MS Project 2007 Server Version - Information request

[Fraser Arrol]

I am looking at the feasibility of implementing MSP 2007 server version to
manage homebuilding operations.

Background:

· There will be approximately 1,800 to 2,300 individual home construction
schedules at any one time.
· These schedules will have a hieratical relationship, being in descending
order Total Company, City, Community, Home Type and specific lot.
· Each schedule will have approximately 118 tasks, both dependent and
independent relations.
· A lot of the tasks will have multiple resources attached to them (trade,
department, employee assignments)
· The schedules will be deployed by thin and thick clients to site staff and
trades.
· We have no in-house MS Project expert.

My questions are (they are really general I apologize):

Has anyone had experience in setting up MS Project at this level?
If so, what level of ongoing application maintenance will be required to
ensure this works?
What would be the learning curve required for an individual to become
proficient in this application?

Thank you

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Fraser --

Your questions are more than reasonable. The great issue you will face with
implementing Project Server 2007 is that you can't simply install it and
then start using it. You must customize the software to match how your
organization intends to plan, track, and manage projects. Beyond that, you
must also set up methodologies and processes for using the tool correctly,
and then train every user how to use Project Server 2007 according to their
role. This means you should provide specific types of training to project
managers, team members, and even to executives.

It is because of all this that Microsoft recommends you select a Project
Partner to help you implement Project Server 2007. Our company is one of
many, but we have special proficiencies since we are the authors of the
first two books on Project Server 2007. Beyond this, if you look in the
microsoft.public.project.server newsgroup, you will see my name and the name
of Gary Chefetz answering questions every day in the newsgroup. I believe
that we prove our knowledge every day by answering these questions.

Although you could certainly attempt to implement Project Server 2007,
because no one is an in-house expert with even Microsoft Project, I think
you would face a long uphill battle to do so. Hope this helps.