Are you perplexed by Resource Plans in Project Server? If so, you’ve landed in the right place! I’m constantly running into people who either don’t really understand Resource Plans or simply aren’t aware they even exist. So let’s start with the basics.
What is a Resource Plan? In Project Server, a Resource Plan offers a way to estimate resources requirements at a high level without having a detailed schedule. For any project, you can specify the estimated effort required by resources using either Generic Roles or named people. Typically, Generic Roles would be used at this stage of the project. It’s important to note that the Resource Plan will not impact the project schedule in any way, shape or form. Resources listed in the Resource Plan will not even automatically show up in the schedule. They are completely separate.
So what’s it good for? I’m glad you asked. Resource Plans provide a great way to estimate resource requirements before you have a detailed schedule and before you have a solid idea of who will be needed. It is a very high level estimate that gives you the ability to gauge whether or not you have resources available to complete the project during the time specified. It is often used to capture Resource Demand for Portfolio Analysis.
Hopefully, I have piqued your interest enough to get you to come back next to week learn how to create Resource Plans. Until then, if you have immediate questions, leave a comment and we’ll get back to you right away.
Happy Scheduling!
