This post discusses how to use Microsoft Project resource pools. First, let me say that you are going to find this a little kludgey. Standard Time® has a better solution for resource pools, so you might find it a bit easier to assign users to project tasks. But, this will discuss resource pools in MS Project.
What is a resource pool? It is just a common set of employees or resources that will be used to assign to project tasks. Standard Time® has all resources and projects available in one database, so the “pool” is always available. Microsoft Project uses the technique below to meet this requirement.
To create a resource pool:
- Create a new Microsoft Project MPP file
- Choose View, Resource Sheet
- Enter the names of resources you will assign to tasks in your projects
- Save the file with a catchy name like RezPool.mpp
- Consider creating resource pools for each workgroup in your company
- Keep the file open for use in the next step
To associate the resource pool with your project:
- Create a new MPP file (a new project)
- While in the new project, choose Tools, Resource Sharing, Share Resources
- Choose the “Use Resources” option
- Choose RezPool.mpp from the dropdown list
- Click OK
- Save the new project file
To use the resource pool in task assignments:
- Make sure both your project file and resource file are open in Microsoft Project
- Click in the Resources column next to a task
- You should see the list of resources from the pool
- Choose one
This technique should allow you to share a common set of resources, which you will frequently assign to task. As we said earlier, you should consider creating multiple resource pools representing each workgroup in your company. But, consider using Standard Time®, where resources are always available for all projects.
–ray