Multiple Users Editing One Project - Best Methodology

[Peter Williams]

We are implementing Project Server 2003 for a client. They currently use
Microsoft Project 2002 stand alone.

One question that came up from a Project Manager is how does he/she pass
around a project for updates from various participants, review and when
satisified publish ? He/she is trying to recreate the process where
currently an mpp is passed around via email for input and then when the PM is
happy with it..he sends it out as the final.

Is there something similar is Project Server 2003 where a project can be
manipulated by various parties and then publish when the PM gives his John
Hancock ?

I hope my question makes sense. Thanks in advance.

Peter

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Peter --

In Project Server 2003, team members log into Project Web Access, go to
their timesheet, and enter actual progress on tasks to which they are
assigned. The project manager then reviews their task progress and updates
the actual progress into the project plan. Hope this helps.

 

[Reid McTaggart]

Yes, the equivalent is possible in PS2K3, but it is not generally a good
practice to manage projects this way.

By giving multiple PMs permissions to open and save the same project, they
can each make any changes they like to the plan.

You used the term "project participants," which is rather vague. If by that
you mean Team Members, then PS2K3 is set up very well to allow the PM to
receive updates from project resources regarding their assignments. Then,
the PM has the opportunity to accept or reject each update before allowing
the actual project plan to be updated.

Since you are doing an implementation for a client, you really should know
this already. There are a LOT of tricks and traps in PS2K3, not to mention a
vast array of configuration options. You might want to consider using a
Project Server expert if this is a high-risk or high-value engagement for you.

 

[Vadim Bogdanov]

Peter,

there's also a number of add-ons, for example allowing Team members
partially edit original MPP via project web access.
This resolves security issues (no access to the whole file) and also is
cheaper (PWA not PRO license required).

Regards,
Vadim

 

[Peter Williams]

Thank you Dale and Reid for your prompt responses..I was talking about other
team members (not necessary PMs) who would like to provide input regarding
tasks (add/update/delete them). I am not talking about team members who are
simply updating their % complete.

I glean from your answers though that basically once published..a project
can only be worked on (add/update/delete tasks) by checking out the project
by those with enought rights (permissons).

Thank you !