Timecard Actual Entries v. % Complete by Project Manager

[Bev]

We are using the timecard tracking option with MS Project Server 2003.
However, for any number of reasons, there are some tasks for which our
project managers would like to update the level of completion in the absence
of timecard entries. When this is done by adjusting the "% complete", "%
work complete", or updating actuals in the resource or task usage view, the
infamous message "Your action may result in actuals in this project becoming
out of synch with the actuals updated from timesheets…" comes up. When
saving the project, the PM is asked whether to synch with protected actuals.
When saying "yes" the adjustments are undone. It doesn't seem practical to
say "no" since months may go by, and then the PM might accidentally say "yes"
and undo months of work.

Is there a practical solution to this problem?

Bev Powell for

Thanks - Mike Pallesen
Delta Dental Program Management Office

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Bev --

If your organization is using Managed Time Periods with Project Server, your
PM's cannot enter actuals manually in the Microsoft Project plan. The
exception is to update milestones as 100% complete. The use of Managed Time
Periods assumes that ALL actuals will be entered in the PWA timesheets by
team members. Therefore, if your PM's need to enter actuals manually in the
Microsoft Project plan, then you probably need to rethink the use of Managed
Time Periods. Hope this helps.