Issue with RAG status in MS Project

[matadas]

Hello,

I want to show the BRAG status (Basline RAG status) with graphical
indicators in my project plan using the "Baseline Date" column but
having issues as the graphical indicators are not displayed and the
same column (Baseline RAG Status) is showing as "0" for all the tasks.


Please can you assist. I am using the Formulae below -


Switch([% Complete]=100,3,[Finish]<[Current Date],2,[Finish]-[Baseline
Finish]<=1.5,0,[Finish]-[Basline Finish]<=13,1,[Finish]-[Baseline
Finish]>=14,2)


Graphical Indicators set to = 0 is GReen, 1 is Amber, 2 is Red and 3
is Blue.

[JulieS]

What field type (Text, Number, Duration) have you entered the formula in? What version of Project 2003? 2007? 2010?

Usually when subtracting dates in Project we use either ProjDateDiff(date1, date2, calendar) or the DateDiff(interval, date1, date2) functions. Be aware that you may also be seeing the data expressed in minute, not hours.

I hope this helps.

Julie

[matadas]

Hello Julie,

The field type is - Number. The version is Project 2007. I have never used a Formulae before in MS project.

Thanks.

Santosh

[JulieS]

Hi Santosh,

Here's the formula I'd suggest:
Switch([% Complete]=100,3,[Finish]<[Current Date],2,[Finish Variance]<=1.5,0,[Finish Variance]<=13,1,[Finish Variance]>=14,2)

I've replaced your [Finish]-[Baseline Finish] pieces with the field [Finish Variance] which is a field all ready calculated by Project and shows the difference in days between the baseline finish and current finish.

You may also want to look at the built in Status and/or Status Indicator columns. They essentially show what you are trying to accomplish.

[matadas]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the code, but do you know why the column shows just "0" through out the plan. Have you come across this before?

I have even tried splitting the code and just test those tasks that are just 100% complete. Not sure why it just shows "0".

Bizzare.

Santosh

[JulieS]

Okay, if I understand you for tasks that are marked as 100% you are not seeing 3?

The Number field does have a default value of zero, so it sounds like your formula is not calculating at all.

what happens if you set a task to 100% complete? Is your calculation mode automatic or manual? What happens if you press F9 to manually recalculate?

[matadas]

Hi Julie,

Yes, the graphical indicators are not being displayed. The % completion is set to 100% and I would expect to see a blue indicator. I set the % completion manually. Nothing changes upon pressing F9.

Any ideas.

Santosh

[matadas]

Hi Julie,

Yes it is set to Auto and F9 isn't working either.

Santosh

[matadas]

Hi Julie,

For test purposes I have even split the formulae to just => Switch([% Complete]=100,3) and even testested for IIf([% Complete]=100,3). Even then I don't get the graphical indicator I need.

Thanks.

Santosh

[matadas]

Hi Julie,

I have attached a copy of the template whether the formulaes have been inserted.

Just to confirm again what I would like to achieve is when I insert multiple projects into the template the formulae should work out the indicators and the Baseline RAG status should show whether the tasks are complete, delayed, on-time etc.

Thanks.

Santosh

[matadas]

Oops with the attachment this time.

S

[JulieS]

Ah, your comment:

Just to confirm again what I would like to achieve is when I insert multiple projects into the template the formulae should work

is really the telling bit. I don't recall you saying that you were using Master projects before and that is at the root of your issue.

The formula has to exist in the subproject file -- not just the master project.

Copy the customized field from the Master Project into the subproject. Test again.

Julie

[matadas]

HI Julie,

Didn't quiet understand. Please can you help elaborate.

Thanks.

Santosh

[JulieS]

How are you using the project file you sent? I understand you to mean that you are inserting project files (Insert > Project in the menu) into the project file and expecting the RAG status to calculate for the inserted project.

That is not how Project works. Your formula have to be in the inserted project file.

[matadas]

Hi
The project file I sent you is the Master template. To review the variances, slack, dependencies, I insert the project plan (let's say 1.mpp) using Insert > Project>1.mpp.

Are you saying it will not calc the BRAG status even though the formulae is shown added in the Customise Field>Formula...

Santosh