Optimize Resource Utilization by Work Type

Summary

The process of optimizing resource utilization involves understanding current utilization proportions for each type of work and estimating future resource needs and the resulting impact on future utilization. 

The levels of formal control and processes involved in resource management correlate with the work type in Planview Enterprise. For example, strategic projects have higher visibility, are longer in duration, are typically more complex, and have higher costs. Therefore, it is crucial that when a resource is assigned to such a project, the resource’s availability and skills must be applied accordingly to reduce any possible impact on the project’s completion.

It is important to establish clearly defined processes describing when and how resources are requested and approved and which work types require formal controls. This is because in Planview Enterprise, lifecycles (also known as workflows) can be defined by work type, with some more complex than others). Likewise, the work type can dictate which WBS template gets loaded (again, with some more detailed than others).

It is also important to understand the span of control a manager has for a resource, and to foster communication between project and resource managers, and across leaders of competing business divisions. Establishing clearly defined ownership roles is necessary to effectively manage overall resource utilization. These processes are usually part of an organizational project management handbook or process library.