Schedule Leveling Tips and Tricks MS Project Professional 2010 Lloyd C. Miller III, PMP Director of Delivery Assurance.

Schedule Leveling Tips and Tricks

MS Project Professional 2010

Lloyd C. Miller III, PMP

Director of Delivery Assurance

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Agenda

What, Where, When & Why

Understanding the Options

Considering Different Views / Reports

Tips & Tricks

Questions / Demonstration (as time

permits)

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What: (it does and doesn’t do)

• It does not reassign “Tasks” or “Units” and does not change “Work” amounts

• Levels only “Committed”, “Work” and “Generic” resources

• Levels “Proposed” resources only if “Level resources with proposed booking type” option has been selected

• Does not level “Material” or “Cost” resourcesMaterial and Cost resources affect only project costs, not the schedule

• Start/Finish dates will change due to delays/splits based on resource availability

Where: (it’s used best)

• Primarily used in projects where resources are the most important priority

• Cost and schedule are secondary priorities

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When: (it’s activated)

• First checks each “Resource” for overallocations

• Then, finds “Tasks” associated with overallocations and identifies which ones can be delayed

• Finally, levels based on “Leveling Order” option selected

• Does not delay “Tasks” if:A constraint of “Must Start On” or “Must Finish On” exists A constraint of “As Late As Possible” exists, IF the project is being

scheduled from the “Start” date. A constraint of “As Soon As Possible” exists, IF the project is being

scheduled from the “Finish” date. A “Priority” of 1000 is set (default = 500), meaning do not level this task. An actual start date exists but will split remaining work if “Leveling can

create splits in remaining work” check box is selected in the “Resource Leveling” dialog box (Resource/Level/Leveling Options)

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Why: (Triple Constraint Impact)

• Minimizes risks/disruptions due to over allocationScope Adjustment: poor quality or scope reductionSchedule: missed deadlines/rework – schedule delaysCost Adjustment: lower productivity to rectify the above risks

• Balances the work of a project based on resource assignmentScope Adjustment: add/remove tasks – resource utilizationSchedule Adjustment: split/delay tasks – resource availabilityCost Adjustment: add/remove/extend resources

• Re-allocates resources to optimum usage without burning out resources

• Scope is defined more precisely, based on actual project limitations

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Max Units Field(Shows on Resource Sheet as “Max Units”)

Booking Type:(Only levels “Committed” resources unless the “Proposed” resource option is selected)

Type:(Only levels “Work” resources)

(Only levels “Generic” resources)

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Resource Leveling Toolbar (2007 – Gone):

Resource Ribbon now contains Leveling Toolbar Features (2010)

Clear Leveling(entire project or selected tasks)

Levels Selected Tasks(active once 2 or more tasks are

selected)

Levels Tasks for Selected Resources

Levels Entire Project


Let’s look at “Leveling Options”

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Understanding the OptionsNew in PS2010

Replaces the old “Level Now” button.

This represents new functionality in PS2010

and is used to level “ALL” resources at the

same time.

Let’s discuss each option setting.

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Automatic vs. Manual:• Automatic - Not Recommended

Levels as soon as there is a change in a task or resourceAssumes “Calculation” option is set to “On” in “Schedule”Typically degrades MS Project performanceWhen applied, will level ALL overallocated resources in ALL open projects

without asking permission

• Manual (Default) - RecommendedLevels only when “Level All” or “Level Now” buttons are selectedAssumes “Calculation” option is set to “On” in “Schedule”

• Use to be the old “Automatic Calculation” option in MS Project 2007)

• Note: If the “Calculation” mode is set to “Off” (File/Options/Schedule/Calculation), neither of the above leveling options will work until the “Calculate Project” button (Project/Schedule) is manually selected.


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Look for overallocations on a Day by Day basis: (Default)• Establishes the point you want leveling to intervene

• Week by Week is Recommended smallest interval

• Time periods are based on settings within individual resource calendars first and then “Max Units” (Resource Sheet or Resource Information)

Clear leveling values before leveling: (Default-Checked)• All leveling delays previously entered (automatic/manual) are

cleared before the next leveling actionClear the box if using Automatic Leveling to improve performance,

otherwise Recommend leaving checked.If “Priority” options were changed to “1000”, then leveling changes will

not change back to original settings (More discussion later)


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Level entire project: (Default)• Levels all tasks in a project over the entire project duration

Level – From/To:• Levels only those tasks within the From/To range

• Use to be Primary way to do task selection for levelingNew PS2010 “Task Inspector” offers new task capabilities without jumping

to this menu area (Discussed later)

• For large project schedules, this option is Recommended, but this is a personal preference


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Leveling Order: (Three Options)• Standard (Default)

Task RelationshipSlackStart DatePriorityConstraint

• ID OnlyTask ID

• Same as left most column – bottom up leveling

• Always starts with the higher ID number

Leveling Order:• Priority, Standard (Recommended)PriorityTask RelationshipsSlackStart DateConstraint

The above option forces MS Project to first consider the “Priority” number --- easiest method to control leveling function on a task-by-task basis --- let’s look closer.


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More on Priorities

Priorities are used to restrict/focus leveling activities

Priority Range: 0 (lowest) to 1000 (highest)

Priority Default for Tasks: 500

Priorities Set to 1000:• No resources will be leveled

• No splits or leveling delays will be applied

• Used for critical tasks you never want to change w/leveling

• Used to “lock in” leveling changes you like during the leveling process

Priorities Set to 100:• Tasks that have more flexibility as to start/finish dates

• MS Project will focus change to these tasks first

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Level only within available slack (Default-not checked)• Used if you do not want to push out the project finish date

• Assumes slack exists – if it doesn’t few or no changes may occur

• Recommend first pass with this box checked

• If little effect, may need to add resources, cut scope, extend time line

Leveling can adjust individual assignments on a task (Default-checked)• Allows leveling to adjust a resource working on a task

independently of other resources working on the same task

• May create problems based on the task & type/sequence of work

• Default setting is Recommended


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Leveling can create splits in remaining work (Default-checked)• Allows splits to tasks based on remaining work & resource availability

• Affects tasks that have not started AND those that have


Level resources with the proposed booking type (Default-not checked)• Leveling is normally not applied to “proposed” resources only

“committed”

• Proposed resources are “tentative” resources that have not yet been authorized

• Proposed resources are different than “Committed” resources



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Level manually scheduled tasks (Default-Checked)• Allows leveling to change “Manually” scheduled tasks

• No Recommended setting --- personal preference

Help:• Launches Internet help from Microsoft Project 2010 General Help Site

Clear Leveling…:• Clears all manual and tool generated Leveling Delays

• Can use “Undo” to reverse mistakes

Level All:• Replaces the MS Project 2007 “Level Now” button (moved to new

location in 2010)

• Levels ALL overallocated resources in selected and ALL open MS Project files

• Gives MS Project full control of all leveling functions --- Not Recommended


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OK:• Sets any changed options for later use

Cancel:• Closes the Leveling Information Box ignoring any selected changes


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“Level Resource” Option• Changed in MS Project 2010

Level Now:• Use with manual leveling of resources

• Will level resources by delaying/splitting tasks or resource assignments

• New to MS Project 2010, can be used with both task and resource views.

• Allows you to choose all or selected resources


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“Burning Man” Indicator (All new in MS Project 2010)• Right click to activate the “Task Inspector” sidepane

• Use “Repair Options” section to resolve resource overallocations:“Reschedule Task” button – delays the task to the first available time

period that resolves the overallocation“Team Planner” button – activates that new view in MS Project 2010


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TEAM PLANNER• New Resource view in MS Project 2010 (Professional only) --- views are

customizable

• Analyzes resource assignment information in a graphical display

• Shows all resources in the project team, along with assigned and unassigned tasks

• Multiple panes: Upper Left: Resources w/ Unscheduled Tasks for a resource immediately to the rightUpper Right: Gantt Chart - Assigned Tasks by resourceLower Left: Unassigned tasks sorted by Task IDLower Right: Gantt Chart – current schedule of unassigned tasks

• Uses special color codes to reflect information (RED lines indicate overallocated resources)

• Can use standard leveling tools or drag and drop methods by moving tasks or adding resources

• If you drag a task to a new time period, MS Project will force a SNET constraint that can only be manually removed.

Understanding the OptionsSeparate

Presentation needed on full

use of this view

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Considering Different Views Resource Usage View: (Resource/View/Resource Usage)

• Overallocated Resource appear in RED

• Customize to include appropriate fields: Work, Overallocation, Remaining Availability

• Can use with various “Split” views to manage change more effectively

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Considering Different Views Resource Graph:

• Displays resource utilization , one resource at a time

• Default view: Peak Units Format Others: Format Data Graphs

Single Resource(Red = Over allocated)

% Allocation

Max Resource Units Available

Over Allocation

Timescale

Work Units

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Considering Different Views Resource Allocation View: (When selecting be sure you are in a

resource view)

• Split View: Resource Usage & Leveling Gantt

• Displays all resources w/all assigned tasks (more details available)

• Leveling Gantt shows tasks of selected resource

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Considering Different Views Gantt Chart & Resource Graph:

• Task data tables and Resource Overallocations data in a split view

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Considering Different Views Resource Form w/ Resource Sheet:

• Displays details about the resource selected in the Resource Sheet

• Another way to manage resources

Resource Sheet

Resource Form

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Considering Different Reports Use reports for meetings (Projects/Reports/Assignments)

• Not everyone has access to or knows MS Project• Great for meeting use

Resource Management MeetingsTeam Status MeetingsManagement ReportingProject Review MeetingsAnd more

Run Assignment Related reports within MS Project• Who Does What When Report• Overallocated Resources Report

Run Workload reports within MS Project• Resource Usage Report

Run Visual Reports (Projects/Visual Reports/Assignments)• Resource Availability Report (MS Visio)• Resource Work Availability Report (MS Excel Chart)• Resource Work Summary Report (MS Excel Chart)• And more

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Considering Different Reports Overallocated Resources report:

• Displays only overallocated resource information

• If no overallocated resources – no report is generated

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Considering Different Reports Resource Work Summary Visual Report:

• Uses an MS Excel column chart to show work and availability to each resource in a project

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TipWays to level overallocated resources in MS Project 2010:

•Substitute an available resource for the overallocated resource• Increase the availability of overallocated resources (45 hrs per week vs. 40 hrs)

•Schedule overtime for the overallocated resources•Manually delay tasks with overallocated resources•Delay the start of a resource assignment on a task•Adjust project schedule using Task Constraints to eliminate resource assignment conflicts

•Split tasks by interrupting work on task to make resources available for other assignments

•Adjust dependencies and add Lag time•Add resources to an Effort Driven task to shorten the duration of the task•Look for potential overlapping work opportunities and adjust appropriately

•Negotiate with the Project Sponsor or Customer to delay the finish date of the project or to reduce the project’s scope

•USE THE BUILT-IN LEVELING TOOLS IN MS PROJECT 2010TRICK: Using the leveling tool in Project is LAST because of complexity --- First try the other listed techniques on over allocated tasks

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Task Views vs. Resources Views: • Remember task views, prior to MS Project 2010, do not show over

allocated resources but new in MS Project 2010 you now have that ability

TRICK:

Insure the “Indicator” column is visible in the selected Task view

Locate the RED “Burning Man” indicator and “right click” for options to manage overallocated resources

Use the “Task Inspector” sidepane to select the best options:

* Reschedule Task

* Team Planner (new in MS Project 2010)

Tip

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Tip

So you level and you like what you see, but your concerned that you may clear the “leveling delay” either manually or automatically and loose the changes leveling made. Can you protect this data?

TRICK:

Change the priority to 1000 on all changed tasks you like!

Once a task is subsequently set with a priority 1000 (meaning do not level), if you click “Clear Leveling” in the Resource Leveling dialog box, the leveling delay or split is not removed.

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Tip

What is the fastest way to see what leveling has done to my project schedule.

TRICK:

Use the “Leveling Gantt” View

The Leveling Gantt view will show you the results of leveling as well as how much delay leveling has added to tasks.

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Tip

How can I better manage overallocations in projects that have 500+ tasks?

TRICK:

Use “Filtering”

• In a resource view like “Resource Usage”, click “View”, “Filter For”, “Overallocated Resources”.

• Once you identify a resource, you can switch back to a task view like the “Gantt Chart”, click “View”, “Filter For”, “Using Resource” and select from the listed resource names to see their tasks

• Manage the resource using the “Burning Man” option (discussed earlier

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Tips

After leveling check other possible impacts:• Finish Date

• Total Project Costs

• Scope Changes

• Obtain Formal approval for all leveling changes

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Questions / Demonstration

Schedule Leveling Tips and Tricks MS Project Professional 2010 Lloyd C. Miller III, PMP Director of Delivery Assurance.

Documents

levels work resources

level resources

resources scope

selected levels tasks

levels generic resources

cost resources material

resource leveling toolbar

proposed resource option