When adding multiple resources to a given task I need them to be ‘mapped’ somehow to each other so that the certain task cannot start or finish unless all of the assigned resources are available at a given time. For instance: I have an operator, a machine, and a tool as resources that are assigned to a task. However, the operator must have the machine and also the tool available in order to even operate…..and vice versa…..the machine cannot perform work without the tool or the operator…they all must run at the same exact time! I also need to do this between multiple ‘sub-projects’ that are all linked to using the same resource pool and I use the leveling option to schedule them among each other.

I know in Access you can ‘map’ dependencies…so one this cannot happen unless another is in place….not sure if Project does it this way…

I am struggling sooooo bad to figure out how to accomplish this…please help!!!!

Hi Sherry,
I'm afraid there is no fool-proof method of doing this. You have two broad choices: define the three resources at one unit: for example - operator, machine, tool is one resource. When setting up the resource sheet - carry the cost for all three 'parts' to the one resource.

The second option is a work around of creating a task calendar that carries all non-working time from all three resources. The task calendar is then assigned to the task and it will schedule the task to occur during common working time.

If you are going to use the second option and use resource leveling - ensure you have the option "leveling can adjust individual assignments on a task" unchecked.

The ability to define equipment resources and "tie" them to work resources has been on the request list for many users for many years.

I hope this helps.

Thanks I am going to use the second option - this should work fine!

You're welcome and thanks for the feedback.