Robert explains that the most useful feature of Microsoft Project is its ability to create centralized resource pools. This provides planners with a snapshot view of all available resources for the division. The allocation of resources for every project is linked to the master schedule. Presenting the total amount of available resources as a central pool allows planners to maximize their use.
Microsoft Project can also present only selected information when required. Filters can be used to show only the resources that are allocated to specific projects. This facilitates communication with other team members working on the same project.
As new projects are added to individual schedules, the overall resource allocation is tracked within the master schedule. Microsoft Project indicates when an internal resource is overallocated. This is particularly useful for evaluating the workload of the division’s only environmental coordinator before taking on any new projects.