How can the current planning be compared with past states?
A project plan is constantly changing. There are also a number of deviations from the original plan to which the project manager reacts. To identify these differences, so-called baseline plans are used in Can Do.
Saving (generating) a baseline plan
Once a project plan has reached a maturity level where it is believed that the project will proceed as planned, a baseline plan can be saved.
This is done in the 'Project Planner' app under the 'Baseline Plans' tab:
At least one row in the plan must be selected (multiple projects can be open, and Can Do needs to know for which project a baseline plan should be saved). Clicking on the 'Add Baseline Plan' function opens a dialog window:
The category can be chosen from a list, which may be configured specifically for the company. In some apps, the category is used to compare multiple projects with a common category.
Very important is the text below. This is essentially the title of the baseline plan.
A baseline plan is an exact copy of all the data in the current plan. All fields are truly copied; internally, a baseline plan is a clone.
A baseline plan cannot be changed internally anymore. For example, it is no longer possible to change the start date of an object in the baseline plan. This ensures the auditability of the entire system. An auditor or controller can rely on the fact that a baseline plan has not been manipulated afterwards.
Unlimited baseline plans can be saved for a project. A baseline plan can also be saved for a portfolio.
Comparing Current Plan with Baseline Plan (Target/Actual Comparison)
The easiest way to visually and technically compare is displayed in the Project Planner app. In the same menu, the desired baseline plan is selected from the list. Can Do now loads both projects, the current plan, and the selected baseline plan.
In the graphic, the baseline plan is depicted as small lines above the current planning objects. This allows the deviation to be seen. When the mouse is hovered over the small circles before and after the lines, a small window appears displaying the comparison data.
The table on the left shows the most important deviations, such as the start date.
In this view, the current planning cannot be modified. The comparison is deactivated via the list, under the first menu item 'no comparison.'
Update Baseline Plan
If new planning elements are added to the plan that were not saved in the baseline plan, the 'Update Baseline Plan' function can be used. This function identifies which elements are new, creates a copy of the current baseline plan, and adds the new elements. However, a new baseline plan is created in the process.
Edit Baseline Plan
In this window, you can see a chronological list of all baseline plans. Here, the 'current baseline plan' can also be defined for use in 'Update Baseline Plan.' Baseline plans can also be deleted here (if permitted on your system, this feature can also be disabled).
Restore Baseline Plan
This is a dangerous function and should only be performed with caution.
The selected baseline plan overrides the current plan. This function can also be seen as a kind of 'backup.' Advanced users also use this for scenarios. A baseline plan is saved. The current plan is completely changed, and this new plan is saved as a 'scenario' as a baseline plan. Now, the original baseline plan is restored.
Additional Apps for Baseline Plan Analysis
There are a variety of apps that support this baseline plan technique.
Baseline Plan Comparison App
This app provides a tabular comparison between the current plan and a baseline plan. A filter in the menu allows you to view only objects with variances.
Burn-Down-App
The Burn-Down app displays the decreasing progress of work and costs over the project duration. However, it can also show a comparison with a baseline plan.
With the mouse, you can hover over the points on the line to display the values for that point.
Year to end Baseline
This app displays the remaining effort until the end of the year for all departments involved in the project.
Since multiple projects can be opened here, comparison can only be made based on categories.
Baseliner - Tool
Your system administrator can define an automatic baseline saving process. This involves setting a cyclical date, such as the last day of each month, and a title for the baselines like 'August 2022.' Can Do will then automatically save a baseline for all projects at this specified time.
The system administrator can also exclude program paths or select only specific paths, thus limiting the number of projects included.