Wondering what status to pick, how to categorize a project or just what some terms mean? It's all here - take a look around!
💡 See Also: The Article "Activating your Projects in Backpack" to learn how to enter & edit projects
Project Name
What you call the project internally, in a budget document, within your team, etc. Examples include: Chiller Replacement, Carpet for Apartment 712, Roof Replacement, etc.
Project Status
Where the project is in the lifecycle. Users can select from the following 4 options:
- Proposed: A project that lacks formal approval to proceed, it has been proposed or will be proposed (you can add any and all projects even while you are still information gathering - Backpack is a great place to store RFP's, Proposals, final approvals, etc.)
- Planned: A project that is approved and has a planned start date. Normally this is a budgeted project or one that moved from Propose to Planned after approval to proceed.
- In Progress: A project that is underway but not yet complete
- Completed: A project that is fully complete. Users can define complete for their organization - some consider a project complete when the work is done, others wait until all paperwork is received, all payments made, etc.
Project Type
Projects can be assigned to one of four (4) categories. Select the one that is most appropriate for the project.
- HVAC: a project involving any part of the HVAC system - RTU's, Chillers, Air Handlers, controls, BAS upgrades, etc.
- Repairs & Maintenance: a project that doesn't rise to the level of a full scale renovation project. This might be a simple common area carpet replacement, painting the gym, parking lot seal/striping, landscape upgrades, etc.
- Renovation: any project in a tenant or common space
- EV + Solar: a project involving the installation or maintenance of EV charging stations or install of solar programs. This is a separate category because EV Charging stations & solar projects can effect the Energy Star score in a positive way!
Energy Saver
Check this box for any projects that are expected to save energy in any manner. This allows you to sort by this category & to track some additional metrics in the Decarb Metrics Tab (note: this tab appears when the "energy saver" box is checked.)
Decarb Metrics
Specific measurements for a project that shows savings in energy (gas & electric.) These values typically come from an engineering audit, assessment, ASHRAE audit or other source with deep knowledge of the project.
Budget Status, Timeline Status & Cost
Budgeted Status provides multiple options, choose what is best for your project & update it as the project moves forward.
Budget Cost can be tracked in two ways:
- Budgeted Cost: The approved cost of the project.
- Actual Cost: The final cost once the projected has been completed.
Timeline Status is dynamic and meant to change as the project moves forward. Use the status that is most applicable to your project. Once categorized you can filter the table on this status during status meetings to further discussions.
Start Date & Completion Date
- Start Date: The Date the project kicked off - this can be the date the contract is signed, the kickoff meeting or some other date decided by the team.
- Completion Date - this can be the date the project is physically complete or the date when the project is complete with all paperwork complete as well (final payments, O&M's, punchlist complete, etc.)
Internal Project owner
The person within the organization who is the primary contact for this project. Only users of the software appear in this dropdown. You may have to add a user to correctly populate this field. Click HERE For more information about adding users.
Project Description & Notes
Details about the project that will help your team better understand scope, status, etc. Further down the page there is a "Project notes" section, use this field for notes as the project progresses. Once saved the author, date and notes will be displayed for the project. Notes can be deleted but not edited so if you make a mistake, no worries, delete the note & start again!