Buzz
Microsoft Project, a vital tool in the Microsoft Office suite, facilitates comprehensive project management, encompassing budgeting, scheduling, and resource management. Its significance in industries like construction and engineering cannot be overstated. Proper resource allocation stands as a critical yet often underestimated aspect of project management. Adjusting project schedules to prevent resource over-allocation, which could cause delays, is paramount. Mastery of resource allocation in Microsoft Project ensures project control from inception to completion.
Procedures
Factor resource availability into task duration estimates. This step, though frequently overlooked, is pivotal. Resource consideration should be integral to schedule construction, not merely an afterthought. Particularly, simultaneous tasks utilizing the same resources demand attention. For instance, framing both interior and exterior walls concurrently seems feasible, but with only one carpenter, it's impractical.
- Initiate task duration estimates by gauging total man-hours required for completion. By focusing on man-hours over workdays, resource demands are effectively addressed.
Establish and streamline resource management. Organizing resources is best achieved through the resource sheet. Accessible via the 'View' menu, the resource sheet mandates clear resource naming and type specification.
- 'Work' resources categorize individuals contributing to tasks. On smaller projects, this might list team members by name, while larger projects might detail various subcontractors.
- 'Material' resources refer to consumables like lumber, nails, and gasoline.
- 'Cost' resources track items with clear cost rates, such as daily crane or field trailer rentals.
Associate each task with an appropriate resource. Once the schedule is set in the Gantt chart, it's crucial to link each task with the relevant resource(s). Simply locate the task in the left panel, and click on the 'Resource' column cell. Choose from the dropdown menu the appropriate resource; for example, assign an 'Electrician' to the task 'Wire light fixtures.'
Review resource allocation using the resource graph view. Post-scheduling and resource assignment, check for over-allocation. Navigate to 'View' and opt for 'Resource Graph.' Here, you can inspect each resource's allocation throughout the project. The horizontal axis represents workdays, while resource usage is depicted as a percentage on the vertical axis.
- Any instance of resource usage exceeding 100 percent indicates over-allocation, highlighted in red. To rectify, extend task durations, assign more resources, or reschedule concurrent tasks to minimize overlap.
- Minimal resource usage suggests potential under-allocation inefficiencies. Consider shortening task durations or reducing resource usage.
Recommendations
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Involve task performers in the duration estimation process to enhance accuracy and morale.
Essentials
- Personal Computer
- Microsoft Project
