Try It!
The Baseline reflects the schedule agreed upon at the start of the project, typically at the end of the planning phase, and any approved scope changes along the way. Only one existing baseline can be set as Reportable at a time which determines the variance and schedule health. Here are the simple steps to maintain project baselines.
To create a new reportable baseline (original approved scope):
- Once the project schedule is approved, click + New Baseline.
- Complete the New Baseline form and set it as the Reportable Baseline
- Click Save and Close.
- Click the Edit Baseline icon if you need update the general information of an existing baseline like Name and Description.
- Then apply changes to the baseline and click Save and Close
To view the reportable baseline information:
- Select and apply the new baseline to the Timeline view to display the grey timeline bars with the alongside the current plan.
- Show/Hide the baseline and variance columns in the Timeline view.
- Validate the baseline information displayed in the Details form.
- Validate the baseline information displayed in the +New Status Update form under Tracking > Status Updates
- Back in the projects list, apply the All Active Projects – Baseline system view to display the baseline status of active proejcts,
- Within the Program it is associated with, view the other projects with reportable baselines.
To track variance against an existing baseline:
- Apply interim task progress to the project schedule using the Percent Complete column and adjust the forecast if necessary,
- Select an existing baseline from the Baselines menu option to display the grey bars againist the current progress.
- Show/Hide the baseline and variance columns in the Timeline view.
- Hover the mouse of the Timeline bars to review the current forecast and baseline information at the same time.
To create additional baselines for project scope changes:
- Complete the New Baseline form and set is as the new Reportable baseline superseding the previous one for variance tracking.
- Select and apply only one existing baseline from the Baselines menu option at a time.
- Show/Hide the baseline and variance columns in the Timeline view.
- Maintain a history of the original scope and approved changes in the schedule throughout the project lifecycle.
Download Job Aid: Maintaining project baselines