resource delays for concurrent work

[David Ferguson]

My problem is that I have 3 resources on a task that must be done
concurrently, and one resource is on vacation for two weeks. How do I delay
the task for the other two resources until the 3rd resource returns.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project MVP
http://users.online.be/prom-ade

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

First of all, I'm afraid this has to be done manually, MS project does not
recognize the need to handle group work automatically.
Now for the good news, it is not that difficult.
Go to the Task Usage view
Double-click on the lines representing the other 2 assignments (labeled as
the resource name, italic)
In Assignment information, set a new start date for the aassignment.
Hope this helps.

 

[JulieS]

Hi David,

Unfortunately there is no easy, direct way of handling this. The only
workaround I can come up with is to create a new calendar (Tools >
Change Working Time > New) and set the non-working time in the calendar
equal to the nonworking time from each resource's calendar.

Assign the calendar as a task calendar and make sure you check the
option for "Scheduling ignores resource calendar."

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

 

[David Ferguson]

Thank you. This was very helpful. Additionally, I am using Assignment Delay
to see which assignments I forced a delay on.

 

[David Ferguson]

Thanks Julie, looks like there are many ways to do the same thing in MS
Project. I use your method now for production calendars or other types of
external dependencies. However, I liked Jan's method because I can watch the
assignment delay column just like I watch the leveling delay column to
understand task delays. Additionally, I can treat delays as RED flags and
proactively eliminate or explain them.

David Ferguson, PMP

 

[JulieS]

You're welcome David and thanks for the feedback.

Yes, as you note there are frequently several methods of accomplishing
the same end -- the secret is finding the one that works for you. I'm
glad you found one -- thanks to Jan.

Julie
Project MVP