Tracking Actuals via the Web

[Joe]

I want to use Project Server to publish my project plan on the web and have
the resources track their actuals via the web. I was told by the IT
department that manages Project Server that the feature to allow resources to
track actuals via the web is not set up yet because they have not defined the
enterprise codes, which prevents them from collaborating the project plan,
which is needed to track actuals on the Web.

I don't know much about the Enterprise codes - isn't there a default set of
codes we can use so we can collaborate the plan now. She claims we need to
bring in some consultants to set up the Enterprise codes first. This can
takes weeks and I need it now. Is her assessment correct?

 

[Dale Howard [MVP]]

Joe --

Your IT people are both right and wrong at the same time. On one hand, you
can certainly use a "plain vanilla" implementation of Project Server without
setting up any enterprise fields our outline codes and could conceivably
begin using the timesheet features immediately.

However, the wisdom of what your IT people are saying, however, is that you
should not begin using Project Server until you company's project management
methodologies have been modeled in the system and your company's and project
reporting needs have been addressed in the system. Normally this requires
setting up custom enterprise Project, Resource, and Task fields and outline
codes.

Personally, I think I would side with your IT people and wait until the
system is completely set up and until your people have been properly
trained. This shoud include training for project managers on how to use
both Microsoft Project Professional and Project Web Access, and should also
include training for your team members on how to submit actual progress in
PWA.

Although we are probably not the consultants your company will use, I
applaud your IT people's decision to use consulting help in this process, as
it will save your company both time and frustration by helping you to set up
the system right the first time. Just some thoughts. Hope this helps.