About Using the Spread Option for Cost Projections

When entering projections in the PM Cost Projections form, the spread determines how plugged values entered on the projection code are distributed to the phases/cost types.

When you set a spread option for projections in PM Company Parameters, the selection is applied to all of the projections made in that company. The following describes each of the options.

Prorated

If you select Prorated, the plugged amount is distributed based on a weighted average of the percent complete units on the phases/cost types associated with the selected projection code (in PM Projection Codes).

For example, assume a projection code is associated with three phases and each phase is associated with the same cost type.

Table 1. Projection Code 1

Phase

Cost Type

1000-

6

1001-

6

1002-

6

When a projection is then entered on the projection code in PM Cost Projections, assume the Phase/Cost Type tab contains the following information.

Phase

Cost Type

Percent Complete Units

1000-

6

30

1001-

6

40

1002-

6

80

Total units

150

If 200 units is entered in the Percent Complete Units field on the Grid tab of the PM Cost Projections form, the 200 units will be distributed to the Phase/Cost Types tab in the following way.

Phase

Cost Type

Calculation

Percent Complete Units

1000-

6

( 30 / 150 ) * 200

40

1001-

6

( 40 / 150 ) * 200

53.33333333333333

1002-

6

( 80 /150 ) * 200

106.6666666666667

Total units

200

Note: When spreading adjustments for units on a projection code only those phase/cost types that are flagged as ‘Proj Code Unit’ will receive the adjustment either prorated or user-defined as specified.

Defined at projection code

If you select Defined at projection code, the plugged amount is distributed to the phases/cost types based on the spread percentage set up on the projection code (PM Projection CodesPhase/Cost Type tab, Spread % field).

For example, assume a projection code is set up with the following phases/cost types.

Phase

Cost Type

Spread %

1000-

6

20

1001-

6

30

1002-

6

50

If you enter 200 units in the Percent Complete Units field on the Grid tab of the PM Cost Projections form, the system will A distribute the 200 units in the following way.

Phase

Cost Type

Calculation

Percent Complete Units

1000-

6

20% * 200

40

1001-

6

30% * 200

60

1002-

6

50% * 200

100

Total units

200

Note: When using this option, you must manually set up the spread on each phase/cost type on every projection code on the project. This means more data entry and additional set up time. Use the Spread % field on the Phase/Cost Type tab of the PM Projection Codes form to define the spread on each phase/cost type.
Note: When entering projections in PMCost Projections form, you can modify how the plugged values are distributed using the PM Adjust Cost Projection form. This only applies to the Defined at projection code option.

Modify How Plugged Values are Distributed

When you enter a plugged amount on the projection code, the plugged values are distributed to the phases/cost types based on how you configured the spread. However, you can also change how plugged values are distributed, for example, if you need to change how a variance is spread to the phase/cost types when the projections are being entered.

For instructions about modifying the distribution for plugged values, see Modify Plugged Amount Distributions for a Projection Code.