Import Production Schedule from Excel File!

[Stuart Martin]

I have an Excel file with the following fields: Start
Date, Duration, Job #, Job Description, and Machine
Number. I am wanting to import this data into Microsoft
Project 2002 to produce a Gantt Chart, which will give me
a visual production schedule for each machine using the
Machine Number as the main task and Job # as the
subtask. I know how to start the import feature in
Microsoft Project; however, I have not achieved the
desired results. My problem is probably with my field
mappings. Any suggestions for the field mapping
assignments or other ways of achieving my goal?

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

You can import an indented schedule if one of the firelds you import is the
Outline Level like this

Main1 1
Sub1 2
Sub2 2
Sub3 2
Main2 1
Sub4 2

With name and Outline level as Project fields.

HTH

 

[JackD]

An alternative is to import with the job# as the task name, machine# into a
spare text field, then use the grouping feature to "group by" and choose the
text field you have used for machine#. The machine # will show as a
heading - but it is not an actual summary task. You won't have to modify the
spreadsheet to do this.

As for the other fields, start should map to start, duration to duration (be
sure to include the appropriate units (ie: 3d or 3 days for the duration,
not just 3), job description can go into a text field or you could use it as
the name and put the job# in a text field.

Once you do this you can also group by the job description if you like so
you can see all the common jobs and the machines they are running on.

-Jack

 

[Stuart Martin]

Jan,

Which option should I choose when importing the Excel file. I tried
selecting task, then I tried resource, and finally I tried assignment. None
of them imported everything correctly. If you choose the task option, there
is no option to map my duration field as duraction. There is a duration 1-10
field; however, they do not affect the duration of the task. Also, start
time keeps importing as 8:00am even though I have the options set to a 24hr
day. I may be going about the import process incorrectly. Please give me
some details. Thanks!!!!

 

[Stuart Martin]

Jan,

I believe I now have my Excel file setup the way you stated here. Still
it is not importing everything correctly. I think my problem is my import
map and what type I am choosing. I first tried importing the Excel file as a
task; however, it doesn't allow you to map duration as duration. Then I
tried importing the Excel file as an assignment; however, I could not map job
# as my task name. Also, my start time keeps importing as 8:00am even though
I have the project's property set to 24hr days. I believe my whole problem is
the way I am trying to import the file. Could you give me some more
specifics on what options I should choose when importing. Thanks!!!

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi Stuart,

I can't visualize your problem of importing, I'm sorry (lack of
imagination?)
If you use ouy-tline level you are importing tasks.
One thing is, you always have to map everything as text
Durations are imported without the d or the h; Project will interpret these
alongside Tools, Options, Schedule, Durations are entered as ...

As for default start time, you find that one under Tools, Options, Calendar.
It probably says 8:00.
HTH