How to Handle Changes to Resource Working Calendars in Microsoft Project

「 MICROSOFT PROJECT 」 July 02, 2022

How to Handle Changes to Resource Working Calendars in Microsoft Project

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How to Handle Changes to Resource Working Calendars in Microsoft Project

Resource working calendars play a significant role when it comes to project management. It’s crucial to ensure that changes made to these calendars are accurately reflected in the project timeline. In Microsoft Project, managing changes to resource working calendars can be done efficiently by following specific steps. This article provides an in-depth guide on how to handle changes to resource working calendars in Microsoft Project.

Understanding Resource Working Calendars

Before delving into how to handle changes to resource working calendars in Microsoft Project, it’s essential to understand what resource working calendars are. A resource working calendar is a schedule that determines when resources, such as people and equipment, are available to work on tasks. The resource calendar defines the working days and hours of each resource assigned to the project, including holidays, vacations, and other non-working periods.

When you assign a resource to a task in Microsoft Project, the software uses the resource working calendar to calculate the duration of the task. If the resource is not working during part or all of the task’s duration, Microsoft Project will adjust the timeline accordingly, taking into account the non-working periods defined in the resource calendar.

Handling Changes to Resource Working Calendars in Microsoft Project

Changes to resource working calendars are inevitable in any project. As a project manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure that these changes are reflected accurately in the project timeline. Here are the steps to follow when handling changes to resource working calendars in Microsoft Project:

Step 1: Identify the Resources Affected by the Calendar Change

The first step in handling changes to resource working calendars in Microsoft Project is to identify the resources affected by the change. You can do this by opening the Resource Sheet view and scanning through the list of resources to determine which ones have had their working calendars changed. Once you have identified the affected resources, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Update the Resource Working Calendar

The next step is to update the resource working calendar. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Resource Sheet” view in Microsoft Project.
  2. Double-click on the name of the resource that has had their working calendar changed.
  3. In the “Change Working Time” dialog box, make the necessary changes to the working calendar.
  4. Once you have made the changes, click “OK” to save them.

Step 3: Update Affected Tasks

After updating the resource working calendar, you need to update the tasks affected by the change. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Gantt Chart” view in Microsoft Project.
  2. Locate the task affected by the change and select it.
  3. Click on the “Task Information” button in the “Tasks” group of the “Task” tab.
  4. In the “Task Information” dialog box, click on the “Resources” tab.
  5. Select the affected resource from the list of resources assigned to the task.
  6. Click on the “Calendar” drop-down menu and select the updated working calendar.
  7. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Tips for Managing Resource Working Calendars in Microsoft Project

Managing resource working calendars can be challenging, especially when dealing with large and complex projects. Here are some tips to help you manage resource working calendars effectively in Microsoft Project:

Use Project Management Tools

Project management software such as Clarizen, Smartsheet, Wrike, GanttPRO, Monday.com, and ClickUp can help you manage resource working calendars more efficiently. These tools come with features that allow you to easily update resource calendars and track changes made to them.

Consult with Resources before Making Changes

Before making any changes to resource working calendars, it’s crucial to consult with the resources affected by the change. This will help you avoid conflicts and ensure that the changes made are suitable for all parties involved.

Update Calendars Regularly

To ensure that your project timeline remains accurate, it’s essential to regularly update resource working calendars. This will help you identify any conflicts or potential delays early on, allowing you to take appropriate action to address them.

Conclusion

Managing changes to resource working calendars in Microsoft Project is crucial to ensure that your project timeline remains accurate. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively handle changes to resource working calendars in Microsoft Project. Additionally, the tips provided will help you manage resource working calendars more efficiently, making your project management tasks more manageable.

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Augusta Ponce

Augusta Ponce was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and later moved to the United States with her family when she was a teenager. She grew up in a tight-knit family in Southern California and obtained her bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Augusta began her career in project management at an engineering firm in Los Angeles. She quickly rose through the ranks and eventually landed a position as a project manager at GlobalTech, a multinational technology company. During her time at GlobalTech, Augusta successfully managed several software development projects and was recognized for her exceptional leadership skills. Augusta then moved on to become a project manager at ProConstruct, a leading construction company. There, she managed various construction projects ranging from small-scale renovations to large-scale commercial buildings. Augusta's ability to manage projects efficiently and effectively earned her a reputation as a top project manager in the industry. Currently, Augusta works as a project manager for a large healthcare company called HealthWorks. In this role, she is responsible for managing a team of project managers and ensuring that all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of the company's stakeholders.
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