The uDesigner configuration controls shell relationships and also determines the type of cost manager that you can use with the shell.
- Standard Cost Manager: Uses CBS codes and works with standard projects as well as with shells. In uDesigner, the administrator can create a shell that uses CBS costing. This shell then has the same Cost Manager as a standard project, but provides the configurability and hierarchical aspects of a shell.
- Generic Cost Manager: Works with generic shells only. The Generic Cost Manager supports costing for projects that are not of a fixed duration or cost. This can include facilities management projects like:
- Leases
- Janitorial support
- Building maintenance
- Landscape care
- Interior updates to a building
The ongoing management of a building does not have a start and end, and you cannot always project the ultimate cost. With the standard Cost Manager, costs have defined start and end dates for projects that have budgets, scope, and schedules. Cost is broken down by work in the various disciplines and is managed using CBS codes.
In the Generic Cost Manager, cost is time-based, not work-based, allowing you to manage costs that do not have a finite timeline, such as facility maintenance and upgrading. You can plan for these expenses during a time period, such as a quarter or year. Each shell has its own cost manager.
Unifier projects are similar to shells that use CBS cost codes. You can combine shells and shells that use the CBS cost codes together. You can also create a hierarchy of shells that consists of shells that use the Generic Cost Manager and those that use the standard Cost Manager (CBS cost codes).
In the Generic Cost Manager, cost is time-based, not work-based. You would use the Generic Cost Manager to work with the costs that do not have a finite time-line, such as those associated with maintaining and upgrading the building or facility. You can plan for these expenses during a time frame (such as a quarter or a year). The Generic Cost Manager enables you to track the time and corresponding budget for your ongoing facilities work. Each shell has its own cost manager. The Generic Cost Manager does not include:
- Earned value
- Cash flow
- Funding
- General Spends SOV
- Pay App SOV