separate % work complete and % complete

[Jennifer L.]

Hi experts,

The project I'm working in is set to Fixed Duration, NOT Effort Driven. I am
trying to update my % complete (duration) and % work complete (work) columns
separately. I find that when there are no resources assigned to a task that I
am able to do this - update the progress (% complete), and the work (% work
complete) separately. For example, if a task is set to run for 4 days and
today is day 2, then the % complete will read 50%. And if on that same task I
know that though 50% of the duration has expired only 10% of the work is
actually complete, I can then adjust my % work complete column to read 10%.

The problem is, when I have resources assigned (and thus work assigned), if
I update the % complete and then try to adjust the % work complete, which
might be a different percentage, Project updates both as the same number.
Without adjusting my work or contouring my resources, is there a way to
separate the % complete and % work complete columns from updating as the same
percentage when resources are assigned to the task? If not, then I will just
create a custom field in which to insert the % work complete.

Thank you!
Jennifer

 

[Jan De Messemaeker]

Hi,

No need for a custom field: Use Physical % Complete.
It can also be used instead of % Work complete for Earned value
calculations.
HTH

 

[Jennifer L.]

Thanks Jan. Yes, this does help. I didn't realize it was that easy. I haven't
explored the Physical % Complete field before. Sounds like it's just what I
need!

Thank you,
Jennifer

 

[Jim Aksel]

To expand on Jan's post --- if you use Physical%Complete, be sure to change
your Earned Value Calculation methods. Tools/Options/Calculations (tab) then
click Earned Value. Change to Physical%Complete.

All tasks must also be Physical%Complete which can be found on the Advanced
Tab of the Task Information dialog box. A "correct" Physical%Complete will
require costed resources and a baseline.

It is not hard to switch back and forth, just make sure you get *all* tasks.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim
It''s software; it''s not allowed to win.

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for FAQs and more information
about Microsoft Project

 

[Jennifer L.]

Gotcha. Thank you!
Jennifer

To expand on Jan's post --- if you use Physical%Complete, be sure to change
your Earned Value Calculation methods. Tools/Options/Calculations (tab) then
click Earned Value. Change to Physical%Complete.

All tasks must also be Physical%Complete which can be found on the Advanced
Tab of the Task Information dialog box. A "correct" Physical%Complete will
require costed resources and a baseline.

It is not hard to switch back and forth, just make sure you get *all* tasks.
--
If this post was helpful, please consider rating it.

Jim
It''s software; it''s not allowed to win.

Visit http://project.mvps.org/ for FAQs and more information
about Microsoft Project

 

[Steve House]

Not to ontradict the others, but I'm not a fan of % Physical Complete
because it has no clear definition. If the task is to paint 4 walls and two
of them are done, that's fine, "50% Physical Complete" makes sense. But
what does "50% Physical Complete" mean when the tasks' "Write Script for TV
Commercial"? But if the issue is to disconnect the entry of XX% Complete
forcing the same XX to be entered for % Work Complete or vice versa, just go
to the Tools/Options menu, Calculation page, and clear the checkbox for the
first entry where it reads "Updating task status updates resource status."
Now you can enter that the task is XX % Complete but YY % Work Complete.
The only caveat is that is a global setting so you'll have to remember to
update both fields each time you post progress to your plan.