Configuration Sets and Estimation

Configuration sets are pre-packaged bundles of customized phase, milestone, reliability, or sizing data used to simplify the task of calibrating new estimates. Estimators can apply these grouped settings to new projects created in the Estimation service. Unlike other project settings, settings stored in a configuration set can be reviewed, but not directly modified from within SLIM-Collaborate. To modify individual items within a configuration set or request that new configuration sets be added to SLIM-Collaborate, consult your Back Office administrator.

The default configuration sets shown on the Project Settings Tab will depend on the configuration source you chose when the project was created. If you used a template or existing project, they will match the configuration sets from that template or project. If you chose QSM default settings, the configuration sets will reflect QSM industry defaults. Configuration sets for estimates uploaded from or edited in SLIM-Estimate and checked in via Round Trip will reflect a matching configuration set in Collaborate or, if the settings are unique, will be stored in project specific configuration sets.

In general, it is best to use the configuration sets already associated with the project or template used to create your estimate. Your back office administrator has carefully selected logically related settings to minimize the time and data entry needed to create new estimates and ensure consistent results across related groups of project estimates. You may override the default configuration sets associated with your project, but you may wish to consult with your back office administrator before doing so. If you do decide to override the defaults, simply select a new configuration set from one of the drop-down list boxes provided on the Project Settings tab of the project. Be aware, however, that since the phase configuration sets control the effort, duration, and overlaps for phases 1, 2, and 4, changing these settings can drastically change the total (lifecycle) effort and duration values as well as the risk assessments.