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Importing from MS to P3

11 replies [Last post]
Mon, 2005-09-19 03:37
Joel Gilbert
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Hi all,

I know this has been discussed several times previously, but I find myself having to import Projects from MS to P3

Questions:

Is there a easy way to do this without loosing the Links?
PRED and SUCC or having to add columns in a DBF file to allow for more than one link as one would have to do.

I would like to be able to import without loosing any info
or having to do any modifications.

Before anyone asks why I would like to do this? The main contractor is using MS and I am trying to Persuade him to swing over to P3 as it is a 2.3 Billion $ project and cant see this massive project been run on MS.

Any good step by step advise welcomed. Not all of us are computer boffins.

Regards.
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Replies

Fri, 2005-09-30 10:06
#1
MK TSE
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I support what Clive’s mentioned.
Import MPP/MPX into P3 is painful job. I’m not worry data loss since you’ll have more than the required just after the import. e.g Group headings will be an P3 activity rather WBS/Group heading.
My experience, the task is not easy and no shortcut.
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Thu, 2005-09-29 21:23
#2
Clive Randall
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My experience is you really need MS98 Not an upgrade that contains 98 ie 2000
However it really freaks out over hammocks activity codeing and the like
If you are bringing a large programme across say 1000 plus activities it may provide problems you dont pick up when you first review it.
Im sure everything is possible but again in my experience the conversion is a total pain.
It may be easier to take it into excell then into P3 depends how much logic is onboard.
If progress has been added I dont envy your task at all.
Our colleague in Melbourne has written in my opinion the definitive guide to this one but all said I hope u have a lot of time
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Fri, 2005-09-23 03:18
#3
Frank Borcherdt
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We have written a program that uses RA and the MS Project objects to do this..email me and I’ll send you a copy.

You need P3 and MS Project 2000/2002/2003 on the same PC.

frank_borcherdt@claireheath.com.au
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Wed, 2005-09-21 23:24
#4
Zhang Haixiang
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Hi Joel,
there are several ways to do it.
1. save the mpp as mdb(access database),then make some queries or new table to filter out the info. you need,the format should meet the requirements for P3 to import (eg.field length,field order...),then save the query/new table as dbf file, then import to P3(you need to import several files for activity ID/description, relationship...)
2. you can write some micro in MSP using P3’s RA engine to transfer data from MSP to P3.
3. you can try P3 batch, you also need to export MPP to excel or word... then format it.(I have a excel micro to generate batch file with right format)
4. try to find some ready-made software

BTW it’s better to specify in the contract what software to use. You also need to set up a system for scheduling (work procedure, code definition , update method....),it is very important for such a big project. (is it in Xinjiang?)



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Wed, 2005-09-21 22:08
#5
Paul Harris
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There is an article on my website under technical articles that outlines many of the options.

Paul E Harris
Eastwood Harris Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia
Planning and Scheduling Book Publishers, Training & Consulting
www.eh.com.au
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Wed, 2005-09-21 00:20
#6
Sukumaran Subaram...
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Joel,

Look like you don’t have a choice other than using MPX2000 to convert the MPP file.

Regards.
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Tue, 2005-09-20 03:51
#7
Jose Frade
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Hi Joel

Sorry being a bit late reading your additional request.

Answer is already there by other colleague.

Regards
JMFrade
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Tue, 2005-09-20 03:24
#8
Sukumaran Subaram...
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Joel,

Check in your MSP 98. When you click "save as" you can save the file as MPX format.

HTH.
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Tue, 2005-09-20 03:18
#9
Joel Gilbert
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Hi Jose,

3. Use MSP 98 open the file and save MPX format.

Where do you find the MPX format function once you have saved it in MSP 98? Is that a export attachment file?


Regards.
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Mon, 2005-09-19 05:32
#10
Jose Frade
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Hi joel

I suggest you to take a look in previous discussions, you might find a lot of stuff in there.

I personnaly do the following:

1. ENSURE THAT ALL PRED. and SUCC. are linked with the unit that you are going to use it in P3 (Days most often).

2. Save actual version of MS project in MSProject 98 type.

3. Use MSP 98 open the file and save MPX format.

4. Import MPX in P3.

Best regards
JMFrade
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Tue, 2005-09-20 20:07
#11
Joel Gilbert
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Thanks for the reply however your answer was:

Check in your MSP 98. When you click "save as" you can save the file as MPX format.

I am working on MSP2002 version I have saved it in MSP 98 but I cant find the MPX Format on the save as menu. The options I have is only MP98,Text,CSV,XML Format, and the usual Microsoft file. Is ther a alternative?


Thanks
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