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Using Templates

Schedule templates let you quickly create a complete Gantt chart with pre-defined tasks, durations, and dependencies. Instead of building a schedule from scratch, you can apply a template and have an entire project plan ready in seconds.

Overview​

A schedule template includes:

  • Pre-defined tasks with names and descriptions
  • Task durations in business days
  • Dependencies between tasks
  • Task hierarchy (parent/child relationships)
  • Role assignments for automatic team member assignment
  • Task colors for visual organization

Creating a Schedule from a Template​

Step-by-Step Process​

  1. Navigate to your project
  2. Click Schedule in the project navigation
  3. Click New Schedule
  4. Fill in the schedule details:
    • Name: Give your schedule a descriptive name
    • Type: Select Production, Design, or Other
    • Start Date: Choose when the project work begins
  5. Select a Template from the dropdown
  6. Click Save

What Happens When You Apply a Template​

When you save the schedule with a template selected:

  1. Tasks are created - All template tasks are copied to your new schedule
  2. Dates are calculated - Task dates are computed based on your start date and template durations
  3. Dependencies are preserved - Links between tasks are recreated
  4. Business days apply - Weekends and holidays are automatically skipped
  5. Roles are assigned - If configured, team members are assigned based on project roles

How Date Calculation Works​

Business Day Offsets​

Templates define tasks with business day offsets from the schedule start date:

Template TaskOffsetDurationYour Start DateCalculated Dates
Task ADay 13 daysMon, Jan 6Jan 6-8
Task BDay 42 daysMon, Jan 6Jan 9-10
Task CDay 65 daysMon, Jan 6Jan 13-17

Dependency-Based Calculation​

When tasks have dependencies, dates cascade automatically:

Template Definition:

  • Task A: 5 days, starts Day 1
  • Task B: 3 days, starts when Task A finishes (FS dependency)
  • Task C: 2 days, starts when Task B finishes (FS dependency)

With Start Date = Monday, January 6:

  • Task A: Jan 6-10 (Mon-Fri)
  • Task B: Jan 13-15 (Mon-Wed, after weekend)
  • Task C: Jan 16-17 (Thu-Fri)

Weekend and Holiday Handling​

The system automatically accounts for non-working days:

  • Weekends (Saturday/Sunday) are skipped
  • Company holidays are skipped
  • Task durations only count business days
  • A "5-day task" means 5 working days, not 5 calendar days

Role-Based Assignments​

How Roles Work​

Templates can specify roles instead of specific people:

Template TaskRole
Initial DesignDesigner
Permit ApplicationProject Manager
FramingLead Carpenter
Electrical Rough-InElectrician

Automatic Assignment​

When you apply the template:

  1. The system looks at the project's team assignments
  2. Team members assigned to matching roles get assigned to tasks
  3. If no match is found, the task remains unassigned
Prerequisites for Automatic Assignment

For team members to be automatically assigned to tasks when applying a template:

  1. Assign team members to the project first - Go to the project's Team tab and add team members with their roles
  2. Role names must match - The role assigned to a team member on the project must match the role specified in the template

If team members aren't assigned to the project before applying the template, tasks will be created without owners and you'll need to assign them manually.

Manual Assignment After​

You can always change assignments after applying the template:

  1. Click on any task
  2. Change the Owner field
  3. Save the task

Adjusting the Schedule After Template Application​

Modifying Tasks​

After applying a template, you have full control:

  • Change dates - Drag tasks or edit dates directly
  • Adjust durations - Resize task bars or edit the duration
  • Add new tasks - Click Add to create additional tasks
  • Delete tasks - Remove tasks you don't need
  • Edit details - Update names, descriptions, colors

Adding Tasks Not in Template​

  1. Click the Add button
  2. Enter task details
  3. Position in the hierarchy as needed
  4. Create dependencies if required

Removing Unnecessary Tasks​

  1. Select the task
  2. Press Delete or use the delete button
  3. Confirm deletion
tip

It's often easier to delete tasks you don't need than to add many new ones. Choose a template that's close to your needs, then trim it down.

Common Template Types​

Your administrator configures templates for your company. Common examples include:

Kitchen Remodel Schedule​

Bathroom Remodel Schedule​

New Construction Schedule​

Addition Schedule​

Tips for Using Templates​

Choose the Right Template​

  • Select a template that matches your project type
  • It's easier to remove tasks than add many new ones
  • Consider project complexity when choosing

Set the Correct Start Date​

  • The start date drives all other dates
  • Use the actual planned start, not today's date
  • Consider permit timing and material lead times

Review and Adjust​

After applying a template:

  1. Review all tasks for accuracy
  2. Adjust durations based on project specifics
  3. Verify dependencies make sense
  4. Assign team members where needed
  5. Add project-specific tasks

Keep Templates Updated​

If you notice templates need changes:

  • Contact your administrator
  • Suggest improvements based on actual project experience
  • Help keep templates realistic and useful

Troubleshooting​

Template Not Appearing in Dropdown​

  • Verify templates exist in Admin settings
  • Check that templates are marked as Active
  • Ensure you have permission to create schedules

Dates Seem Wrong After Applying​

  • Check your start date is correct
  • Review holiday settings in Admin
  • Verify template durations are accurate
  • Check for circular dependencies

Tasks Not Assigned to Team Members​

  • Verify project team members are assigned roles
  • Check that template roles match your company's role names
  • Assign manually if automatic assignment doesn't work

Missing Tasks or Dependencies​

  • Template may have been modified
  • Contact administrator to verify template contents
  • Add missing items manually

Creating Custom Templates​

If you need templates that don't exist, contact your administrator. They can create new templates in Admin > Projects > Schedule Templates.

See Schedule Templates for administrator documentation.