Ensuring multiple resources work concurrently

[bmcqueen]

Has anyone had the problem where multiple resources are assigned to
task and they need to work concurrently? Microsoft Project 2007 seems t
allocate the task for each one of the multiple resources at differen
times.

eg a one day task for two resources A and B, to be scheduled fro
Monday.

A is on vacation on the Monday
B is working Monday

50% of the task is scheduled by MS Project for B on the Monday and 50
scheduled for A on the Tuesday.

This doesnt work if both resources are required simultaneaously t
complete the task.

Any help appreciated

 

[JulieS]

Hello bmcqueen,

Sorry, this is, in my opinion, one of the weaknesses in MS Project.
There is no way to force MS Project to schedule two resources to
work together. When you assign multiple resources to tasks, Project
creates separate assignments for each resource. The work for each
resource is scheduled based upon their working calendar. About the
only way to "get close" is to create a task calendar combining the
common working time between the two resources and assign the
calendar to the task with the option "Scheduling ignores resource
calendar" enabled.

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

 

[bmcqueen]

Thanks Julie,

This, in my opinion, is quite a big limitation of MS Project
that I was completely unaware of.

I have been attempting to tie tool/equipment usage to peopl
but see that this cant work very successfully. I guess when I assign
person and a tool to a task, the tool can be available at a time tha
the person is not!

Bil

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

There is a (lengthy) workaround.
Check my website http://users.online.be/prom-ade/
and click through to "An abstract on Microsoft Project"

HTH
--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
+32 495 300 620
For availability check:
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/Calendar.pdf

 

[JulieS]

You're welcome. Sorry I couldn't give you a better answer.

Julie

 

[bmcqueen]

Thanks for your help Jan,

Your script is quite an interesting workaround. Its unfortunate
that MS Project requires this level of modification to tie resources
together.

Regards,
Bill

 

[syammohans]

I also have a question...
Suppose A and B is working on the same project. On a particular date
say for example 12/Aug/2009, A starts working on a task 'x' and B starts
working on task 'y'. 'x' will take only 1.1 day but 'y' will take 2.2
days. After completing the task 'y' A has to join with B for doing task
'y'. So my problem is, when i am allocating some % (say for example 25
%) of "A"'s work for task 'y' , office project is showing over
allocation on 12/Aug/2009. How will i rectify it. Please help me.