I currently have the challenge of integrating multiple vendors project plans as well as multiple internal departments project plans, each laiden with tasks that have constraint dates. It seems that the plans that were created used constraint dates to indicate dependencies. Any suggestions on how to advise the build of future plans that need to be integrated and how to "roll up" / integrate these plans, would be greatly appreciated. Saving Changes...
I am facing the same challenge and am interested in any responses to this posting. We are looking into launching ms project server which will provide a web interface to our project portfolio. I don't know much about how it works yet or the investment required, but you may launch a search to see if, on the surface, this type of file sharing might meet your needs.
Have you ever used a standard data collection worksheet with your sub-PMs to get updates to schedule and work completed? I've read about it somewhere and am looking for add'l info. If you have any, pls share.
First option would have been to get all the vendors together to do a holistic plan. If that really isn't feasible, get everyone in a room (real or virtual, synchronous or asynchronous) and start with a high-level, overarching plan that highlights the initially foreseeable cross-sub-project dependencies, giving everyone the master file in which they go away and fill in their details. During the detailed (and I use that word loosely -- don't micro-manage with details) sub-project planning, if additional dependencies are identified (usually things the planning sub-project will need from another sub-project), have the planners immediately highlight those asap to both the sub-project they need something from and to the coordinating project manager. Saving Changes...
