Base Module - Advanced Features

 

It is assumed that you have set up a 14-day trial account on our hosted server or that 3f Project 2006 has been installed on your own server. It is furthermore assumed that you are already familiar with the functionality of the Base Module.  If you have not yet set up the trial account, go to http://www.3f-project-management.com/start/ to do so.

 

 

1. Client Requests

"Client Request"  is used to record and manage requests made by the client in one place. Client requests are usually tasks or additions which are not part of the original project. Optionally, a client request can be converted into a task.

 

To add a Client Request

Click the Tree View > Projects > Name of Client > Project Name > Client Request

On the “Client Request Details” page, click the Add New icon

; fill out the subsequent page, then click Save.

Note: It is important to enter the client request in the right project. To activate a project, click Project List > Choose Client > Choose Project.

 

Convert a client request to a task

Click the Tree View > Projects > Name of Client > Project Name > Client Request

Click on the request that you want to convert to a task.

On the “Client Request Details” page, click the “Convert to Task” icon

The request is converted to a task. To view the new task and add planned hours, click Project > Task, then locate and click the name of the converted task.

 

 

2.Project Templates

To save time and avoid omitting standard project tasks, a template can be imported into any project. During the import process, you can choose which tasks to import. Templates are created from existing projects by exporting the tasks to be included in the template. You can create different project templates for each type of project you do.

 

To create a template

File > Export > XML - Task List

 

To import a template

File > Import > XML - Task List

 

 

3. Errors and Changes

The Errors and Changes page is where you track all issues within a project. Issues refer to problems, questions, or corrections in a project that must be resolved.

 

To enter a new Error and Change item

Click the Tree View > Projects > Name of Client > Project Name > Errors and Changes

On the “Errors and Changes” page, click the “Add New” icon

and fill out the form.

Note: An Errors and Changes item can be converted to a task.

 

 

4. Project Grouping

Project Grouping provides you with an overview of the number of hours that has gone into a group of projects, which are not otherwise related to each other. You can set up an unlimited number of project groups in which you can include an unlimited number of projects from any client. You can even include the same project in multiple project groups.

 

To create a Project Grouping  

Click the Tree View > Projects > Project Grouping

 

 

5. Group, Copy and Rearrange Tasks in the Task List

You can group, copy and rearrange tasks in the task list. To learn more about grouping, copying and rearranging of tasks, we suggest that you view our video tutorial:

http://www.3f-project-management.com/kb/video-tutorial/f2005/ENT_9-1_Grouprearrangeandcopytasks.html

 

Note: The tutorial is from a previous version of 3f Software Planner, thus, the look and feel is different from the 3f Project 2006's look and feel. However, the general principles are the same.

 

 

Gantt Diagram

• You can specify a work calendar for each individual resource.

• You can plan the project graphically using a Gantt diagram.

• You can plan what individual resources should do on a given day.

• You can view daily, weekly and monthly plans.

• You can create enterprise resources.

1.  Work Calendar

Click the Tree View > Administrative > Work Calendar

To add a new calendar or edit an existing calendar, click the Add New icon on the loaded page.

 

 

2. Assign work calendar to a login resource

Click the Tree View > Resources > Login Resources > Name of the resource

On the subsequent page, you can choose a different work calendar or edit the one assigned to the resource. Any change you make will not affect any master calendar.

 

 

3.  Plan using the Gantt diagram
Click the Tree View > Projects > Name of Client > Project Name > Gantt Diagram

Start entering a new task by clicking "Add Task Here". When you have entered the task name, click Enter on the keyboard. Navigate to the next column using the arrow on your key board. To activate a column for input, press the Enter key on the keyboard. We strongly suggest that you review the Help files for the Gantt diagram.

Note: Any task entered in the Gantt diagram is automatically available in the Task List.  

 

 

4. Plan resources in the Gantt diagram

Assuming you are still in the Gantt diagram, click the task for which you want to create a resource. Next, click the link "Click on a task," then "Click here to open scheduling pane."

A scheduling pane will now open below the Gantt diagram listing all the resources working on the project. All the days covered by the task duration are listed across each login resource. Enter the number of hours you want to plan a resource for the on a given day.

Note: When you plan a resource on a task, the hours you plan are shown on the resource's Today page.

 

 

5. View work schedule - Enterprise Level

Click the Tree view > Enterprise > Work Schedule

On the page that loads, click the link "Click to view" across the resource, the work schedule of whom you want to see .

 

 

6. View work schedule - Project Level

Click the Tree view > Projects > Name of Client > Project Name > Project Reports > Work Schedule

On the page that loads, click the link "Click to view" across the resource, the work schedule of which you want to see.

 

 

7. Set up enterprise resources

Click the Tree View > Resources > Enterprise Resources

Information: An enterprise resource does not have a login to the system. Enterprise resources can be assigned to a project in the same fashion as a regular login resource. If you do not have the Approval Management module, all enterprise resources in the system are automatically assigned to any new project.

 

 

8. Setup project resources

Click the Tree View > Resources > Enterprise Resources

Information: A project resource does not have a login to the system and which can only be used within the project where it was added. If you do not have the Approval Management module, all project resources in the system are automatically assigned to any new project.

 

Information about enterprise and project resources:  Enterprise and project resources are typically used when you want to schedule objects like cars, meeting rooms, equipment, etc for particular projects. They can also be used if you have third party consultants who work on projects from time to time. The system allows you to set up an unlimited number of enterprise or project resources as well as plan these resources in the Gantt diagram. You can enter actual time used for each resource which, if you do so, automatically appears into the time reports.