Shell and Cost Managers

The uDesigner determines the shell type. After the shell type is deployed from uDesigner, the administrator defines the hierarchical relationships during shell configuration (Configuration > Shell Manager).

Standard Cost Manager: Uses CBS codes and works with projects/shells. In uDesigner, the administrator can create a shell that uses CBS costing.
Generic Cost Manager: Works with generic shells only. The Generic Cost Manager supports costing for processes or objects that are not of a fixed duration or cost. For example, the following items related to buildings might be managed as separate items within a Building shell:
- 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.

You can combine generic 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 timeline, 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

See Also