Making a decision tree in smartsheet?

swsmartsheet

Is it possible to make a decision tree type project in smartsheet? For example, I need to decide between options A, B, and C that have different cost implications and dependencies, but also need to plan for the potential staff and cost allocation.

As an analogy, let's say a piece of equipment is breaking down, and I'm trying to decide if it's time and cost effective to fix it or buy new equipment. There is a limited budget and if new equipment is out of our price range, or too old to repair, like they don't make the parts anymore, we might need to find another workaround.

I want something almost like a flowchart but that I can attach a schedule to. The project would be something like this:

1. Research repair options
2. Research cost to replace equipment
3. If repairable, repairs will last a reasonable amount of time, and within budget, repair the equipment
   • Assign to repair team
   • Repair team orders parts
   • Repair team repairs equipment
   • Repair ends and project ends here if repaired (1 month project duration total)
4. If repair is impossible or too expensive, buy a new one if a new one is within the budget
   • If buying a new one: assign to procurement team
     • Procurement team tasks:
       • Confirm specifications
       • Order equipment
       • When complete, installation team Installs new equipment
       • If buying new equipment project ends here (2 month project duration total)
5. If cost to replace is too expensive, do something else (maybe buy a used piece of equipment or lease new equipment for a year)

• Research team researches more options
• Decision is made
• Decision is implmented
• Project ends here if it goes this far (3 month project duration total)

In this example, let's say the time to repair the old equipment is one month and the time to buy and install the new equipment adds another month. For the entire project, I'm trying to estimate the total amount of time that might be possible, but also to be able to assign tasks once a decision is made. In this example, the project could go from 1-3 months depending on what options are feasible.

I want to do something like If buying new equipment, assign tasks to the procurement team, and it will add another month to my entire project timeline, but only if we decide to buy it. So ideally, I'd want the list of tasks and schedule to be in the smartsheet but not counting against my full timeline unless assigned to a person.

Is this too complicated for an IF function? Or, is there a better way to do this? If not, I can work around it but it'd be great to be able to extend out my project if needed dynamically while still being able to see the full potential timeline and resource allocation.

Sarah

 

 

Andrée Starå

Hi Sarah,

Interesting!

There are a few different ways to structure a solution.

This is a process, so I'd say it would involve different formulas, workflows, and more. Have you created something already?

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

Hope that helps!

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

swsmartsheet

Thanks, I have a mindmap drawn out on paper and am trying to figure out how to get it into smartsheet. This is what I have so far: