Resource Module custom fields and charts

[alleyCat]

Are there any plans to integrate the Resource module further into the application much like Tasks and Contacts?

Particularly my query is regarding custom fields on resources and possibly resource 'gantt' type charts of usage.

If not, is there anything I have missed, other than doing my own development to get this kind of functionality?

(yay! dotProject is on a shortlist for corporate/division implementation! Go OSS!)

Regards,

Susan

[alleyCat]

Also is there any reason why non-human resources would drop off tasks when editing the task?

[Karen]

Also is there any reason why non-human resources would drop off tasks when editing the task?

That sounds very much like a bug as it shouldn't do that. If you are able could you go to www.dotproject.net, login there and then choose Bugs & Feature Suggestions to access the bug listing (once you've got an account there you can just go to http://bugs.dotproject.net) and record it - that way you'll get notification when it is resolved.

[alleyCat]

OK I am on the last stages of choosing a tool to do the divisions project and resource management and I have a few requirements that are like the ones I described in the first post of this thread.

I may be doing part of the implementation myself, based on the responses of you kind folk.

I want to have these requirements filled:
* Custom types of Resources,
* Customised fields for Resources,
* Gantt chart type view of a resources future allocation over the next n time scale(same as gantt chart options menu for Projects).

I also have this secondary requirement at this time:
* Email Contact on allocation of resource to task (Owner of Resource)

As far as I can see, these requirements are not outside reasonable development. Is there any reason to believe this couldn't be done?

Instinctually I have several components that would work in with the existing dotProject structure...
* ResourceType in the System Lookup, much like Tasks/Projects.
* Custom Fields module adaption much like Tasks/Projects/Companies/Calendar
* Gantt Chart viewer, much like Projects/Tasks but Resources instead of Tasks (with project colour matching for clarity?)

Tactically: Would any of these require major reworking of the existing project structure?

Strategically: Do these fit in with where dotProjects' vision is headed?

Management has yet to determine whether employing me to develop these options in house or whether we can use dotProject Marketplace for this. Your honesty and opinions would be appreciated.

Finally, I hope this is the correct place to post such requests/discussions...

Regards,

Susan

[pedroa]

Tactically: The gantt is the most challenging but can be done. The other too are easier. Possible? of course.

Strategically: Resource Management is the next major ver for dP so this has to be covered sooner or later, but I advice you to read the roadmap and see for yourself... it is up to you to wait, do or outsource.

...and yes this the place you should use for this questions, or if you feel like you require professional assistance then create a project in marketplace.

Pedro A.

[alleyCat]

Thank you Pedroa. I'm glad its not unreasonable.

I have checked out the roadmap, but it hasn't been updated in a while... and also says the resource update was finished in August. Its good to know its still in progress... lets see what I can do about helping out in the future.

[alleyCat]

Sorry for double post... I'm looking for an unofficial estimate for development time to do these things, as experienced developer what is your opinion... i will probably inflate a little anyway as this will be used to estimate the various costings presented to management, so doesn't need to be exact (and I won't use this guess against you in the future!)

Cheers,

Susan

[pedroa]

* ResourceType in the System Lookup, much like Tasks/Projects.
* Custom Fields module adaption much like Tasks/Projects/Companies/Calendar
* Gantt Chart viewer, much like Projects/Tasks but Resources instead of Tasks (with project colour matching for clarity?)


1st*) 5 minutes (1 for adding, 4 for testing)
2nd*) 1 hour to 5 hours depending on visual formating, exporting/reporting needs and respective testing.
3rd*) 8 hours to 16 hours depending on bumps and momentary lack of brain...and testing...

Best case scenario = 9:05 hours
Worst case scenario = 21:05 hours
Mean case scenario (my estimate and I am praying the gantt won't fry my brain) = 15:05 hours
Discount (freebie) = 0:05 hours (1st*)
Hourly rate = $25
Estimated cost = $375

"and I won't use this guess against you in the future!"

Yes you will. At least I would... :)

Pedro A.

[alleyCat]

Much much appreciated. Thank you!!!