MS project 2016 SUBPROJECT Question

Question

I'm getting a "cannot find file" popup when I click on a subproject to open it from with in the master project. Only from some of them and others open fine.

I have about 100 project schedules with 20 or so having sub projects any thoughts? settings?

the procedure I have set in place is:

for schedulers are to only open .mpp files to update or edit and save when complete, NOT changing the file name. Hence the path.

respectfully

Troy

Answer 1

Troy,

You're right in that switching to Project Online does entail a significant learning curve.

A static master is a snapshot in time of all the subprojects inserted into it. It is created by un-checking the "link to project" option in the lower part of the Insert Project window. By default this option is checked (i.e. linked dynamic master).

John

Answer 2

agreed John

The company doesnt want to go to the online version, they fear the learning curve is to steep.

Our schedulers are all on stand alone 2016 standard I'm on 2016 Pro

I dont know how static works, never used it before!

doing the best I can

troy

Answer 3

Troy,

Okay, good luck with that.

As far as time management, you can automate the process of building a static master by recording a macro the first time you do it. Thereafter, just run the recorded macro.

As an alternative, you might want to consider looking into Project Online, it is better suited for enterprise scenarios.

John

Answer 4

Thank you John

I get what you are saying and it would deflate the corruption. I'm sure you understand my issue in regards to time management.

I have master levels:

1 company wide master

2 departmental masters x 5

20+ site masters schedules with some having several subprojects

I'm just going to have to get stricter with the working file procedure.

respectfully

Troy

Answer 5

Troy,

You may or may not be aware that dynamic structures in Project (e.g. master/subproject) are prone to corruption. The rules are, never rename, move, overwrite or "save off" to another location, any of the files in the structure. Ideally, all files should reside in a common folder on a local drive and not be operated over a network.

You mention "schedulers" (multiple?) and 20 or so subprojects. With that many users and files, I'd say the chances of someone violating the above is very likely. If Project cannot find a subproject (from the master), then the path is probably corrupt. If the files ARE operated over a local network, a network glitch can easily corrupt the link structure.

My suggestion is this. With that many users and subprojects, creating a static master instead of attempting to monitor/maintain a dynamic master is a much better, safer approach. You will have to rebuild the static master anytime you want to see the whole structure, but you won't be subject to the probability of corruption.

My thoughts.

John