Smart Timeline Builder
Published on February 8, 2026 QuoteX
Smart Timeline Builder
This add-on is available for a one-time purchase for all active QuoteX Subscribers.
At a glance: Turn your completed scoping and sizing into a fully built project timeline in just two steps, with rate cards applied and hours evenly distributed across periods. |
Introduction
The Smart Timeline Builder is a powerful tool designed to streamline the process of building project timelines by converting scoping and sizing efforts into automated timelines. It eliminates the need to start from scratch, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistent accuracy. By automating key steps in timeline creation, it improves efficiency and planning accuracy, and saves valuable time for sales engineers and delivery teams.
Users can move seamlessly from scoping and sizing to timeline generation within a few guided steps. With its intuitive interface, automatic rate card application, and built-in customization options, the Smart Timeline Builder ensures project timelines are built accurately and meet both operational and contractual requirements.
Key Features
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Automated Timeline Creation | Quickly convert scoped efforts into a detailed project timeline in just two simple steps, saving time and reducing manual input. |
| Customizable Timeline Parameters | Specify the start date, number of periods, frequency (e.g., weekly, monthly) and contract type (T&M or Fixed Fee) to tailor the timeline to project needs. |
| Intelligent Rate Card Application | Automatically match and apply rate cards to roles based on scoped effort, with manual selection available when multiple rates exist. |
| Effort Allocation from Scope | Automatically pull effort data (roles and hours) from scoping and sizing activities to populate the timeline effortlessly. |
| Flexible Workflow Control | Redirect to either the newly built timeline or the Quote Request screen, based on your preference. |
| Even Distribution of Hours | Automatically distribute scoped hours evenly across the defined periods for each role, with the ability to adjust and refine as needed. |
| User-Friendly Interface | A clean, intuitive interface designed to minimize complexity and guide you step by step. |
Installation and Setup
Prerequisites
Before you install, make sure:
|
Install the Package
With the installation URL provided, you now have 15 days to set up and trial the package. Use this URL to proceed with the installation. |
- Open the installation URL in your browser.
- Log in to the Salesforce org where you want to install the package.
- Select Install for All Users to apply the package with a sitewide license.
- Check the box for I acknowledge... since this managed package is not listed on AppExchange.
- Click Install to complete the process.
After successful installation, configure QuoteX to unlock its full capabilities.
Configure the Smart Timeline Builder Tab or Navigation Item
- Open the PSC Additional Scope Tab custom metadata type.
- Add a new record to include the Smart Timeline Builder tab.
- Set the value for the Lightning Component field to psce_ext:PSC_CreateTimelineFromScope.
This ensures that the component dynamically loads in the Scope Size Effort view.
That's it! You're done setting up the Smart Timeline Builder. |
How It Works
When you've completed the scoping and sizing process and are ready to build the timeline, the Smart Timeline Builder saves you from building it from scratch. It converts your scoping and sizing efforts into an automatically built timeline in just two steps.
Smart Timeline Builder in the Scope Size Effort view.
Step 1: Navigate to the Smart Timeline Builder Tab
Navigate to the "Smart Timeline Builder" tab on the screen and fill in the following details:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Select the start date for the timeline. |
| Number of Periods | Enter the number of time periods to divide the timeline into. |
| Frequency | Choose a frequency for the timeline (e.g., Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, or Yearly). |
| Contract Type | Select the type of contract, such as T&M (Time & Materials) or Fixed Fee. |
Check or uncheck any other operational checkboxes as needed, then click Next: Apply Rate Cards to proceed.
Step 1: Enter the start date, number of periods, frequency and contract type.
Step 2: Apply Rate Cards
On the next screen, you will see a table containing:
- Role: The roles identified from the scoped effort.
- Hours: The total effort hours needed for each role.
- Apply Rate Card: A column where you can select the appropriate rate card for each role.
Step 2: Roles, hours and the Apply Rate Card column.
How rate cards are selected
|
Project Manager role with multiple active rates to choose from.
Once you've applied all the rate cards, proceed to build the timeline.
All rate cards applied, ready to build the timeline.
After Building the Timeline
| "Redirect to Timeline After Build" checkbox | Result |
|---|---|
| Checked | After completing the process, you are redirected to the newly built timeline. |
| Not checked | You are redirected to the Quote Request screen. This is helpful when you don't want to modify the automatically built timeline further. |
The redirect option controls where you land after the timeline is built.
Modifying the Timeline
If you're redirected to the timeline, you'll see that the hours for each role are evenly distributed across the time periods. From this screen, you can adjust or modify the timeline as needed to suit your requirements.
The built timeline, with hours evenly distributed across periods for each role.
Key takeaway: This ensures a smooth and efficient way to convert scoped efforts into a fully detailed project timeline. |
Knowledge Article Number: KA-00057