Setting up Resource Pool

[MTechG]

New user and learning Project as I go. I see they mention something out a
resource pool... Is this just another mpp file for a group or is it
something more than that? If I can get this resource pool figured out I've
got a master project setup and would like to view resources by time
allocation by Group so I don't see shop 4 times but once. First thing is
first though and that is understanding the resource pool.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

You're on the right track (although I wouldn't recommend learning as you go
to anybody)
Create a new file, save as (let's say AllPeople but the choice is free)
Open all projects one by one
In each, Tolls, resource Sharing, Share resources, Use Resources from..;
AllPeople
Save each time.
Close all
Open AllPeople with the 3rd option, gives you a master in premium, and each
resoruce only once.
HTH

 

[MTechG]

When I go to Tools Resource Sharing the Use Resources is grey out. Do you
have to have Project Server to use this function?

 

[MTechG]

I didn't have the Resource pool file open sorry. When you said open the
AllPeople with the 3rd option what are you talking about exactly?

 

[MTechG]

Never mind I didn't have the AllEmp.mpp file open. Could a resource be a
group or does it have to be a individual. In my AllEmps file I've got
everyone in there but in my Project I know I need 3hours of shop time not
anyone specific. Is this too vague? Any good references for Project 2003?

 

[Tim M]

You can start by creating a resource pool and saving it. Then when you want
to share the resources for that resource pool you need to open up the project
you are working on and the resource pool. If you do not open both you won't
be able to share the resources in the resource pool you have created. (You
can also open up a variety of sheets and create a resource pool from those
sheets as outline under 'help' ... 'resource pool'

 

[MTechG]

Is it best to have one resource pool for everyone or break it out into
groups? Like having one for the Shop, IT, Lab, Technicans, etc...

 

[Rob Schneider]

No, you don't need to use Project Server for this. From symptom, I
suspect you don't have both (or more if more files involved with sharing
the resources) files open. Once multiple files open, then the dialogue
box will detect that and show them to you for you to select.

 

[Tim M]

It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish but I use one resource
pool that has categories such as 'carpenters', 'painters, 'sheet metal',
electricians' etc and all the employees are listed under these categories.
If people from those various categories you mentioned are going to work on
the same project I'd say it is better to have them all in one resource pool.

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Each file can only have one pool!!
And have you tried to open the pool? You get a form with 3 radio buttons,
and the third, well, it's the first from the bottom up.
HTH

 

[MTechG]

Ok so I got somewhere with the Resource pool I've got one resource pool for
everyone. How would I see what resources are needed by group i.e Shop for a
give date period? Is this a custom report or could I do this with the current
one?

Thanks for all the help

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

In a resource view (say Resource Usage) use the grouping function
Project menu
Group by
If your groups are in teh "Group" field you click "By Group"
If not create your group via More Groups

HTH

 

[MTechG]

That works good now say I planned my resource pool out for the next three
weeks and In my project meeting I only want to look at this week only?

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,
Close one eye? )
If you really want (on the screen that is), increase the scale of your
timescale.
On a printout, in Print... you have the possibility to define the limist of
what is printed.
HTH

 

[MTechG]

That was funny

But it isn't anything you can do with the Resoure Screen itself. That's
alright keep working at it. Thanks again for your help.

Dennis

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

I'm afraid I don't know anything called "The Resource Screen".
Which view do you mean?