Hi everybody,

I am a construction project manager and am looking at a solution to manage sharing of resources (primarily tradesmen, sub contractors ) across multiple projects. While Plan 3 does allow it, but i did not find it a very neat process. One needs to create a Resources Pool mpp file without tasks. Then individual project files share resources from that pool file. However there are numerous problems in this. Firstly, the pool file needs to be kept open all the time. Secondly, the individual mpp files of projects cannot be saved as different versions. Microsoft treats them as different projects and flags an overallocation of resource. Is Plan 5 better at this aspect? Can anyone throw some light on this. Thanks in advance.

Hi everybody,

I am a construction project manager and am looking at a solution to manage sharing of resources (primarily tradesmen, sub contractors ) across multiple projects. While Plan 3 does allow it, but i did not find it a very neat process. One needs to create a Resources Pool mpp file without tasks. Then individual project files share resources from that pool file. However there are numerous problems in this. Firstly, the pool file needs to be kept open all the time. Secondly, the individual mpp files of projects cannot be saved as different versions. Microsoft treats them as different projects and flags an overallocation of resource. Is Plan 5 better at this aspect? Can anyone throw some light on this. Thanks in advance.

Amit_singh_tomar1680 

Amit,

Please understand that Project Online is an Enterprise Project Management (EPM) system--and it is built expressly for managing a portfolio of \"Enterprise Projects\"--and sharing \"Enterprise Resources\" across those projects. Typically, a small number of your users will require the (more costly) Project Plan 3 license which enables them to build and maintain project schedules--using the Project Professional application.  The bulk of your users will typically be those who are: (1) reviewing project information and/or (2) providing progress updates. This latter class of users are served by Project Web App (PWA) which is the browser-based access point to the project data--and they require only a Project Plan 1 license.  So, get a Project Plan 3 license and start building some quality project schedules.  Add the less-costly Project Plan 1 licenses as you need them.  You do not need to be concerned with Project Plan 5 licenses. 

You have the right product (Project Online) to do what you wish to do--sharing resources across projects!  Licensing cost is very minimal (one Project 3 license) to get started.  (BTW: The resource pool approach you mentioned is obsolete--the way things were done 20 years ago.  So, disregard your concerns in that area.)  Be aware that Project Online requires some \"configuration\" to tailor it to your organization--and there is an Administrator role (and expertise) required. There are specialized Microsoft partners and consultants who can assist with this setup--and they can help you grow your own Administrator capabilities--if that is appropriate.  It would be ideal to rely on partners or consultants who have construction industry experience.

Dr_Edward_Hanna 

Thank you so much for the detailed reply and the useful pointers which you have given out. I really appreciate your efforts. 

Many thanks

Amit