As project managers, how many of us have created Excel spreadsheets which we’d like to see become a part of our MS Project plans? You may have wondered on more than one occasion how to effectively integrate Excel data into a Microsoft Project file (*.mpp). We’ve had a number of contributors cover this topic before, but now with 2019 updates rolling out, let’s revisit the basics for sharing data between these two applications.
Although tying Excel to Project may seem like a difficult task, Microsoft recently outlined, as part of their online support tools, a step by step process, which you can follow to easily move your data from Excel into Project. It is important to note that if you frequently start your projects in Excel, you should try using one of the Project templates there. Excel’s task list template, for example, is designed to use the appropriate fields to make mapping from Excel to Project easier. In Excel, click File > New, and then pick a project template like the Microsoft Project Task List.
From Microsoft:
If you started your project in Excel but need to manage more complex schedules, resource sharing, and tracking, you’re probably ready to move your data into Project. You can do this by using the Project Import Wizard. Just follow the steps to import the data in a new or existing project, and the wizard automatically maps it to the appropriate Project fields. Read more and get the steps by clicking here. You can also export data from Project to Excel for data analysis and visual reporting.
Ready to continue mastering Excel? Check out MPUG’s on-demand recording of MrExcel’s Favorite Excel Tips and Tricks.
