[jcommin]

I use Microsoft Project for my projects. I use it for identify tasks, schedule and the person responsible. The number of tasks are quite detailed. I use multiple calenders because allot of my projects are international; so holidays / time can play a big factor in achieving tasks. I also crate a shipping calender because it is 24/7 based. I do account for for some slips in shipping schedules; especially true for overseas shipping.

Microsoft Project is a great tool - I use this all of the time but I do not use it to track cost.

For that I use Excel. I essentially use the task list I create on Project. Each task can have expense and capital cost each of which I track. I createe estimates for each task (which is used to establish a budget) and track the actual cost along side the estimated cost. I identify the actual cost as either capital or expense.
I do this monthly as I need to report expenditures to Finance monthly. I need to know when/where the project when asked.

On Project reporting to the Plant and Senior Management level: no one wants the 'labor pains or delivery', they want the baby. I must put my progress on the approved Power Point templates. It's more or a high view of the project. I don't cut/copy/paste my Project or Excel files. It comes down to: Is the project on time, on budget and can you accelerate the completion so the savings (ROI) can start sooner.

I have learned to play to my audience.