I have a project with some tasks that we want to do later, in a second or third phase. I just want to focus on the current phase. Also, the tasks for successive phases are not fully defined yet.
To keep my current project plan (in MS Project) organized, should I move the other phases to a new Project file, or is there an effective way to filter them out? If there are filters, how do I tag the tasks with "phase 2" etc.
I strongly recommend moving them into another MPP file. When you are ready to start planning the future phases, you can do your WBS and figure out where these tasks belong in the hierarchy. I would not want to see them cluttering my current project plan, though. Saving Changes...
Darren KosaPlanning & Controls ContractorHampshire, United Kingdom
You could keep all your tasks in the same file and as you say filter out what you don’t want to see, much as you would filtering in Excel.
By using a combination of custom fields (the Text or Flag columns immediately spring to mind) and autofilter you will be able to show each phase individually so it doesn’t clutter up your project schedule.
Use a task identifier, maybe Phase 1/2/3 etc. for a Text field or Yes/No for a Flag field, will allow you to select the appropriate value from the drop down filter arrow and hey presto… a nice tidy schedule.
If you want to see the whole project again then select (All) from the value list. Saving Changes...
