-5 pm).

I can accomplish this overall (I think), by unchecking the "Leveling can
adjust individual assignments on a task" checkbox within Resource
Leveling.

I want to be able to choose this on a task-by-task basis. Is this
possible?

 

[JulieS]

Hi Justin,

You are welcome and thanks for the feedback.

About your second question -- not dumb at all -- just bear in mind, Project
doesn't assign resources, you do.

That being said, a couple of things to keep in mind:

Resource leveling only works when a resource is assigned to multiple tasks
that overlap in time and the sum of their resource assignments (Peak Units)
is greater than their maximum units. Project will *not* change work
assignment units. So you can create a situation where the resource is not
most "productive". For example, if a resource's maximum units are 100%
(default) and I assign the resource at 60% to two tasks occurring at the
same time, the resource is overallocated because their peak units (120%) is
greater than their max. units (100%). If I level, project will delay the
second task until the end of first one, leaving the resource assigned at 60%
to each task. Not truly "productive", it just resolves the overallocation.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

Whoa. Cool. Thanks! It works wonderfully.

I'm still a novice with this, so this might sound dumb, but ... As a
general
rule, will Project assign all resources the same way until Leveling is
used?
And is leveling simply the process of trying to be as efficient as
possible,
or said another way, getting productive work out of every resource over
{insert leveling timeframe here}?

--------------
Justin

Hi Justin,

Yes, insert the field [Level Assignments] and you can control on a task
by
task basis whether project can adjust individual assignments on a task.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

For some of my tasks I'd like to require that the resources work during
the
same times (for example, they all need to be present for a meeting). I
guess
it is also important not only that Project schedule all resources for
the
same number of hours, but also that is schedule them for the SAME hours
(like
1-5 pm).

I can accomplish this overall (I think), by unchecking the "Leveling
can
adjust individual assignments on a task" checkbox within Resource
Leveling.

I want to be able to choose this on a task-by-task basis. Is this
possible?

 

[WhyIsEverythingSoConfusing]

A follow up ... and maybe a better general question.

What is the difference between Scheduling and Leveling and how can I ensure
that Project schedules my tasks, taking into account that I don't want some
of them leveled (assuming I use the 'Level Assignments' for each task)?

--------------
Justin

Hi Justin,

Yes, insert the field [Level Assignments] and you can control on a task by
task basis whether project can adjust individual assignments on a task.

Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie

For some of my tasks I'd like to require that the resources work during
the
same times (for example, they all need to be present for a meeting). I
guess
it is also important not only that Project schedule all resources for the
same number of hours, but also that is schedule them for the SAME hours
(like
1-5 pm).

I can accomplish this overall (I think), by unchecking the "Leveling can
adjust individual assignments on a task" checkbox within Resource
Leveling.

I want to be able to choose this on a task-by-task basis. Is this
possible?

 

[JulieS]

Hi Justin,

I'm not sure I understand your question. The schedule is something *you*
create by putting in the tasks, durations, and dependency relationships.
The schedule may then be modified as you assign resources. (For example
their working time, adding additional resources to effort driven tasks will
certainly change the schedule.)

Leveling really is used solely for helping to resolve resource
overallocations. Yes, it certainly may change your schedule, but its
purpose is to fix resource scarcity issues.

I don't know if this helps. Please post again and I'll try again if this
doesn't answer the question.

Julie

 

[WhyIsEverythingSoConfusing]

Yeah, that's helpful. I guess there's a slight difference in the way I
continue to see people describe they way they use Project and they way I'm
using it.

I specify a task, the estimated work, the resources, and any dependencies.
I let project do everything else. So, I really only deal with durations
after Project has "scheduled" and leveled.

I guess I don't really view what I'm doing as scheduling. I was thinking
about it from the standpoint that I gave Project the tasks, the priorities,
the resources, and it scheduled. I modified by manually changing thing or
leveling.

Thanks for your continued help.

 

[JulieS]

Hi Justin,

You're welcome for any and all support/assistance I can offer.

In a post to this newsgroup titled "10/05/2005" John Sitka and Steve House
[Project MVP] posted some very insightful comments about MS Project being a
"tool in support of a thought process". MS Project is merely a piece of
software, the skills and knowledge that you bring to the table will never,
in my opinion, be replaced. Yes, Project does "schedule", but only based
upon the information (tasks, resources, priorities) you provide.

Hope this helps.

Julie