Create a master file and add a resource pool in Microsoft Project

Resource Pool

Introduction

A resource Pool is a set of resources that are made available across multiple projects.  In Microsoft Project sharing resources from a Pool is available from the Resources tab of the ribbon.

How to create a resource pool

The first step in creating a resource pool, is to add a resource list without any tasks to a file.  Name the resource file as pool.  Make sure all the allocated resources for the project are in the resource pool.

Share Resources

To share resources, open a project file and select the resource tab and then resource pool.  From this box select the file called pool.

Allocate resources from the pool

Once the resource pool is connected to the file all the resources in the pool it will appear in the project file's resource sheet.

Over Allocated resources

If a resource is allocated to more than one file at the same time the resource will display red in all the allocated files, including the pool.

Resource Pool Management

A resource pool must be managed otherwise chaos will reign.  If a resource is requested, a manager should agree to it to avoid duplication of the resource.

Video demonstration

Resource Pool

Pool resources in Microsoft Project. Create a Resource Pool.