Create and update resource requests in the resource plan
High-level project resource requests should be created early in the project lifecycle to define:
- The resources required (Generic or Named)
- The level of effort required across time
- The expected demand to support project delivery
This enables enterprise resource management to:
- Monitor demand vs capacity
- Make informed staffing decisions
- Ensure resources are available for approved projects
The Resource Plan provides a time‑phased view of proposed and committed effort, allowing you to track how requested demand evolves into approved and fulfilled allocations.
For more details on the Resource Plan and its capabilities, refer to:
Altus Resource Plan documentation
Where This Is Performed
- Project → Resource Plan
Important: Purpose of the Resource Plan
The Resource Plan is used to:
- Capture project demand
- Communicate requirements to resource managers
- Facilitate allocation and fulfilment
It acts as the starting point for:
- Resource Demand
- Capacity planning
- Availability and workload balancing
Adding Resources to the Plan
- Navigate to the Resource Plan tab within the project
- Use the Add a Resource search box
- Select:
-
- A generic role (e.g. Business Analyst), or
- A named resource (if known)
Tip:
You can add the same role or resource multiple times if needed, for example to represent different demand segments or time allocations.
Setting the Data Entry Mode
Depending on your organisation’s configuration, select the appropriate mode:
- Hours
- FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)
- Capacity %
This determines how effort is entered across time.
Entering Proposed Effort
- Enter values in the Proposed (P) column for each time period
This represents the resource demand being requested.
The Resource Plan grid displays effort across time (e.g. monthly periods), allowing you to build a time‑phased demand profile for each resource or role.
Important:
- Named resources show availability (based on calendars)
- Generic roles do not have availability
Be mindful not to over-request named resources beyond their available capacity.
Using Comments
You can add comments at the end of each resource row to:
- Provide context for the request
- Indicate priority or constraints
- Guide the resource manager during fulfilment
Important:
Comments are not real-time chat — they act as a record of communication visible to both project and resource managers.
Saving vs Submitting Requests
There is a key distinction in how requests are processed:
- Save
-
- Stores the data
- Keeps status as Draft
- Does NOT notify resource managers
- Submit and Save
-
- Changes status to Submitted
- Sends a notification task and email to the relevant fulfiller
- Makes the request visible in Resource Demand
Important:
Resource requests must be submitted (not just saved) to be processed.
Understanding Request Statuses
Each period within the Resource Plan has a status:
- Draft – saved but not submitted
- Submitted – awaiting fulfilment
- Approved – fulfilled as requested
- Set by approver – fulfilled using a different resource
Status Behaviour
- Editing a submitted request changes it back to Draft
- Re-submission is required after changes
- Status is visible when hovering over values
Viewing Committed Allocations
Once resource managers fulfil the request:
- Values appear in the Committed column
- The Resource Plan displays both:
-
- Proposed (requested) effort
- Committed (approved) effort
This allows you to clearly compare:
- What was requested
- What has been approved and allocated
Important:
The Resource Plan is a time‑phased view, meaning each period shows both proposed and committed values.
Tip:
Differences between Proposed and Committed values indicate where:
- Demand has been partially fulfilled
- Resources have been substituted
- Capacity constraints have influenced allocation
Updating the Resource Plan
The Resource Plan is a living document.
You can:
- Adjust proposed hours
- Add or remove resources
- Update allocations over time
Important:
Any changes:
- Reset affected values to Draft
- Require Submit and Save again
How This Connects to Resource Demand
The workflow is:
- Project Manager defines demand in Resource Plan
- Requests are submitted
- Resource Manager fulfils demand (Resource Demand / Heatmap)
- Committed allocations appear back in the Resource Plan
Tips
- Create resource demand early in the project lifecycle
- Use generic roles first when specific resources are not yet confirmed
- Always use Submit and Save to trigger fulfilment
- Review committed allocations regularly
- Use comments to guide fulfilment decisions
- Align updates with project schedule and delivery needs