Thursday, 29 March 2012 00:22

Enterprise Architect Interface to Microsoft Project

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Overview

When planning resource utilization for a large project, the task allocation details can be defined against each element in the project and assigned to a resource (a staff member).  This process can be completed in Enterprise Architect or MS Project.  This script provides support to exchange project details between Enterprise Architect and MS Project.  If resource utilization has already been defined external to the model, this script allows you to easily import the details into your Enterprise Architect Repository.

Import

The import script imports Tasks from MS Project and creates a tree of Elements within a Package. This element-tree reflects the MS Project task-tree structure being imported. You can then view the project management details using Enterprise Architect's Gantt chart view.

Export

The export script parses a tree of Packages and Elements and creates a hierarchical tree of Tasks in the MS Project.

Requirements

You need to have the following installed on your machine:

  • Enterprise Architect, version 9.2 or later
  • Microsoft Project

How to Use the Script

The attached repository contains two scripts called "Import from MS Project" and "Export to MS Project". These are implemented as "Package Scripts" that can be conveniently run using the Context Menu of Enterprise Architect's Project Browser.

Importing a file from MS Project:

  1. Open the attached repository in Enterprise Architect
  2. Select the Package named "Imports" in the Project Browser (or create and select your own Package for this purpose)
  3. Right-click on the Package
  4. Select Scripts | Import from MS Project from the context menu

You will be prompted to select the directory that contains the source MS Project File (*.mpp).

After the Project file is imported, you can:

  • Open the Package diagram
  • Check the diagram is set to Gantt View.

To view a diagram using the Gantt Chart View:

  1. Right-click on the Package diagram
  2. Select Gantt View from the context menu

Note: To make this the default setting for this diagram, set the option via the menu: Diagram | Properties | Digram | [x] Always open as Gantt.

Exporting a Package to MS Project:

  1. Open the attached repository in Enterprise Architect
  2. Select the Package named "Use Case Model" in the Project Browser
  3. Right-click on a Package
  4. Select Scripts | Export to MS Project from the context menu

You will be prompted to select the directory that contains the source MS Project File (*.mpp).

Read 15695 times Last modified on Tuesday, 09 April 2013 04:34
sparxsystems

Sparx Systems


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Sparx Systems specializes in high performance and scalable visual modeling tools for the planning, design and construction of software intensive systems. A Contributing Member of the Object Management Group (OMG), Sparx Systems is committed to realizing the potential of model-driven development based on open standards. The company’s flagship product, Enterprise Architect, has received numerous accolades since its commercial release in August, 2000. Enterprise Architect is the design tool of choice for over 740,000 registered users worldwide.

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3 comments

  • Comment Link Kennet Namini Wednesday, 09 September 2015 07:57 posted by Kennet Namini

    Hi there,

    I tried using the script provided by following the guide above, but get the following error:

    MS Proj Import.Import from MS project 'resultYES' is undefined, line 254

    Also, I tried several MS project files getting the same error.

    Regards
    Kennet

  • Comment Link sparxsystems Tuesday, 23 April 2013 03:00 posted by sparxsystems

    The EAP file is contained within the Zip file called "msproject_0.zip". This can be found under Download attachments section at the end of the article.

  • Comment Link Pascal Monday, 22 April 2013 16:05 posted by Pascal

    Thank you for the article but :
    Where is the script ? ("This script provides support to exchange project details between Enterprise Architect and MS Project")
    or the attached repository ? ("Open the attached repository in Enterprise Architect")

    Best regards.
    Pascal

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