Import function for MPP files into Projects

[maneesh3]

Hi Team,

We are using import function in project to load MPP files, But after importing currently we are seeing below hierarchy:

Top Project -> Project Task -> Sub-Task - Child Tasks .... 

really we wanted is to create in below order:

Top Project - Sub-Projects - Tasks - Child Tasks

How to change this configuration, please suggest

Thanks,

[pratikjagtap]

Hi @maneesh3 ,

• Option 1: Pre-process the MPP file or convert to XML and parse manually
  Best suited for complex projects with multiple embedded sub-projects.
• Convert your MPP file to XML format using MS Project (Save As > XML).
• Use a custom import transform map to:
• Identify rows that represent sub-projects (often marked in MPP as Summary Tasks)
• Create a new Project record (pm_project) for each
• Link tasks to their corresponding sub-project
• The top-level project will act as a "Program" or parent container for sub-projects.
• You can create a script in your Transform Map > Script to dynamically:
• Insert new pm_project records
• Use parent field to maintain project > sub-project hierarchy
• Populate project field in pm_project_task records accordingly

Option 2: Split your MPP file into multiple files (1 per sub-project)
Quick fix approach:

• Save each sub-project as a separate .mpp file
• Import each one as a separate project into ServiceNow
• Link them manually or via automation as Related Projects or under a Program
• This gives you cleaner control but adds overhead in maintaining files.
• Option 3: Modify Import Set logic to create Sub-Projects dynamically
  You can customize the import logic (via script or Flow Designer) to:
• Read the indentation/outline level in the MPP import
• Use Outline Level 1 for sub-project names and create pm_project records
• Assign tasks with outline level >1 under the right project/task
• Check if your import set table has a field like outline_level or summary that could be used as a logic flag.

Area What to Do

Import Set Table	Check how your MPP import maps data — see if outline levels or summary flags exist
Transform Map	Add scripts to differentiate between projects, summary tasks, and actual tasks
Business Rules / Script Includes	Use them to handle dynamic project/task creation
Program Management Module	Consider leveraging it if this is truly a program-sub-project model

• Final Tip
  If this hierarchy is business-critical and frequent, it may be worth creating a custom MPP Import Parser that can:
• Detect project structure
• Create/update records in the correct tables
• Maintain cross-links

If my response helped, please hit the 👍Thumb Icon and accept the solution so that it benefits future readers.

Regards,
Pratik

•  

[pratikjagtap · Accepted solution]

Hi @maneesh3 ,

If my answer is useful, please indicate its helpfulness by selecting " Accept as Solution" This action benefits for others as well.

Thanks,

Pratik