Overwrite published project with new version of .mpp file

[Jessica]

I have an issue I would like your help to solve.

The main "Program" has a Master plan with about 2500 tasks, no resources
scheduled, just activities and mile stones. I get the Master plan as an .mpp
file (Project Pro 2003) as they are not using Project Server 2003. The
“Program†is to run for about 5 years and there will be updates to the Master
plan during these years and new versions of the .mpp file will be sent.

The project I'm planning is a sub set of activities in the "Program",
identified by a Custom task field which can be filtered. We are using Project
Server 2003 for our projects. What is the best way to link to the Master
plan?

I have tried to import the file into Project Server and make new versions,
which enables me to identify changed/deleted/added tasks by comparing the
different versions, but I can't link from my own project plans to any other
version than the published. I can't replace the published one without
deleting the project and import the file again. When doing that I can't trace
the differences between the versions. This also involves the MS Project
Server Administrator to help deleting the project. Is there any easier way to
handle this?

Any advice is very much appreaciated!

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Jessica --

I am a little surprised that no one answered your original question, but
then again, none of us really wants to be the "bearer of bad news." In your
situation, I only have bad news, which is that there is really no way to
accomplish what you wish between the .mpp file master project and your
Project Server system. I believe it is a huge mistake that someone is
updating the .mpp files, sending them to you, and expecting you to push them
into the Project Server database. Whoever is working on these .mpp files
should be given access to your Project Server system and they should be
doing this inside of Project Server. Beyond this, I'm not sure I can give
you much helpful advice or guidance. Hope this helps.

 

[Jessica]

Dale,

Thank you for your reply! Even though not very good news it is good to know
that it is not a viable solution.

We have of course considered to try to get them to work directly on our
server. If we overcome the issue with access rights and the customizations
they are using there is still one question I have not been able to answer.
Currently they have financial information in the plan, when it is time to
send the plan to the sub contractors a copy is made and the financial
information is deleted from that copy. If they are to put the plan on the
server to allow us to work directly towards it, is there any way to hide some
information (columns) in a time plan? As the sub contractors need access to
be able to link to it, is it a "all or nothing" situation?

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Jessica --

When someone has access to the actual Microsoft Project plan, it is an "all
or nothing" proposition. If you can open the plan, you can see the
financial information, too. If you can get the subcontractors to use
Project Server, must they have access to the project plan? Why can't they
use the PWA timesheet system to enter their actuals? If they need to see,
but not modify, the actual project plan, why don't you give them access to a
single Project Center view and a single detailed Project view that contains
no financial information? Just some thoughts. Hope this helps.

 

[Jessica]

Dale,

Thank you again for your quick reply! I believe I now have the information I
need to be able to go back and discuss this further with the ones involved.

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Jessica --

You are more than welcome, my friend! You have a big challenge ahead of
you, so good luck.