MSP: Getting started with the interface

Products

• Clarity PPM On Premise
• Clarity PPM SaaS

Issue/Introduction

This article will walk you through tips on getting started with the Microsoft Project (MSP) New Driver / MS Project Integration for working with Clarity.

Resolution

Compatibility

• Important: The bit level being installed of the MSP Interface must match the bit level of Microsoft Project. See MSP bit level installed - steps to determine.
• Make sure you are using a compatible version of MSP (with any required Microsoft Project updates) based on the MSP Interface version you are using.
• If you are installing the MSP Interface with a supported MSI version of MSP, It’s recommended to be on the latest Microsoft Project update available as there have been issues fixed by Microsoft in later updates. For the complete list of supported Microsoft Project updates, see Microsoft Project monthly patches impact with Clarity. 

Install / Upgrade

• Prior to installing the new driver, uninstall any existing Clarity MSP components from the workstation's control panel.
• If you run into any issues during the installation of the driver, one of the most common resolutions is found by following the steps in KB: Clean uninstall of the MSP interface to do a clean uninstall of the MSP Interface and then reinstall the interface.
• If a clean uninstall doesn't help, see also MSP Integration Known Issues - Master KB

Configuration of MSP

• See MSP: Custom views are not saved for a project for steps on how to save custom views you want to use to your workstation's global.mpt as well as how to change your default view when exporting projects from Clarity to MSP.
• See Configure Default Settings in MSP to Use With Clarity for details on required/recommended MSP Settings when working with Clarity)

Frequently Reported Issues Post upgrade:

• If you create a task without a dependency in Clarity, and the task does not start on the project start date, add a constraint to prevent the task start/finish dates from moving as the New Driver does not automatically put constraints on tasks. See KB: MSP: Start Dates change to Project Start Date when exported to MSP for more details on how to set up a constraint.
  • Tip: If you change a task’s dates in MSP, it will automatically set up a constraint for you based on the date set, so for best results, it’s recommended to change task details in MSP.

Additional Information

• MSP Integration Known Issues - Master KB