MSProject resource materials question

Question

If I have resource called paint (either a tin or say 1 litre) how do I assign it multiple times? Will it show as overallocated? not sure how this works, pls help... thanks

Answer 1

Do what Dale says.

Resources which are Work type resources have resource calendars and are limited so they can be over-allocated.

Resources which are Material type resources do not have resource calendars and are assumed to be sufficiently available always.

You can have a Material type resource called "brick" and assign it in various quantities to various tasks.

To assign resources and specify the quantities assigned, I prefer to use the assign resources button/dialog box, but using the lower pane split is good too.

Answer 2

Stormy Girl --

When you added the Paint resource to the Resource Sheet view, I am assuming you selected Material in the Type column, and then you entered the unit of consumption, such as Liters, in the Material Label column.  If you did not do this, go back and do it.  You have to tell Microsoft Project that the resource IS a Material resource and you must tell it how you measure the consumption.

Apply the Gantt Chart view and select a task.  Right-click anywhere in the Gantt Chart pane on the right side of the screen and select the Show Split item on the shortcut menu.  In the bottom pane, select the name of the Material resource in the Resource Name column.  In the Units column, manually type how many of the paint resource you will use.  For example, you might enter 10 to indicate you will use 10 liters on the task.  In the Task Form pane, click the OK button.

No, Microsoft Project will never show a Material resource as overallocated.  The software assumes that you have more than enough paint to get the job done!  :)

Hope this helps.