Lesson6.2.Applying Predefined Resource Contours

Lesson 6.2. Applying Predefined Resource Contours

Figure 6-3. The General tab of the Assignment Information dialog box.

Figure 6-4. The resource with an Early Peak work contour.

A predefined contour changes how work is distributed over time. The changes a contour applies represent how the changes would look in a graphical representation. For example, the default contour is Flatthe work is distributed evenly and would not vary at all on a graph. However, a Back Loaded contour gradually increases work over a length of time.

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Tip: Contours usually increase the length of a task. If you want to use a contour without increasing duration, change the task type to Fixed Duration.

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First, find the task with the resource you want to change.

1. Select Edit 24 in the ID text box and press Enter.

   The Illustrators assigned to this task usually work fast at the beginning, and then spend less time on the task later on. Applying a work contour helps accommodate their working style.

2. Select the Illustrators resource under the "Prepare art files" task. Click the Assignment Information button on the Standard toolbar.

   The General tab of the Assignment Information dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 6-3.

3. Click the Work contour list arrow and select Early Peak from the list. Click OK.

   The dialog box closes, and the contour is applied to the resource, as shown in Figure 6-4. Notice that the hours scheduled for the resource start slowly at 4 hours, then rise to 16, and slowly drop back down again.

   There are a number of work contours available. Table 6-1 describes each of them.

Table 6-1. Work Contours

Contour	Description
Back Loaded	Gradually increases the amount of work over time.
Front Loaded	Gradually decreases the amount of work over time.
Double Peak	This is the most volatile contour, with two major spikes in work over the course of the task.
Early Peak	Starts slowly, quickly increases to a high workload, and then gradually decreases to the end.
Late Peak	Gradually increases to a high workload, and then quickly decreases at the end.
Bell	Gradually increases, reaches a high point in the middle of the task, and then gradually decreases over time.
Turtle	Steady and consistent like a turtle, with slightly less work at the beginning and end of the task.

QUICK REFERENCE

TO APPLY A CONTOUR:

1. SELECT THE RESOURCE YOU WANT TO CONTOUR.

2. CLICK THE ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION BUTTON ON THE STANDARD TOOLBAR.

3. CLICK THE WORK CONTOUR LIST ARROW AND SELECT A PREDEFINED CONTOUR FROM THE LIST.

4. CLICK OK.