Smart Timeline Builder

Smart Timeline Builder

This add-on is available for a one-time purchase for all active QuoteX Subscribers.

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 efforts and ensuring consistent accuracy. By automating key steps in timeline creation, the Smart Timeline Builder enhances efficiency, improves planning accuracy, and saves valuable time for sales engineers and delivery teams.

This feature empowers users to seamlessly transition 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, meeting both operational and contractual requirements.

Key Features

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 key timeline details such as 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 options for manual selection when multiple rates are available.

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 user preferences, ensuring flexibility in the workflow.

Even Distribution of Hours

• Automatically distribute scoped hours evenly across the defined periods for each role, with the ability to adjust and refine the timeline as needed.

User-Friendly Interface

• Navigate through the process with a clean, intuitive interface designed to minimize complexity and guide users step-by-step.

Installation and Setup

Prerequisites

• This add-on package requires PSC QuoteX version 1.75 or higher to be installed.
• An active license for PSC QuoteX is necessary to install this add-on. If you do not have an active license, installation will not be possible.
• If you have an active license but your current version of PSC QuoteX is below 1.75, you must upgrade to version 1.75 or higher before you can install this add-on.

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.

Let’s see 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 the timeline from scratch. It enables you to convert your scoping and sizing efforts into an automatically built timeline in just two steps.

Step 1: Navigate to the Smart Timeline Builder Tab

• Navigate to the "Smart Timeline Builder" tab on the screen.
• Fill in the following details:
• 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.
• Click Next: Apply Rate Cards to proceed.

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.

• If there is a single matching entry for a role, it will be automatically selected in the dropdown. If there are multiple entries, you will be presented with options to manually select the desired rate card.
• Example: In the screenshot, you’ll notice the Project Manager role with multiple active rates available to apply.

• Once you’ve applied all the rate cards, proceed to build the timeline.

After Building the Timeline

• If the “Redirect to Timeline After Build” checkbox is checked:
• After completing the process, you’ll be redirected to the newly built timeline.
• If the checkbox is not checked:
• You’ll be redirected to the Quote Request screen. This option is helpful when you don’t want to modify the automatically built timeline further.

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.

This ensures a smooth and efficient way to convert scoped efforts into a fully detailed project timeline.