Updating the resource info after assigning a resource to multiple task

[alwayslrN]

Hello,

I am new to using Project and need a little help. I am using Project 2003 and I cannot for the life of me figure out how after adding resource(s) to a task to have the system update the resources units (or is it work?) after changing the units for the resourse in Resource Sheet.

For example, say I had setup resource Joe Smith with units of 1 and Joe Smith is assigned to over 20 tasks within the project, but then later on I go to the resource sheet and change Joe's units to .8, how can I get Project to make this adjust for all the tasks in which Joe was assigned. I am finding that I have to go to each individual task, delete Joe and assign him again. It cannot be that difficult, I must not know what to do.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[PDQBach]

Changing the resource units is a 'go forward' change: it will happen on all future default assignments.

Even though you set the default, you are allowed to easily override it because Project doesn't know about things like your overtime policy.

Project also has to consider things like the task type. If you've set it to fixed duration and given it an amount of work, what's Project supposed to do when you assign your 80% Max Units resource? Override your choice of "Fixed Duration" or override your choice of "Maximum Units"?

Project is a significantly more complicated piece of software than something trivial like Word or Excel.

 

[alwayslrN]

PDQBach,

Thanks for your response. I for one am totally agree with your last statement. I think there must be a much better way do track a project than with Microsoft Project.

 

[PDQBach]

PMI did a survey quite a few years ago. The most popular tool to track projects (back then) was Excel (by a large margin).

If it's a trivial project (fewer than 100 deliverables, fewer than 10 staff) then Excel will probably be sufficient. For anything larger than that, Project is simply the best tool. Like any complex tool, it takes considerable time to master. I've been using it since V4 and continue to find new subtleties and insights. Time and again I am amazed at how well the tool works and am in awe of the people who spec'd out how the scheduling engine needs to work.

Word is a simple text editor and formatting tool. Anyone can use Word right out of the box -- it's just like driving a new car off the dealer's lot: you hop in, turn the key and off you go.

Project is sophisticated environment. It isn't just for anyone to use right out of the box -- it's like driving an F1 race car: you can't just hop in and expect to drive it, let alone drive it proficiently.