How to Resource Load in Microsoft Project

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Resource loading means assigning labor, equipment, or material resources to tasks so Microsoft Project can automatically calculate work hours, units, and costs. Below is the full process: 

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1. Open your Microsoft Project file and go to the 'View' section.
2. From the menu, select 'Resource Sheet'.
3. Type the name of the person, equipment, or material in the 'Resource Name' column. This is where you enter all your resources.
4. Set and define the source type.
5. Add your column group.
6. Add a 'Maximum' column to define how much of a resource is available.
7. Add resource rates. This allows MS Project to automatically calculate cost when you assign resources to tasks.
8. Add 'Overtime Rate' only if overtime is allowed.
9. Make sure to add a 'Cost' column so you add cost in Microsoft Project so you can plan, control, and explain where the money goes, not just when work happens.
10. You may also add an 'Accurate At' column that tells teams how current the schedule really is.
11. Add a calendar for your resource sheet.
12. Time to assign the resources to tasks. In the 'Resource Names' column, select the resource(s) you want to assign.