Project 2007 as a graphical tool

[StephenB]

We are in a business with fixed start and end times for all tasks. There is
no such thing as early, late, less or more effort, overtime, no split tasks,
(recources we have but as a pool, not as individuals), we don't track costs
in this manner, etc. Everything is an FS task.
We nonetheless like the graphical look of a plotted-out Project schedule to
use and show clients for intent or we would use Excel.
I am having trouble "tricking" the functions of the program to get visual
results. For instance, I have to make up a "false" task to start every
project so my real first task can have a predecessor. I'm having trouble
getting a series of tasks linked by start/finish dates with milestones at
most junctures to come out as tasks - often all I get is a thin dark line
from milestone to milestone, other times I get a real Task line graphic.
It's true, I do not know how to use the program on the level it was written
for - but there must be some out there who can relate to this issue and pass
on a few tips?
Thankful, StephenB

 

[Jim Aksel]

Perhaps PowerPoint or Visio would provide a prettier picture.
If you want to use Project, you can set the project start date under
Project/Project Information.

Tasks will show a vertical bar proportional to their duration. If you want
a diamond to mark a milestone, make the task a 0 duration task.

Since you want to hard key the dates (thus defeating 100% of the purpose of
the program), don't bother with predecessors unless you want to show the
linkage on the bar chart. We often use an Authority to Proceed milestone to
kick things off. Otherwise just set the project start date.

The program really will do much more for you.... post back with other
questions
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Jim

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