Overview
Resource files define the catalog of resources available for cost estimating. When a CAM adds a resource assignment on the Budget Form, the resource codes they can select come from the resource file assigned to the project. Each project is assigned one resource file in Project Settings. That file’s resource codes are what users see when adding or editing resource assignments.Permissions
Administrator role required.Resource Files
A resource file is a named collection of resource codes. You can have multiple resource files — for example, one for each program or client — and assign the appropriate file to each project.Resource File Fields
| Field | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Unique name for the resource file | Yes |
| Description | Optional description | No |
Creating a Resource File
- Click Add Resource File.
- Enter a name and optional description.
- Save. Add resource codes to the file next.
Copying a Resource File
Use Copy to duplicate an entire resource file with all its codes. Useful when a new project needs a resource structure similar to an existing one.Resource Codes
Each resource code within a file represents a billable resource category — a labor classification, a non-labor cost type, or a travel expense category.Resource Code Fields
| Field | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Code | The resource identifier (e.g., ENG-SR, MATL, TRAVEL) | Yes |
| Name / Description | Human-readable label for this resource | Yes |
| Resource Type | Labor, Non-Labor, or Travel | Yes |
| Rate | The direct cost rate for this resource (hourly for labor, unit cost for non-labor) | No |
Resource Type Behavior
The resource type controls how the resource appears and behaves on the Budget Form:| Type | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Labor | Rate is applied as an hourly rate. Unit cost is calculated automatically from hours and the rate file. |
| Non-Labor | Rate is applied per unit. Unit cost is editable when the direct rate equals 1. |
| Travel | Same as Non-Labor. Appears in the Travel grid on the Budget Form. |
Rate File Integration
Resource files are linked to rate files. The rate file provides the actual dollar rates applied to each resource code when computing costs. Assign the rate file for a resource file in Rates, then assign both the resource file and rate file to the project in Project Settings.Resource Code Security
If resource code security is enabled for a project, individual users can be restricted to a subset of the resource codes in the file. This is configured in Project Settings (Resource Code Security tab) and then assigned per user in Users.Shared Resource Files
A resource file can be shared across multiple projects. Changes to resource codes in a shared file affect all projects using it. Review sharing status on the Projects list before making changes.