Group Resource Allocating- MS Projects 2010

[Dantag]

I am having a problem allocating resources from a pool of technicians. Here is what I'm trying to do.

I currently have several groups of resources (Welders, Pipe Fitters, etc..) I've set up their max units to be >100% according to how many people are in each shop (300%=3 people etc..).

When I level the project it assigns one technician to each task that their shop is assigned to, up to the max units that are set. On the other hand if there are less tasks than max units the other techs are not assigned anywhere instead of assigning more techs to each task. So for example when there are 7 techs in a shop. If there are 7 tasks happening at once each tech is assigned one task. When there are say 5 tasks 5 techs are assigned to the 5 tasks and the other two are not assigned anywhere. Is there a way to assign these techs to a already in progress task so that it gets done faster?

 

[JulieInMaine]

There appears to be some disconnect here. Project does not ever assign resources through leveling - so I'm not sure where the comment "when I level the project it assigns one technician to each task.....".

To answer your question: If you are tracking the tasks with 5 resources assigned (entering actual work) as long as the task is effort driven, you may assign additional resources and the remaining work will be split among the assigned resources.

 

[Dantag]

Ok Thanks, sorry I worded that wrong. I assign the initial resource that the task is assigned to. I was wondering if there was a way to get projects to assign more than 100% of that resource to a task once I already determined which resource was assigned to the task in the first place.

From your response though I have to do this manually.

 

[remeng]

Dan,

I also have techs. I recommend that each tech becomes their own resource. This will allow for the addition and removal of techs without possibly confusing math errors. This will also allow you to attach specific techs to specific projects and track their hours / tasks usage.

example:

Project 1
- Welder 1
- Welder 2

Project 2
- Welder 2

Project 3
- Welder 1
- Welder 3

 

[JulieInMaine]

You are correct Dantag. Project will never assign resources through any process. That is in the hands and control of the scheduler/project manager. You may find the Resource Usage view handy. Add the remaining availability field to the right hand side and you'll be able to see how many more hours a resource has available to work on tasks.