Convert Demand to Skill

This article explains how to convert existing Resource assignments to Skill assignments.

When to Convert Demand to Skill

There are multiple situations when it may be appropriate to convert demand that is already allocated to a named resource back to a skill:

When a resource has excess demand over a period of time (i.e., the resource is overallocated, the resource manager may look for a candidate to whom the excess demand can be shifted. If none is found, or if the manager wants to defer the choice of a specific candidate to a later time, it may make sense to Convert Demand to Skill. This puts the demand back at the skill level, so another resource can fill it. The manager can either convert shortfall only (only the amount that the resource can’t satisfy within his or her capacity), or all demand (the full assignment of that resource to that project).

Likewise, when a resource is leaving the organization, the resource manager may choose for some or all of that resource’s assignments to Convert Demand to Skill.

The resource manager may change his/her mind about an existing assignment to a named resource, but not yet be ready to name an alternate one.

How to Convert Demand to Skill

First, clearly identify which demand you wish to convert. This includes the specific periods (all demand for the assignment, only ongoing demand after a certain date, certain periods when the resource is no longer available or allocated to higher priority projects, etc.).

Note: Convert to Skill operates on the entire Get Data date range.You CANNOT specify a specific date range for the Convert to Skill feature; you CAN adjust your date range in the Get Data scope filter, and then the Convert to Skill feature will operate within that visible date range.

You also specify for the periods within range whether all demand, or only shortfall, is to be transferred.

Caution: Make sure that your date range from the Get Data scope filter will support your intended change. For instance, if you want to move all demand for the assignment to a skill, make sure that all non-zero demand periods for that assignment are visible. If you want to move all demand beyond a certain date, adjust the funnel Get Data date range to start then. If relevant, you may also want to adjust the resource’s capacity beyond an expected termination date to 0, so that demand beyond that period becomes Shortfall.

Converting All Demand

Once your date range is set as desired, select the assignment row you wish to convert to skill. Click the “to Skill” button in the upper left.

A drop down will appear asking if you want All Demand (that is visible) to be converted, or Shortfall Only (that is visible).

If you choose All Demand, the resource’s demand for all visible periods is zeroed, and moved to a new skill line.

Remember to click Save button to save your changes.

Converting Shortfall Only

Once your date range is set as desired (and capacity adjusted if needed), select the assignment row you wish to convert to skill. In the example below, Resource 1 MO is overallocated in the 1/1/2020 period by 0.25 FTE. Our intent is to move that Shortfall demand to a skill assignment.

Click the “to Skill” button in the upper left.

A drop-down will appear asking if you want All Demand (that is visible) to be converted, or Shortfall Only (that is visible).

If you choose Shortfall Only, the resource’s Shortfall (overallocation) for all visible periods is removed from the Resource assignment row, and moved to a new skill line.

Remember to click Save button to save your changes.