Some people say the best way to keep historical data is by keeping copies of every update file.
But as software is updated new functionality is added and because schedules are dynamic why not make use of new tools available for your planning, now it is not only about keeping all update files but also about of keeping all software versions used, this if you follow the above suggestion.
Recently I was presented with a case in which a state agency brand name specified P3, a software different to what the company normally uses, MSP, therefore they outsourced a scheduler that had that particular software. Now the scheduler is representing the agency in another case and cannot represent the contractor. The contractor cannot use the stored files not because the scheduler is no longer available but because the software P3 is no longer sold, in addition to this their lack of experience using the software makes his situation more difficult.
The lawyer liked the idea on using software the other side does not know and believes we have enough justification to use different software and this is under consideration.
The best way to make sure in the future you can access the files is through the use of a more universal format, Excel seems ok but I believe CSV even more universal.
P3 gone bugger off !!!
About the WBS it is just a code system to organize your activities, it does not matter which WBS or Outline Code System you use the activities shall be the same, just organized under different titles. I use Spider Project that allows me to use unlimited number of WBS so we keep a couple of WBS dictionaries, usually one organized by by Area and then by CSI Division and another by Responsibility and Area and also any number of WBS dictionaries to please the other party. If your software allows for this I suggest using this approach, if not perhaps using custom fields you can switch WBS codes using either formula functionality or Global Change, not as easy but worth trying.
Your reports and histograms filtered and/or organized using WBS will be valid when working on the appropriate WBS as contrary to other software you will not have access to multiple WBS.
Hi Jhorbam
The usual rule is do what the boss says - even though it doesn't make sense.
I can understand why they want a rolling progress record in excell because that is a software that they know and can operate - unlike P3 which is your speciality.
If you go buggeroff tomorrow and take your P3 expertise with you they are stuffed.
Best regards
Mike Testro
Some people say the best way
Some people say the best way to keep historical data is by keeping copies of every update file.
But as software is updated new functionality is added and because schedules are dynamic why not make use of new tools available for your planning, now it is not only about keeping all update files but also about of keeping all software versions used, this if you follow the above suggestion.
Recently I was presented with a case in which a state agency brand name specified P3, a software different to what the company normally uses, MSP, therefore they outsourced a scheduler that had that particular software. Now the scheduler is representing the agency in another case and cannot represent the contractor. The contractor cannot use the stored files not because the scheduler is no longer available but because the software P3 is no longer sold, in addition to this their lack of experience using the software makes his situation more difficult.
The lawyer liked the idea on using software the other side does not know and believes we have enough justification to use different software and this is under consideration.
The best way to make sure in the future you can access the files is through the use of a more universal format, Excel seems ok but I believe CSV even more universal.
P3 gone bugger off !!!
About the WBS it is just a code system to organize your activities, it does not matter which WBS or Outline Code System you use the activities shall be the same, just organized under different titles. I use Spider Project that allows me to use unlimited number of WBS so we keep a couple of WBS dictionaries, usually one organized by by Area and then by CSI Division and another by Responsibility and Area and also any number of WBS dictionaries to please the other party. If your software allows for this I suggest using this approach, if not perhaps using custom fields you can switch WBS codes using either formula functionality or Global Change, not as easy but worth trying.
Your reports and histograms filtered and/or organized using WBS will be valid when working on the appropriate WBS as contrary to other software you will not have access to multiple WBS.
Hi Jhorbam The usual rule is
Hi Jhorbam
The usual rule is do what the boss says - even though it doesn't make sense.
I can understand why they want a rolling progress record in excell because that is a software that they know and can operate - unlike P3 which is your speciality.
If you go buggeroff tomorrow and take your P3 expertise with you they are stuffed.
Best regards
Mike Testro