Resource management on multiple tasks

[Rai]

I have a problem with assigning resources. (Microsoft Project Standard)
I have a long project which entails at least two ongoing tasks, that would
be scheduled as resources become available. Some of the timing is known but
other times could be determined by resource availability, weather etc.
I want to be able to post some resources to varying tasks, but without
splitting the tasks into hourly/daily portions. Emphasis on resource timing,
rather than task timing.

 

[Jim Aksel]

This sounds like a level of effort task that should not be in a regular
schedule; extended length taks obscure the critical path.
Now to answer your question.
Assign the resources just as you normally would. Go to teh Task Usage View
(View/Task Usage) and adjust the time scale on the right side to your liking
(right click on the time scale).

You can adjust the resource hours spread as desired by manually typing the
values. So, if you have a task that runs from November through March, you
can schedule Fred to the task on Wednesdays. Barney can work two weeks on
then two weeks off, and Betty and Wilma can cover the rest.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim Aksel, MVP

Check out my blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com

 

[Rai]

Hi Jim and thanks for your quick response.
It didn't really answer my question, but only due to it being poorly worded
in the first place.

I guess what I am trying to do is programme resources over a timeframe on a
set of tasks, rather than programme the tasks with a timeframe and a pool of
resources.

Can this be done by varying the hours/days worked on a task in the Task
Usage View ?

Rai

 

[Jim Aksel]

Also try using the Resource Usage View, they are related.
The task usage view will let you assign resources at will at any point in
the duration of a task.

The Resource Usage view will let you examine resource hours totalling up by
any timescale (Days, Weeks, Hours, Months). In this view, you can schedule
Fred to work 8 hours on Mondays and only 4 hours on Wednesdays. You can
spread his hours as necessary. Fred's total hours for any given period of
time are totalled in the Resource Usage View.

You may also want to look at the resource calendars. You can schedule Fred's
work time with his own calendar. On the Resource Sheet, double click "Fred"
and make adjustments to his work schedule as desired. The technique varies
between P2003 and P2007 so post back if you need more guidance.

Adjusting the resource calendars allows you prgoram the resource according
to their availability. For example, Barney may only be able to work full time
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. He may be available for 2 hours on Tuesdays and
Fridays.

If you are looking to dynamically assign available resources to an open
Project Task, this is not possible in Project. The program is not able to
determine who has the skillset needed to perform the work.

Project can adjust resource units (%) in accordance with a priority and an
availability profile (from the resource calendar) by using Resource Leveling.
You can read more about Resoruce Leveling in "Help"

Let us know if you have any other questions, especially if I have not
answered your question to your satisfaction. We're here to help, not confuse.

I get the impression you want to keep "Fred" busy 8 hours/day by assigning
him to several tasks. This is best accomplished in the Resource Usage View.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim Aksel, MVP

Check out my blog for more information:
http://www.msprojectblog.com