Maintain single (large) file or split into multiple schedules?

Hi,
My schedule is now up to around 65MB and while it still runs fine over our shared network, there are other issues such as putting it on Sharepoint or sharing by email which are limited, as well as the fact that only one person can work on it at any time. I've been asked to substantially increase the size of the schedule to incorporate greater detail in some areas which could double the size of the file.

Someone suggested splitting it into several schedules which would have some benefits but would also cause issues as we can currently monitor/ filter/ resource profile for the whole of our programme which is a great benefit. I'm wondering if there is a win-win where we split it up, but can still aggregate into a master programme in some way?

Any experience or advice on the best option?

Thanks,
Matt.

Hi Matt,

You can divide the larger file into smaller ones, all connected to a resource pool file. Creating the pool file will allow you to consolidate assignments in one central location and allow reporting on what a resource is working on across multiple projects. Resource pool files also allow for fast and easy consolidation into a master project for reporting across multiple projects.

Julie

Thanks Julie - that sounds like the answer. Can you suggest any links or resources that would show me how to do that step by step?

Thanks!
Matt.

... one specific question. I understand that this will enable us to see resource usage across linked projects which is fine. But what about reporting from the linked projects - we currently do EV analysis of the overall project - is it possible to analyse this together for the linked projects via the resource pool or would you have to repeat the process for each or the sharer files?

Also, we can currently filter to see all of a certain type of task or activities within a certain timeframe. Would we lose this ability by splitting or would you be able to do something in the resource pool file to see the whole portfolio together?

Thanks,
Matt.

Hi Matt,
Sorry for the delay in replying. For links:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/pr...045303641.aspx
and
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/pr...045295517.aspx

They show help for 2003 - but all still applies except for the location of the command. In Project 2010, the Resource Pool command is on the resource ribbon.

As far as EV - you'll need to baseline the consolidated project plan but otherwise - yes.

As far as filtering - still works fine in the consolidated project.