Leveling Overallocated Resources

[Petra]

Our company has used the MS Project Server since January 2006; unfortunately,
we have encountered some problems with a resource overallocation in the
projects. Last Friday, the management decided to start using the "Leveling
Overallocated Resources" function. First, we have to manually level the
overallocated resources and then set the automatic function for every
project. I would like to ask you whether it is necessary to adjust the ENTIRE
project (from its very beginning) or whether it is possible to adjust, for
instance, only the last months. Is it possible to set this function using the
Global Template, or is it necessary to open every project in the MS Project
and set this function step by step?
Thank you for your answer.
Your early reply will be appreciated.
Truly yours,

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Petra --

Every one of your questions is an excellent one. Let me attempt a few
answers:

1. You cannot set leveling to Automatic on a project by project basis. I
strongly recommend that your PM's leave the Leveling Calculations value set
to Manual in the Resource Leveling dialog. If not leave it set to
Automatic, the software will level every project without your permission.
Not good!

2. You can level overalloations within a date range, specified by you in
the Leveling Range section of Resource Leveling dialog. You can enter the
beginning and ending range for leveling as you wish, such as the last month
or two of a particular project.

3. You cannot set this function for anyone in the Enterprise Global file.
Each user must make these settings in their own Resource Leveling dialog.

Furthermore, when you level overallocated resources, I recommend that you do
so in the Resource Usage view. In this view, select the one or two key
resources in the project and level their overallocations first. When you do
so, you will be prompted to level only the selected resources or all
resources. After leveling those overallocations, over the date range you
select, then apply the Leveling Gantt view in a new window to see the
results of the leveling (click Window - New Window, select the Leveling
Gantt view, and click OK). In this view, you can clear leveling on any
tasks that were not leveled as you wish by selecting the tasks, clicking
Tools - Level Resources, and then clicking the Clear Leveling button. Then
return to the Resource Usage window and select one or more additional
resources, level them, view the resources, clear leveling as necessary, and
repeat until you have resolved all overallocations. This is the methodology
that our company teaches, and which has been used successfully for a number
of years. Hope this helps.

 

[Petra]

Dale,

thank you for your help, I think I gained lots of information about Leveling
Resources.

Petra

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Petra --

You are more than welcome, my friend!