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:
- Open your Microsoft Project file and go to the 'View' section.
- From the menu, select 'Resource Sheet'.
- Type the name of the person, equipment, or material in the 'Resource Name' column. This is where you enter all your resources.
- Set and define the source type.
- Add your column group.
- Add a 'Maximum' column to define how much of a resource is available.
- Add resource rates. This allows MS Project to automatically calculate cost when you assign resources to tasks.
- Add 'Overtime Rate' only if overtime is allowed.
- 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.
- You may also add an 'Accurate At' column that tells teams how current the schedule really is.
- Add a calendar for your resource sheet.
- Time to assign the resources to tasks. In the 'Resource Names' column, select the resource(s) you want to assign.
