Opening Enterprise Resource Pool to view resource allocation

[Wilson T. Tonini]

Hello,

I'm writing a document to provide training to our PMs here and one of the
scenarios I'd like to present them is: how to identify and solve resource
over allocation.

If I create a project and allocate the same resource in parallel tasks or I
create two projects with tasks that run in parallel, I have an over
allocation situation identified.

In the last scenario, if I open one project (keeping the 2nd one closed) and
clicking on View > Resource usage, I see the resource being over allocated
in bold red.

Finally, here is my question...

I closed both projects and opened Enterprise Resource Pool. I see the
resources there, but when I either click on Resource Usage or Task Usage, I
don't see any values registered as working ours, neither over allocation.

-Does ERP provide a way to see the overall resource over allocation or do I
have to open either a project or PWA? If so, how?

-Does it help if I create a project with one task only and assigning all
resources to this task ? (I know, it sounds stupid)...

Thanks,

Wilson

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Wilson --

You cannot view or manage resource overallocations in the Enterprise
Resource Pool. Instead, each PM can open his/her own projects and apply the
Resource Usage view. Resources formatted in red are overallocated either
within one of the projects only, or between two or more projects. Hope this
helps.

--
Dale A. Howard [MVP]
Enterprise Project Trainer/Consultant
Denver, Colorado
http://www.msprojectexperts.com
"We wrote the books on Project Server"

 

[Wilson T. Tonini]

Hello Dale,

Thank you for the reply. But how can a Resource Manager have an overview of
these over allocations? I mean, I thought he could be able to view this data
without having to open anyone else's project.

Thanks,

Wilson

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Wilson --

If the resource manager does not have Microsoft Project Professional, this
presents serious limitations with analyzing and resolving overallocations.
Without opening Microsoft Project plans, the resource manager could view
overallocations in the Resource Center in PWA by selecting one or more
resource names and then clicking the View Availability button. This method
will require lots of hunting, looking for time periods in which the Work
exceeds the availability. Furthermore, the resource manager would not be
able to resolve the overallocations there.

Therefore, I would recommend that you get a copy of Microsoft Project
Professional for your resource manager so that he can open Microsoft Project
plans and analyze overallocations more easily, and even resolve
overallocations if necessary. Just a thought. Perhaps the others have some
ideas, too.