Hi,

I’ve got a question from one of my Blog Readers: “Dear Nenad, I have the following scenario: I have A Task assigned with one Resource. He did 50% work, and then he left the Company. I must assign another Resource to the Task, but the Duration must remain the same. What should I do?”

This is easy. I’ll show you how to do that in MS PROJECT 2013. First, I’m going to create one Task with 10 days Duration:

and two Resources:

I’m going to assign John to the Task:

Now, let’s say that John has started with this Task on time, and he is 50% finished:

Now, suppose that John has Left the Company at Friday, 05/16/2014. Mary has to jump in. I will Replace John with Mary:

and I will get:

Let’s look at the Cost Table:

John has $100 standard Rate , and he has worked 5 days * 8 hours per day, which is 40 hour. 40 hours * $100 = $4000. This is Actual Cost. Mary has $200 standard  and she has to work another 5 days * 8 hours per day, which is 40 hour. 40 hours * $200 = $8000. This is Remaining Cost. Total Cost is $4000 + $8000 = $12.000

Let’s see Task Usage View:

Everything is perfect. John has work assigned only at first week, and has actual work, and Mary has assigned work for Second week.

The question is: “If John left the Company, can I simple delete him from my Resource Sheet!?”. The answer is: “Yes, you can, but DON’T DO IT!”

Here is what is going to happen if you do:

IF you choose YES, you will get:

And this is WRONG! It seems like John has ever work on any Task! So, do not delete John! But, I know what are you going to ask: “If John is still in Resource sheet, I’ll be able to assign him on another Task, even he has left the Company!?”

The answer is:” Yes, be careful with John!” Or Use custom field with status, whatever, but do not erase him!

Regards!