If you want to use both IBN and MS Project tools working on a project (for example, plan in MS Project and collaborate in IBN), use synchronization mode.

The main purpose of using synchronization mode is to allow for switching from IBN to MS Project and back without any loss of information, unlike standard export and import procedures.

A general algorithm of using MS Project Synchronization mode is as follows:

1. Create a new IBN project and switch it to synchronization mode.

2. Import an MSP project to your IBN project.

3. Work on a project, make any changes except task structure, add files and comments, create incidents, events, to-dos and documents, change project team, etc.

4. Export the updated project back to MS Project and do any changes in MSP, including changes of the task structure.

5. Import the project to IBN. Now, unlike usual import, data in your IBN project will not be removed completely, but updated incorporating all changes made in MS Project.