Availability
Overview
Even distribution is the default way workload is distributed over task duration in Birdview. With even load distribution, Birdview automatically allocates the same number of hours to each workday of the task's lifetime. This is what is called an even load task.
However, there are real life scenarios when a task assigned to an employee is quite urgent and the PM is interested to see it completed ASAP as he cannot wait to delegate another job to the employee. This case is a perfect example of a front-load task, that is, one where the maximum load is put on Day 1, then as much as much as possible on Day 2 and so on, with a likely outcome that no load will fall on the last scheduled day of the task, or even more days counting from the end.
Similarly, a back-load task is one where maximum load is placed on the last day and then begins to taper off toward the beginning of the task. Such tasks are often ones considered less urgent so that their execution can have a slack a couple of days long due to other priorities.
Birdview Workload allows you to choose an appropriate load mode for your tasks. It can be a great time saver in distributing workload of your employees.
Warning
Neither front- nor back-load mode takes into consideration current assignments or availability of the user.
Selecting load mode
To choose a load mode:
- Open Resources > Workload.
- Set the granularity selector to Daily.
- Select Actual hours and hours left in the hour type selector.
- Hover over the task to be edited.
- Click the load mode selector
.
- Choose the appropriate load mode on the popup menu.
Load mode choices
There are three load modes to choose from and a reset option:
- Even load (default),
- Front load,
- Back load,
- Set scheduled hours to zero.
Set Scheduled hours to zero
Use this option to correct your choice:
- Click the load mode selector
.
- Select Set Scheduled hours to zero.
- Click the load selector again.
- Choose the correct option (Even, Front, or Back load).
Typical use scenario
A user works 8 hours, 5 days a week. They have a week-long Task 1 to complete in 20 hours. Here’s the workflow of the PM to back-load the task.
- Open Resources > Workload.
- Set the granularity selector to Daily.
- Select Actual hours and hours left in the hour type selector.
- Hover the mouse on Task 1.
Warning
The task will have an evenly distributed load by default.
- Click the load mode button.
- Select Back load.
- The selected load mode will be applied.