Using a Database with MS Project

[Joe]

This may be a dumb question, but I am curious. What is
meant by using a "database" with MS Project? I am using
MS project the "Normal" way, why would one want/need to
use a database? How does MS Project work differently
using a database, what are the advantages? Can this be
done easily or is there a special version that needs to be
purchased?

 

[Rob Schneider]

This may be a dumb question, but I am curious. What is
meant by using a "database" with MS Project? I am using
MS project the "Normal" way, why would one want/need to
use a database? How does MS Project work differently
using a database, what are the advantages? Can this be
done easily or is there a special version that needs to be
purchased?

Books could be written to answer this question. I'll be brief.

Putting the data into a Project database allows you to
1) save more than one project in one file to achieve simplicity in some
instances, and
2) get easy access (still have to know what you are doing) to the data
for input, or just output via Access for doing other things. The data
in mpp files is inaccessible for most mortals.

 

[Guest]

I saved a project as a project database. But now what? I
open the file under MS Project, and it looks the same as
before. Does this mean I still do all of the normal
functionality as before? And when I want to query or
update using a database (say MS ACCESS in this case), all
I have to do is open the same file in MS ACCESS? I opened
the file and it looks like all of the tables are there.

I guess my main questions are:

If I save a project as a project database, can I still use
MS project the same way I did when I saved it as a .mpp
file?

To use the database for queries, do I just open it up with
MS ACCESS and start creating queries? All I have to do is
figure out what tables to use.

 

[Rob Schneider]

Yes. No change from Project perspective. From Access, do your own
queries. Be extra careful about adding data.

Read the file projdb.htm that was installed on your computer with
Project to document the database. You'll have to read it a few times
and be prepared to learn a lot. It's not trivial.

 

[Rob Schneider]

Yes ... to do so you would need to know exactly how to pump the data to
Project (via the database) that that correct represents the "project"
the represents the sale. Close reading and understanding of projdb.htm
is essential and required, along with careful thinking of the work
process associated with the creation of a "project" following a sale.
Recommend you not mix your Access MDB's holding your own data/code with
the project mpd file--keep them separate.