Here's a hot tip that I find useful on every project that utilizes resources.

The Entry table in the Resource Sheet View contains a field that can give a new perspective on resources when used along with grouping. It's the Resource Sheet's Group field.

In just four steps, the Resource Sheet view becomes a powerhouse report showing resource costs by a category defined in the Group field. Here's how:

1. Enter data into the Group field for each resource. In the figure below, the data represents the resource function in the project.

2. In the Data sub group of the View tab, choose Group by: and choose Resource Group from the drop down list. See the figure below.

3. The grouping is presented. Note in the figure below that the text entered for each resource is now used to organize the resource Sheet.

4. Apply the table of choice. In the figure below, the Cost table is applied. Note that the grouping now totals the cost for each resource, then rolls the data up to the grouping label. The Resource Sheet is now a report helping compare and analyze the cost of project resources as organized in the group. Other tables can be applied for different information such as resource work.

Give this technique a try. If you like the result or if you find another grouping you like better, share it with me and other MPUG members!

This article was first published on Sam Huffman's Project Blog at http://winprojblog.blogspot.com/.

Sam Huffman, MVP, PMP, has been delivering training for The Versatile Company since 1996. Prior to joining Versatile, he was a member of the Microsoft Project development and support team. He has maintained his intimate knowledge of Microsoft Project with each new release and is considered a leading authority on the tool, including the newest enterprise features of all versions of Project and Project Server. During his tenure at Versatile, Sam has honed his instruction skills by delivering programs for thousands of people. His reputation for delivering practical wisdom with an upbeat style makes him one of Versatile's most requested instructors. Sam holds Microsoft's prestigious Most Valuable Professional designation. You can reach him professionally at sam.huffman@versatilecompany.com.