How to create a resource plan in excel
Step 1: Create a list of resources and their skills set
The first step is to generate a list of resources and their skills. Ensure that you have covered all the resources you need to plan for. Also, list the primary skill you will be planning for.
Step 2: Understand resource availability
You need to know the availability for each of resources. It is essential to understand if they are part time or full time. Typically, it is good to understand leave plans for the quarter.
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| How to create a resource plan in excel |
Step 3: Create your excel template
After you have all the information it is time to create the template. The resource plan has 3 sections Resources, Skills, and Timeline. Resources section will have a list of resources. Skills list is a primary skill for the resource. The timeline is where the availability of each resource.
The timeline is a very crucial part of the resource plan. The timeline lists the availability of each week in terms of hours. So, typically you would expect each cell to have 40 hours. Anything else means the resource is not available full time. If more than 40 hours then it says the resource is over-allocated. If they the value in the cell is zero then the resource is not available during that week.
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| Resource Plan - Over and Under Allocation |
Step 4: Enhance the plan with conditional formatting
After the excel template is ready the next step is to enhance the plan with conditional formatting. Considering a typical 40 hours a week we will design the controls to highlight the cells. If the cell is greater than 40 hours, then highlight in red. If the value is less than 40, then display in yellow. If the cell is zero which is equivalent to a leave, then the text should be highlighted in red. If the resource is fully utilized then display in white. Implementing these controls will allow anyone using the plan to easily identify gaps or issues and take appropriate action.
Excel Capacity Planning Template
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| Excel Capacity Plan |
Capacity planning is an activity that all the organization undertakes regardless of their size. Consider using our
Excel Resource Capacity Planner to calculate your capacity and match them against your organizational needs for change.
Excel Resource Matrix Template
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| Excel Resource Matrix |
Sometimes all that you need is a basic resource planning tool which can give you a view of how your resources are allocated. A
simple resource matrix can help you to plan your resources in a simple but effective manner.
Resource Management Plan Word Template
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| Resource Management Plan |
When working in a complex and large environment, it may be necessary to have much more planned and structured approach to resource management. In such cases, you can use a
Detailed Resource Management Plan Template which captures all the key aspects of resource management.
Agile Capacity Planner Excel Template
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| Agile Capacity Planner |
Agile Project Management can be challenging due to the fast-paced deliveries. In an agile environment, it is important that a project manager manage the capacity of the team. Our
Agile Capacity Planner for Sprints is meant to give a clear view of the resources across projects.
Team Resource Plan Excel Template
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| Team Resource Plan |
When managing a team of resources it is important that the team leader knows who is allocated to which project. Team resource planning is different from project resource planning as it focuses more on the team rather than the projects. Our
Team Resource Plan template helps managers to effectively plan team allocations and avoid over allocations.
Advanced Excel Resource Plan Template
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| Advanced Excel Resource Plan Template |
If you are looking for an advanced resource planner, then we recommend using our Excel Resource Plan Advanced Version as it has a built-in dashboard. This resource plan is capable of handling multiple projects.
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