Start date changes

R

Ripper

I have some fixed duration tasks that are being updated with effort. When
the first actuals are submitted, the start date changes to that date even if
the update is within the duration of the task. Example;
Task has a start of 10/1 and a 5 day duration with an end fo 10/5
Time is submitted for 10/3
Task start date moves to 10/3 and the end date pushes out.

Any way to keep the start date at 10/1?
 
J

JulieS

Hello Ripper,

When you enter actual work on a specific day (10/3) it will set the
Actual Start date of the task, which will update the start date. If
your resources recorded work on 10/1, then the Actual start date will be
10/1.

Fixed duration tasks do not mean that the dates (start/finish) will not
change. If you baselined the tasks, the Baseline Start will remain 10/1
and you will be able to show variance between the Baseline Start and the
Actual Start.

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
 
R

Ripper

Unfortunately, when the task end date pushes all the future start dates that
are dependent on it push as well. My duration based tasks do not mean the
first actuals will be put on the first day but anytime in the duration.
 
J

JulieS

Hi Ripper,

If you wish to keep the projected finish date where you initially
entered it, despite a change in start date, try adjusting the remaining
duration and/or remaining work. For example: You initially created a 5
day duration task with a scheduled start of 1 Oct and a finish date of 5
Oct. You have assigned a resource and Project will schedule the work
for that resource to begin on 1 Oct and finish on 5 Oct.

The resource enters actual work on 3 Oct. Without further information
from you, Project will assume your original duration estimate and work
estimate is correct and will update the projected finish to 9 October.
If the resource states he/she will finish the work by the originally
planned date, you'll need to change the remaining duration from 4 days
to 2 days. Be aware however, that will also change the total amount of
work scheduled for the task.

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
 
R

Ripper

Too bad. I was hoping to utilize the input from the user without having to
manually update the task. I guess the only way to do this is to ensure that
all input has at least 1 hour on the start date, even if it was not really
done then.


Thanks anyway.
 
J

JulieS

Hi Ripper,

Glad to have helped and thanks for the feedback.

I understand what you are saying but I can't imagine how to implement
what I think you are seeking without further information provided to
Project. If you initially said it was going to take 5 days and your
resource started the task 2 days late, how could Project know it will
now really only take 3 days without you updating that information.

Julie
Project MVP

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project
 
M

Mark Everett | PMP

Hi Ripper,

Glad to have helped and thanks for the feedback.

I understand what you are saying but I can't imagine how to implement
what I think you are seeking without further information provided to
Project. If you initially said it was going to take 5 days and your
resource started the task 2 days late, how could Project know it will
now really only take 3 days without you updating that information.

Julie
Project MVP

Visithttp://project.mvps.org/for the FAQs and additional information
about Microsoft Project







- Show quoted text -
Click to expand...

Ripper -

If you want to keep the start date from floating and causing your
fixed duration task from changing, try this:

For each task in your schedule > View - Table - Tracking and set the
Actual Start Date. This will set the start date and prevent it from
being changed based on actual entries submitted by team members.


I am pretty sure that will work for you the way you want it. As Julie
explained, fixed duration means just that, so if the task starts late
based on the actual start, the finish date is adjust to honor the
duration you set. If you give it an actual start date, the finish
date will remain based on the start date + duration, no matter when
your resources enter time.

Mark S. Everett | PMP
www.quantumpm.com
 
J

Jonathan Sofer

If the user inputs not only the actual hours they have worked but also a
reduced remaining work value and you set your task up as Fixed Units or
Fixed Work, then you might get the result you are looking for.

Jonathan
 
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