Project Blueprints
A Project Blueprint is the reusable operating model for a type of project. It supplies shared project fields, day rates, rules, task catalogs, and cost allocation policies so each new project starts from a consistent setup.
Open Project Blueprints
- Open Projects.
- Select Blueprints in the top navigation.
- Open an existing blueprint or create one if your role has the required permission.
Depending on your permissions, a blueprint can include Base Information, Billing, Related Task Catalogs, Facility Details, Custom Fields, Rules, and Day Rates.
Understand The Billing Tab
The Project Blueprint's Billing tab decides whether operational activity must be assigned to a Budget Item. It defines a separate policy for:
- Desk Time recorded in Timesheets
- Travel Time / Service Fees recorded through Timesheets or Trips
- Travel Expenses finalized from Trips
Each source uses one of these modes:
| Mode | Effect on the project |
|---|---|
| No cost allocation | Users do not select a Budget Item for this source. No Actual Cost Ledger entry is created from it. |
| Optional cost allocation | Users can leave the activity unallocated or select a Budget Item when its cost should be tracked. |
| Required cost allocation | Users must select a Budget and Budget Item before the activity can be completed. |
The setting is inherited by projects created from the blueprint. It answers where the internal cost is recorded, not whether the customer can be invoiced.
The Project Blueprint controls internal cost allocation. A concrete Service Revenue Budget controls external settlement: Internal only or External invoicing, using Actual Costs or Budgeted Amounts. See Prepare A Project For Billing.
Why A Budget Can Make Allocation Required
If a user selects a Service Revenue Budget configured for External invoicing + Actual Costs, Compass requires a Budget Item even when the Project Blueprint normally allows optional allocation. The billing flow needs a traceable source line for the Actual Cost Ledger and Invoice Position.
This is a narrow safeguard for the selected Budget. It does not turn every time entry or trip on the project into invoiceable work.
Configure Day Rates
Use the Day Rates area to define the rates available for Desk Time and Travel Time. When users allocate a time entry, Compass uses the selected day rate and recorded hours to calculate its fee.
A cost allocation without a usable fee does not produce a meaningful actual amount. Keep current rates available for the people and time types that projects based on this blueprint will use.
Other Blueprint Areas
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Base Information | Name, description, ownership, and the basic project standard. |
| Related Task Catalogs | Reusable tasks that projects can receive. |
| Facility Details | Standard property or facility fields. |
| Custom Fields | Additional project information required by the business. |
| Rules | Conditional project behavior. |
| Day Rates | Desk Time and Travel Time rates used for calculated fees. |
Blueprints can also be shared with other workspaces when your configuration and permissions allow it.
Common Problems
Budget fields do not appear on a Timesheet or Trip
The Project Blueprint likely uses No cost allocation for that source type. Review the effective blueprint assigned to the project.
A Budget Item is required although the blueprint says Optional
The selected Budget may use External invoicing + Actual Costs. Compass requires the source allocation so the cost remains traceable.
A fee is in the Actual Cost Ledger but not in Billing
The Project Blueprint has done its job. Now check the concrete Budget: only Service Revenue with external settlement can feed Billing.