Outlook Add-In, Timesheets, etc PS 2007

[boggyboy]

I have a customer that would like to use the Outlook Add-in to interact with
the timesheet application in PS07. I've discouraged it based on the
following assumptions.

o The Outlook "Timesheet" tab doesnt fully integrate with PS07 Timesheet
application. For example, you cannot create a new timesheet from Outlook.
o The only way to submit a timesheet time is via the web interface.

If these assumptions are true, it would not really make any sense to bring
the outlook add-in into an already complicated mix. What say you?

 

[Astro Boy]

I have a customer that would like to use the Outlook Add-in to interact with
the timesheet application in PS07.  I've discouraged it based on the
following assumptions.  

o  The Outlook "Timesheet" tab doesnt fully integrate with PS07 Timesheet
application.  For example, you cannot create a new timesheet from Outlook.
o  The only way to submit a timesheet time is via the web interface.

If these assumptions are true, it would not really make any sense to bring
the outlook add-in into an already complicated mix.   What say you?

Boggy, I totally agree with your conclusion.

The Outlook plug-in works well with the My Tasks page. If you're not
using timesheets, it's a perfectly acceptable way to report progress
against project tasks.

However, the Outlook plug-in does not interact with Timesheets. You're
correct when you say you can't create a new timesheet via Outlook, nor
can you submit one. The whole Timesheet/My Task seperation is, in my
opinion, the worst design element in an application full of
questionable design elements. My rule is this: If you're using
timesheets, install the "Tied Mode" add-on from Codeplex, and do NOT
use the Outlook plug-in at all, nor should you use My Tasks for
anything besides adjusting Remaining Work.

Time reporting/task updating is easily the most confusing part of MOPS
for most users. I have taken more abuse from users over this bit of
"functionality" than anything else in the application. The IU and CUs
have improved the situation somewhat, but it's still a kludge of the
highest order.

Thanks for the opportunity to vent!

AB