External Resource Allocation

Tom Jodeit

I use Smartsheet for Construction Scheduling and I think it would be amazing to have resource allocation for external parties or equipment.  

 

We need to be able to set up a project schedule that can allocate a certain number of workers on a job site to each task and then be able to forecast when a superintendent should be expecting an increase in a crew size.  

 

This also could be used for equipment allocation.  For example, the excavator will be used on these days for this task and then again for a separate task or concurrently showing that there's need for a second excavator.

 

It seems like implementation is nearly there, it would require unlocking resource management to contacts instead of only licensed users.

J. Craig Williams

Tom,

 

Resource Management is not limited to licensed users.

I have added resources for trucks, equipment, potential staff, etc... as you need.

 

Just create a fake email address and invite them (as a non-licensed user). 

truck01@fakeemail.com

The email does not need to be accepted to a start assigning them tasks and having them show up in the resource views.

 

Hope this helps.

Craig

Jacky Tustain

Hi Craig,

 

I can only see licenced users in my Resource View. Yes, you can assign tasks in plans to non-licensed users but when creating a resource view selecting by project or resources, non-licensed users are not visible. 

 

This is my understanding as per Tom's comment or am I missing something?

 

Regards

Jacky

J. Craig Williams

Jacky,

 

I see all users in my account. 

I have a team account with 3 licensed users.

There are more than 3 users shown on my Resource View.

I am a System Admin and a Resource Viewer.

 

Hae you tried updating the Resource View (that is, adding/removing a user)?

I'm stumped.

 

Craig

 

Richard Rymill SBP

Jacky and Tom

If you are not system admins you will not be able to add unlicensed users (or any users) . If you are Admins then Account/User management/ add user / Do not tick any boxes. They will, as Craig says, become viewable as resources. Very useful workaround which makes lots of opportunities for managing your resources, be they a conference room, a digger .... as Craig says. 

RichardR 

 

J. Craig Williams

Ah that is the piece I was missing.

Thanks Richard.

 

Craig

Jacky Tustain

Thanks Richard. Mystery solved.

Tom Jodeit

Thank you all.  Very helpful stuff here.  I've got it working and look forward to making use of resource views.