How to find out which columns are used

[Georg Gehring]

Hi folks,

I get project files from various originators and I never
know which columns are really used by them.

The straight forward way would be to scan all rows and
columns whether there are any data or not.
Something like
for each row ....
for each column ....

I wonder if there are smarter and faster ways to solve
this question.
Any hint is welcome.

Thanks,
Georg

 

[Jack D.]

Hi folks,

I get project files from various originators and I never
know which columns are really used by them.

The straight forward way would be to scan all rows and
columns whether there are any data or not.
Something like
for each row ....
for each column ....

I wonder if there are smarter and faster ways to solve
this question.
Any hint is welcome.

Thanks,
Georg

If you are using project 2002 simply doubleclick a task.
This brings up the task dialog box.
Go to the custom fields tab and it will show all fields which have had some
work done to their definition. That is if they have been renamed or if they
have a formula defined for them. This is not completely foolproof as it
won't show customfields which have data but which have not been renamed or
use formulas or value lists.

The only way to do that is to scan all the fields. Fortunately the scanning
can be automated.
And, I have written a macro to do it which you can download.

http://masamiki.com/project/macros.htm

Look for the "check fields" macro.
Unfortunately it only checks a few of the fields, so you need to extend it
to cover all the fields you are interested in.
I'd do it myself as it is mostly cutting and pasting, but I'm too lazy.
If you modify it to cover all fields and send it back to me I'll post the
full version and give you credit for it.


--
Please try to keep replies in this group. I do check e-mail, but only
infrequently. For Macros and other things check http://masamiki.com/project

-Jack Dahlgren, Project MVP


+++++++++++++++++++

 

[Georg Gehring]

Jack,
thanks for the link to your macro.

I'm using Project2000. It seems that there is no smart way
provided by the software to solve that question.

Mayby I extend it to the flags and numbers-fields. If I
have an interesting version I'll send it to you.

I think that MSProject2002 will be more helpful because it
should provide the possibility to refer to field-names via
a field number which would also be a benefit if the macros
are to be used with different language versions of
MSproject (in my case english and german).

Regards,
Georg

 

[Jack D.]

Jack,
thanks for the link to your macro.

I'm using Project2000. It seems that there is no smart way
provided by the software to solve that question.

It is true. There is no smart way.

Mayby I extend it to the flags and numbers-fields. If I
have an interesting version I'll send it to you.

To extend, just copy/paste one of the sections and change from say Text10 to
Text11
Same for duration, flags etc.

I think that MSProject2002 will be more helpful because it
should provide the possibility to refer to field-names via
a field number which would also be a benefit if the macros
are to be used with different language versions of
MSproject (in my case english and german).

Yes that would be an advantage. However, many people still use Project 2000.
I think I was using it when I wrote that example.
If you have a fieldname macro you want to share, I will post it.

Regards,
Georg

--
Please try to keep replies in this group. I do check e-mail, but only
infrequently. For Macros and other things check http://masamiki.com/project

-Jack Dahlgren, Project MVP


+++++++++++++++++++

 

[Lars Hammarberg]

Save the project to XML and parse the nodes (only the field nodes with data
in them appear in the file.) Save a couple of files and compare them.

/Lars Hammarberg
www.camako.se