3

Being new to MS Project, I am wondering if I can create a project based on a defined template modified by some variables.

I am dealing with several (20+) projects I have to manage parallel. The projects themselves are almost identical in structure, i.e. they all have six sequential work packages that have a defined ratio of effort (e.g package 1 is 45% of the total project effort, package 2 is 5% and so on). They basically only differ in the following variables:

  • Start date
  • End date
  • Total hours available
  • Assignment of the six fixed, sequential work packages to authors (aka resources)

Is it possible in MS Project to define a project template and generate a project plan just from entering the variables listed above and have the rest (like start/end dates and hours for the individual work packages) be filled in automatically? If so, how?

|improve this question
1

It's easy to save a project as a template in MS Project. You can find this feature at File > Export > File Types > Save Project as File.
Choose Project Template and save. This will lead you to a dialog where you can remove non-generic data from your project (costs, etc.) and save the template.
To load a template, click File > New, select your template and click Create.

To fill in data automatically, I'd recommend importing via Excel (File > New > New from Excel workbook).

|improve this answer
  • 1
    To clarify there are two separate methods above: 1) With the template method, you'll just need to set a project start date (which will ripple through all tasks if they are linked property and are not otherwise constrained) and set resource availability and assign as necessary. 2) Creating a schedule from Excel data works wonderfully but can be tricky if you don't have much experience with MS Project. – Rachel Hettinger May 4 '18 at 16:19

Your Answer

By clicking "Post Your Answer", you acknowledge that you have read our updated terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy, and that your continued use of the website is subject to these policies.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.