Adding a Resource in MS Project: A Quick Guide

Microsoft Project serves as a powerful tool for project management, encompassing scheduling, resource allocation, budget management, and progress tracking. Widely utilized in construction for overseeing project progress, a key functionality includes resource management and assignment to specific tasks or dates. Understanding how to add resources is crucial for maximizing Microsoft Project's capabilities.

Launch Microsoft Project. Access it through the Start menu or by clicking its desktop icon.

Access the Resource Center. Click on the 'Tools' tab, then select 'Enterprise Options.' From the menu, choose 'Open Enterprise Resource Pool.'

Creating a new resource: To initiate, click the 'New' button in the Resource Center menu, then select 'Resources.' This action generates a new resource, placing it into the resource pool accessible within the program's main interface.

Specifying the resource type: Navigate to the 'Type' section, offering three resource types: work, materials, or cost. Assign the new resource type according to your project's needs, especially beneficial if utilizing a resource breakdown structure or managing a sizable resource pool.

Naming the resource: Enter the resource's name in the designated 'Name' field. For instance, if managing subcontractors, input each company's name. Optionally, define the resource breakdown structure value.

Providing additional resource details: Utilize other fields to specify essential information for your resource management scheme. Assign values for team details, availability, cost group, and other pertinent attributes.

Adding custom resource information: If necessitated, click the 'Resource Custom Fields' button to input custom details not covered by standard options. Enter the required information in the provided text box.

Exiting the Resource Center: Once resource editing is complete, click the 'OK' button located at the bottom of the window to return to the program's main interface. Your created resources are now available to be incorporated into the project's schedule and budget.

Saving the project file: Following resource additions, select the 'File' button on the task bar and then choose 'Save.' This action saves the project file to your computer, preserving the updated resource pool.