Client Workspace Structure

melissalk

Hello! I'm currently relearning Smartsheet after about an 8-year hiatus so I am seeking some ideas on structuring our setup. We have multiple clients, some with multiple projects. Each project has several components, but each component has the same set of phases.

Would it make sense to create a project plan template for each client project (the plan would then include the components and phases) or create a project plan template for each component (the plan would then have the phases)?

Would it be best to make a workspace for each client or have a Current Projects workspace and then have client folders within, each containing either the project-level plans or the component-level plans? Noting that clients and internal users would be accessing the plans.

We do want to create dashboards for each project, for each client (a rollup of their projects), and one for all clients & projects.

I've tested out the PMO setup, which is a possibility. There would only be two of us doing the project intake so the sheet will be helpful and we're considering some column customization on that to identify components. We're also considering column customization in the project plan template, depending on what level those are created (project vs. component)

I'm likely overthinking this but welcome any feedback. Thank you!

Michelle Choate 2

So if this was me (which is only one opinion and the way that I like), I would create a project plan template for each that has the components and phases together. Then I would either create a folder for each client, with their projects inside in separate folders, or a workspace per client, then one large roll up workspace called ADMIN or similar. Then you could create a template for a workspace that could be used when onboarding a new client.

If you want to jump on a call and talk it through or see some of my project templates, let me know! michelle.choate@outlook.com

melissalk

Thank you for this feedback, Michelle. Definitely an option I will go back to my manager with. And thank you for providing your contact info! I'll reach out if I have questions based on your example.