Allocating an item as a resource in Project 2010

Question

Hello
I am trying to construct a Master Project Program using a resource pool. The sub projects are various manufacturing programs using common resources.
Some of the resources I want to use are materials, specifically key production areas of a fixed size.
I am trying to figure out how I can set the resources up as Material or Work.
What I want to be able to do is see when there are overallocations of available space in advance. The various projects will need to use the same fixed area in the factory eg for final testing, this testing area I am trying to set up as a resource
Any pointers as to how to set this up would be much appreciated

Answer 1

Iam58,
In Project work type resources are the only type that will show overallocation. Material and cost resources do not overallocate. However, if you define your available space as a work resource, as soon as you assign it to a task, Project will attempt to make
it contribute to "working" the task and if you try to assign it but give it zero hours, it will never overallocate.
So at least on first blush, I don't see any way to get there, at least in the way you want. I'll give it some more thought, or maybe somebody else has a clever idea, but right now I'm thinking Project won't help with your space overallocation.
John