FAQ: Managing the Timeline Library

1. What is the Timeline Library?

The Timeline Library is a tool to create and manage timeline templates for projects. These templates can be customized with phases, resources, and cost structures, providing a consistent framework for project planning.

2. How do I add a new timeline template to the Timeline Library?

To add a new template:

• Go to the Timeline Library tab and select + New Timeline Library.
• Enter a name, select currency and frequency (Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly, or Yearly).
• Set the Initial Number of Periods, Contract Type (T&M or Fixed Fee), and Status (Draft, Active, Archive).
• Decide if Cost and/or T&E should impact ASM calculations.
• Provide a brief description, then click Save.

3. What is the 'Initial Number of Periods' used for?

This field specifies the number of time periods (e.g., weeks, months, quarters or years) the timeline will cover initially.

4. How can I add phases to a timeline template?

After creating a timeline, click cells under each time period to set phases. If consecutive cells are assigned the same phase, they’ll merge to represent that phase span. Alternatively, you can select multiple cells at once for the same phase.

5. How do I add resources to a timeline?

Scroll to the ‘Total Per Week’ section, click an empty cell, and begin typing the role name. The system will display available roles from your rate cards. Choose a role, and repeat as needed.

6. Can I assign resource effort evenly across the timeline?

Yes, click the % icon next to a role to set a consistent effort percentage. For instance, assigning 50% will distribute effort proportionally across all time periods. Make sure not to exceed the maximum allocation limit of 250, as this will cause an error.

7. How can I set specific effort values per role for each phase?

Click directly in each cell under the phase and enter the desired effort. You can customize effort levels for different phases as needed. You can copy and paste hours across like you do in spreadsheet.

8. Is there a way to rearrange roles within a timeline?

Yes, simply drag and drop roles to reorder them within the timeline.

9. How do I add T&E and Other Costs to a timeline?

• For T&E costs: Go to the T&E tab above the timeline and enter costs for each resource under the appropriate time period.
• For Other Costs: Switch to the Other Costs tab, place your cursor in the cell, tap the space bar to open a list of costs, and enter amounts in the relevant time period cells.

10. What happens if T&E and Other Costs are included in ASM calculations?

If enabled, both Travel and Expense (T&E) and Other Costs will impact ASM calculations. These amounts will be reflected under the Timeline Summary on the Details tab.