Help, am I using the correct program?

[Tyauston]

I'm a subcontractor with multiple jobs that all overlap and last
approximately 2-4 months. I'm trying to compile a master schedule for daily
staffing purposes, along with costs for each completed task on each project.
Each project has 30-50 tasks each with a dollar amount attached, so I would
like to track the progress of each job and based on the scheduled completion
of the tasks also have cost totals based on completed tasks. Is this the
best program?, or is this more of an excel type of function.

Sorry, I'm not completely familiar with the program, but if it can meet my
expectations I'm willing to invest the time to learn to use it more.

 

[Rod Gill]

Hi,

I think I would start with Excel and use it as a prototype to see exactly
what you need to have. Excel may meet all your needs, but if it doesn't
Project can take over.

--

Rod Gill
Project MVP

Project VBA Book, for details visit:
http://www.projectvbabook.com

NEW!! Web based VBA training course delivered by me. For details visit:
http://projectservertraining.com/learning/index.aspx

 

[davegb]

I'm a subcontractor with multiple jobs that all overlap and last
approximately 2-4 months. I'm trying to compile a master schedule for daily
staffing purposes, along with costs for each completed task on each project.
Each project has 30-50 tasks each with a dollar amount attached, so I would
like to track the progress of each job and based on the scheduled completion
of the tasks also have cost totals based on completed tasks.  Is this the
best program?, or is this more of an excel type of function.

Sorry, I'm not completely familiar with the program, but if it can meet my
expectations I'm willing to invest the time to learn to use it more.

Project will yield much more and better information than XL, but at a
cost. The learning curve for Project, to use it properly, is steep.
You need to have a least a basic understanding of Critical Path Method
scheduling (CPM). It takes a while to learn and apply it, though the
theory itself is rather simple. Once you understand it, the schedules
you create will be much more meaningful than otherwise.

I highly recommend you find a "Intro to Project" class, probably 2
days, taught by someone who understands it. That's the tricky part.
There are a lot of "pushbutton" Project instructors, but few who
understand it. Before you sign up, talk to the instructor and ask if
they have an Project Management background and if they're familar with
CPM.

Hope this helps in your world.