Link Microsoft Project to Altus

Linking a Microsoft Project file to Altus creates the connection between the .mpp file and an Altus project.

Once linked, you can publish tasks to Altus, manage Altus resources, and import approved timesheet actuals.

Before you start

You need:

• Altus for Project installed on your PC
• Access to an Altus environment
• Permission to use Altus for Project
• A saved Microsoft Project file

Note

Microsoft Project files can only be linked to Altus from Microsoft Project.

Create the project in Altus first, then link the Microsoft Project file from Microsoft Project.

Eligible Altus projects

You can link a Microsoft Project file to an Altus project when the project:

• Has a schedule type of Microsoft Project or Altus
• Is not already connected to another Microsoft Project file
• Has no tasks in the Tasks tab

Create a Microsoft Project schedule project in Altus

1. In the projects list, click + New.

   The New Project pane opens.

2. Complete the project fields.

3. In the Project Schedule field, select Microsoft Project.

   

4. Click Create.

The project is created as a Microsoft Project external project type.

Until the Microsoft Project file is linked, the project displays the next steps message.

Link a Microsoft Project file to Altus

1. Open the project file in Microsoft Project.

   Note

   The Microsoft Project file must be saved before it can be linked to Altus. If it has not been saved, you will be prompted to save it first.

2. Open the Altus ribbon in Microsoft Project.

   

3. Click Linked Project Settings.

   

4. Click Link Altus Project.

   

5. If prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account.

   Note

   You will only see this step if you have not connected to an Altus environment before, or if you have chosen to be prompted for a Microsoft account.

6. Select the Altus environment you want to connect to.

7. Click Next.

   

The Select Altus Project window opens and displays the projects you have access to.

Select an Altus project

The project list includes the projects you can access.

Use:

• Search to find a project by name
• Show unavailable projects to display projects that cannot currently be linked

Projects may be unavailable if they:

• Already have tasks
• Are already connected to an external scheduling tool

To complete the link:

1. Select the project from the list.
2. Click Connect.

The connection process runs. A confirmation message displays when the Microsoft Project file is linked to the Altus project.

1. Click Close.

The Connecting to Altus and applying updates to your project process runs.

If the Microsoft Project file contains Altus resources, Altus for Project checks for differences in resource calendars, working time, and resource rates. If differences are found, the calendar and rate data are aligned between Altus and the connected .mpp file.

1. Click Close.

Once the Microsoft Project file is linked, the other action buttons in the Altus ribbon become available.

Link to a different Altus environment

Use this process when you need to link a Microsoft Project file to a project in a different Altus environment.

1. In Microsoft Project, open the Altus ribbon.
2. Click Linked Project Settings.
3. Tick Prompt for Microsoft account when linking a project if you need to sign in with a different account.
4. Click Link Altus Project.

The Select Altus Project window opens.

1. Click Change Environment.
2. When prompted, select the Microsoft account you want to use.
3. Select the Altus environment.
4. Click Next.
5. Select the Altus project you want to link to.
6. Click Connect.

Connect to Altus after linking

Connecting starts an active connection to Altus so you can run actions such as publishing and importing timesheet actuals.

Note

You do not need to stay connected to Altus while working in the Microsoft Project file. Connect when you need to publish, refresh data, or import actuals.

To connect:

1. Click Connect to Altus from the Altus ribbon.

The Connecting to Altus and applying updates to your project process runs.

If the Microsoft Project file contains Altus resources, Altus for Project checks for differences in resource calendars, working time, and resource rates. If differences are found, the calendar and rate data are aligned between Altus and the connected .mpp file.

1. Click Close.