Project attributes

FlexiProject allows you to define custom attributes for capturing project data. The system supports the following attribute types:

• Short Text (Text Area): A multi-line field that automatically expands up to a specified limit.
• Text (Rich Text Editor, RTE): Allows formatted content, which is stripped in lists and exports.
• Single‑Select List: A dropdown from which one option can be chosen.
• Multi‑Select List: A dropdown allowing multiple selections.
• Date: A calendar date that may be linked to a task or milestone in the schedule, auto-updating with schedule changes.
• Number: Stores numeric values (you can specify decimal precision).
• Function: A read-only field that displays a value calculated dynamically based on a user-defined formula (e.g., performing operations on budget or schedule data).

Adding a New Project attribute

1. In the main menu, select Administration, then System Settings, and then Project Attributes.
2. Click New Attribute.

1. Enter a Name for the attribute.
2. (Optional) Provide a Description. This appears as a tooltip (an info icon) beside the attribute name, explaining its purpose.
3. Select an Attribute Type (Short Text, Text, Single‑Select, Multi‑Select, Date, Number, or Function).
   • For lists, add your options.
   • For numbers, specify decimal precision.
   • For functions, the Formula Builder will appear (see details below).
4. (Optional) Check “Attribute visible in project list” if you want this column in the Projects tab.
5. Click Add to create the new attribute.

Configuring Function Attributes

When selecting the Function type, you use the Formula Builder to define how the value is calculated. The result is read-only and updates automatically.

Formula Builder

The builder allows you to drag and drop elements to create a formula:

• Drag & Drop: Drag elements from the list on the right into the formula workspace.
• Reorder & Remove: You can drag elements inside the workspace to change their order or click the “X” to remove them.

Available Elements:

• Operators: + (Add), - (Subtract), * (Multiply), / (Divide), ( ) (Parentheses).
• Custom Values: Specific Numbers or Dates entered manually.
• Project Attributes: Use existing data from the project, including:
  • General: Custom Date and Number attributes.
  • Schedule & Budget: Project Start/End, Duration, Project Expenses/Revenues (Planned, Incurred, Forecast), Total Budget.
  • Baselines (First & Last): Start/End dates, Variances (Start, End, Duration, Budget), Planned Costs/Revenues.

Output Format

You must define how the result should be displayed:

• Number: Select decimal precision.
• Date: The result will be formatted as a date.

Calculation Preview & Errors

The system displays a preview of your formula. Possible error messages include:

• Division by zero: Occurs if the divisor is 0.
• Type mismatch: Occurs if you try to perform invalid operations (e.g., multiplying two dates).
• Formula error: Indicates a syntax issue (e.g., missing parentheses).
• Missing data: If a required attribute has no value, the function result will be empty.

Filling out attributes in project information

1. Open the desired project.

2. Click the gear icon next to the project name and select Information. The project information panel will open, displaying all project attributes.

   

3. Locate the attribute you wish to fill in and enter the appropriate value.

   Note: Attributes of type Function are read-only. Their values are calculated automatically based on the defined formula and cannot be edited manually.

Linking a Date Attribute to a Schedule Item

If the attribute is of type Date and should be linked to a schedule item:

1. In the project information panel, locate the Date attribute.
2. Select the option Link to Schedule Item.
3. Choose the relevant task or milestone and specify whether to use the start or end date.
4. Save changes. The attribute will now update automatically based on the linked schedule item.

Tooltip Descriptions

Any field with a description displays an info icon; hovering it shows the tooltip.

Displaying Project Attributes in Reports

Project attributes can be used to create a report that gathers information about projects. You can add these attributes as extra columns in table reports.

To add/remove columns:

1. From the tab menu, go to the Reports tab.
2. Open a report and click the Columns button.
3. Click Add Column and select the desired project attribute from the list.
4. Click Save.

Note: Function attributes behave like Number or Date fields (depending on their output format) and can be used for sorting and filtering in reports.

Displaying Project Attributes in the Project List

If a project attribute was marked as visible in the project list, it will be available as a column along with the default columns.

1. From the tab menu, go to the Projects tab.
2. Click the Columns button.
3. Toggle the visibility of selected attributes by checking the box next to their name.

Project number as a project attribute

The project number, which used to be a fixed system field, has been migrated to a project attribute of type short text. As a result, it behaves like any other project attribute and can be configured, hidden, filtered, sorted, and grouped.

What it means in practice:

• If your organization does not use project numbers, you can disable the attribute in the project attribute settings.
• You can choose to display the project number on the project list — in the field settings, enable the option Visible in the project list.
• The project number is available in portfolios, project reviews, and reports, where it can be added as a column and used for filtering, sorting, and grouping.
• The attribute can also be included in project charter templates.

To configure the project number attribute:

1. Expand the Administration group and open System Settings → Project Attributes.
2. Find the Project number attribute on the list.
3. Open its settings and adjust visibility, ordering, and other options as needed.

Project Fields on Charter & Review

You can include the project attributes made in the system in a project charter template. This lets you show more specific information in the document, including calculated values from Function attributes.

If you would like more details, please refer to Create a project charter template.