new resource pool

[Hayley]

We have an outdated resource pool which we would like to replace. We
currently use Project 2003 with a shared resource pool, we are not using the
Enterprise Resource Pool.

Currently, we have a project plan template that connects automatically to
the resource pool. If we create a new resource pool and point existing plans
at the new pool, what problems are we likely to encounter?

Changes that warrant creating a new resource pool are:-
- a re-org meaning people have changed departments/departments have been
re-named;
- New daily rate for the company as a whole
- Many obsolete names in the old resource pool

If an existing plan has historical data such as tasks assigned to resources
that no longer work at the company and who will not appear in the new
resource pool, what will happen? Will the resource field remain empty, thus
losing scheduling info, progress etc?

Would it be possible to have one daily rate to a certain date and another
thereafter to accurately reflect our company costs? Will existing project
plans use both of the daily rates, one for tasks that occur before the cut
off date and another after?

In short, is it best to use a new resource pool for new plans and continue
the use of the old resource pool for existing and historic plans to retain
information?

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi Hayley,

Embedded my advice.

--
Jan De Messemaeker
Microsoft Project Most Valuable Professional
http://users.online.be/prom-ade/
+32-495-300 620

We have an outdated resource pool which we would like to replace. We
currently use Project 2003 with a shared resource pool, we are not using the
Enterprise Resource Pool.

Currently, we have a project plan template that connects automatically to
the resource pool. If we create a new resource pool and point existing plans
at the new pool, what problems are we likely to encounter?

One BIG potential problem.
Don't give the new pool the same name as the old one, Project will mess up
all connections to the resources if you do (the files will keep a link to
the unique id of the resource not their name).
If you avoid that, and then go into each file to unlink from the old pool
then link to the new one, no problem to be expected.

Changes that warrant creating a new resource pool are:-
- a re-org meaning people have changed departments/departments have been
re-named;
- New daily rate for the company as a whole
- Many obsolete names in the old resource pool

If an existing plan has historical data such as tasks assigned to resources
that no longer work at the company and who will not appear in the new
resource pool, what will happen? Will the resource field remain empty, thus
losing scheduling info, progress etc?

No, the pool will "absorb" the name of the resoure it doesn't know (to a
point wher yoyr new pool could well be an empty file, it will load itself)

Would it be possible to have one daily rate to a certain date and another
thereafter to accurately reflect our company costs? Will existing project
plans use both of the daily rates, one for tasks that occur before the cut
off date and another after?

Yes; make sure when connecting the file that you specify "Pool Takes
Precedence".

In short, is it best to use a new resource pool for new plans and continue
the use of the old resource pool for existing and historic plans to retain
information?

I don't know about historic since if you connect them to the new pool the
latter will absorb the ancient resource you want to get rid of. You will
have to think about the pros and cons. I can only explain what will happen
if...

HTH

 

[Hayley]

Hi Jan,

Thanks for the advice!

Regards,

Hayley