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Bug fix - missing major swimlanes

The latest version of SummaryPro (version 1-12-2) has some missing major swimlanes in the Visio file.  At some point they were deleted before being published, however, this is something that can be easily fixed.  This will be fixed in the next release however if you run into the issue that a major swimlane isn't displaying you can add it back in.

To do this confirm that the swimlane is actually missing by using <CTRL><F> to bring up the find box and enter box-5 (if the 5th swimlane seems to be missing) and select "shape data" in the checkboxes:

Find a shape in Visio

If the picture shifts to locate the shape it is present and you need to check your excel file for errors.  If the error message "We're finished searching the page" comes up this bug applies to you.

To add the shape back into the Visio file first close the Excel file.  

In the Visio POAP, click on a blank space away from your POAP and check that the shape data dialogue box is showing "developer mode".  If the Shape Data box isn't displaying then click on  View / Task Panes and chose to display the Shape Data box.

Display shape data task pane

When the excel is closed select a major swimlane that has been displayed and copy and paste it into the POAP.

This will display a dialogue asking for the data file, select your source excel file and then chose the name of the missing major swimlane, in this example Box-5.  Note that if you forgot to shut the excel down this step will hand for a long time and then fail.  if this happens simply delete the shape you pasted and repeat the process after shutting the excel file.

re-adding a missing shape

The new shape will now be displayed in the correct location on the POAP.  Note that this method can be used if you have accidentally deleted any shape on the summary POAP.  If this is the case it is a good idea to note the name of the shape in the Shape Data task pane that you are coping to make sure that you can locate the missing item in the "Select Database Record" listing.

If you have any issues please get in touch with us at Support@SummaryPro.co.uk.

 

Miles Goodchild

Miles Goodchild has been a Program and Programme Planner, PMO lead and Project Manger since 1998.  He enjoys using MS Office, especially Project, Excel and Visio to make life easier and simpler.  In the course of this he created SummaryPro.  In this blog he shares some of the tips and techniques he has learnt over the years in the hope that they will be useful to you.