I am trying to use Microsoft Projects to represent our shop workload in gantt bar format while using resource usage to check workload at any given date. I would like to enter a completion date (our due date/project finish date) with our scheduled hours (project work in hours) and have projects calculate the start date. I would like to use the resource units to adjust the duration for all of the jobs. I am using projects 2010 and I have tried a to add data in a few different ways but I can't get the dates and duration to calculate properly.
Entries are as follows:
Job # (Task name)
Job due date (Finish date)
Job hours (Work, in hours)
Resource (welding) at 100%, this varies depending on how many people I can allocate. (100% to 500%). Total resource is 2100%. I am trying to represent 21 welders.
I would like to see the Gantt bar end on the due date then back calculate (duration in weeks) to give me a start date. I would like to see the duration adjust according when I increase or decrease resources while keeping the due/ship/finish date fixed.
I hope this makes sense and please let me know if I need to provide additional information.
Thanks

Hello 36frecla6,

If you wish project to calculate the start date of a project, the first step is to ensure your project is scheduled from a finish date. Project tab > Project Information, Schedule from: Project Finish date, and set the finish date. Project will apply an As Late As Possible constraint to all tasks in the project and they will all initially be scheduled to finish on the finish date of the project.

The next step is to enter your tasks. Based upon your requirement, I would suggest fixed work task types. To set the default task type for all tasks go to File > Options, Schedule and select Fixed Work. Project will automatically set the tasks as effort driven, meaning if you add resources, the duration will drop and the amount of work on the task will stay stable.
Then link the tasks (predecessor/successor) to create the logical relationships between the tasks. I wouldn't worry about duration yet as we'll let Project calculate the duration by specifying the work and resources. Create the resources in the Resource Sheet view, setting the Max Units as needed. If you have a pool of 21 welders, set the Max. Units to 2100%.

If you know how many work hours and which resources are required, split your screen (View tab, select "Details".) and select the resource's name -- enter assignment units (if it is other than 100%) and specify the work. Click OK and Project will calculate the duration. Because you are scheduling "backwards" -- Project will also calculate the start date.

To the due dates on tasks -- setting the predecessors will start to drive dates. You can set constraints, but particularly in early planning -- I would be more inclined to use deadlines.

I hope this helps.

Julie

Julie
Thank you, It helped confirm some thoughts I had about the way I am trying to use MS Project. I understand it's not a traditional project but it has some features I like so I am trying to make it work.
I changed the project to schedule from the finish date.
I am using fixed work.
Noted on the duration. I would like to see the duration close to: WORK/40= # of weeks. As a general rule of thumb I will divide by # of weeks by # of resources (units) to estimate time for production.
I am using the split screen with the "task detail form"
I am using the project as a living document, I will add and remove jobs as they are ordered and shipped.
I will set predecessors for some jobs but not all, my intent is to use the resource usage to check workload at a particular point in time.
I am not sure how Project is calculating the duration for Lines 4 and 5. line 5 duration should be 7.2 weeks (288h/40h=7.2w) I am using standard calendars. It is adjusting the duration and start date but something is not right with the duration.

I would like to attach a screenshot but I am not sure how to attach files within this forum.
Thanks
Greg

Duration will not always be Work/40 -- particularly if you have multiple resources assigned.

Duration = Work/Assignment units

Zip the file and attach to your next post by using Drop box or Sky drive or uploading to Media Fire. Otherwise it is difficult to say what is going on.

I agree, I use the /40 to verify 1 resource against total work. I do this as a check to assure MS project is calculating properly. For my particular lines giving me trouble I just deleted them and re-entered the info.
Thanks for your help.

You're welcome and thanks for the feedback.