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MS Project File Versions Comparison Tool

Learn how to efficiently compare different versions of MS Project files using a dedicated toolbar. Easily track changes, generate reports, and customize comparisons for better project management.

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MS Project File Versions Comparison Tool

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  1. Compare Versions of MS Project File Guy Gaudreault, PMP MPA – Montreal Chapter October 11, 2006

  2. Introduction • During planning phase, we need to collaborate and there are multiple schedule iterations before the final version • It is difficult to control what changed or not • Different techniques are used to track changes: • Change font color • Use custom field to identify changes • Print information and compare line by line • Etc. • It is not very effective and it is time consuming

  3. Toolbar Overview • The “compare versions” toolbar allows versions comparison of the same project file • It displays information in a detailed and customized report • It works with MS Project 2000, 2002, 2003(standalone & server mode) • If the toolbar is not displayed, on the View menu, point to Toolbars, and then click Compare Project Versions. • If the toolbar is not part of your MS Project installation, you can download it at the Microsoft download center

  4. Compare which Information ? • The toolbar compares information that is accessible in task or resource tables • Ex: duration, % completed, resource standard rate, custom fields (task & resource), etc. • Assignments are not compared • It also identifies line additions and deletions • Sorting, filtering and grouping do not affect comparison

  5. Benefits • Simple and easy to use • A few clicks and you get the comparison report • Customizable • The user decides which information he wants to compare • Automatic report generation • Color coding and indicators provide information about changes

  6. Step by Step • Open the two versions of your project that you want to compare • Click the “compare versions” icon in the toolbar • Choose the project versions you want to compare • Project version 1 = earlier version • Project version 2 = later version • Choose the tables to be used in the comparison • Select a task table and/or resource table • Click OK and a temporary project file is created to display the tasks and resources of both versions • Analyze the changes • Pre-defined filters facilitate changes analysis

  7. Demo – Compare Versions Comparison toolbar Earlier version Later version Changes Line deleted Line added

  8. Demo – Comparison Panel Choose the earlier version Choose the later version Note: the comparison tables are taken for the later version. It is not necessary to have the identical tables in earlier version Choose the task and/or resource table

  9. Demo – Comparison Report Task information Pre-defined filters Color code and indicators Resource information Select information to display

  10. Tips • Create custom table that will be used specifically for comparison analysis • When a line is inserted, it modifies the task ID and the predecessor & successor numbers • By comparing the unique ID predecessor & successor, you reduce the quantity of changes to analyze • Use the toolbar for “what if scenario”

  11. Special Notes • Comparison report resembles, but is not, a project schedule. It does not contain the scheduling features of Microsoft Project • You cannot compare projects that are opened in Internet Explorer or embedded as an OLE object in another document • Schedule size impacts processing time

  12. Thank You ! • Questions ? • Contact info:guygaudreault@hotmail.com

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