Enter the basic details for your project. This information will be used for tracking, reporting, and budget calculations.
Project Name: A clear, descriptive name for your project.
Project Code: Unique code for tracking (must be unique).
Customer: The client or business unit for whom the project is being executed.
Project Type: Select the type of project (e.g., LIMS Implementation, CSV Validation, Equipment Qualification, etc.).
Project Manager: The main person responsible for project delivery.
Currency: The currency for all cost calculations.
Start Date & Go-Live Date: Project planned start and go-live dates. Duration is auto-calculated.
Expected Duration: Calculated in weeks based on dates, or enter manually.
Complexity: Select the overall complexity (affects cost multipliers).
Description: Short summary of the project scope, goals, or context.
Tip: Fill all required fields. Use a unique Project Code to avoid errors.

Define the boundaries, key outcomes, and exclusions for this project.
Project Scope: Describe what is included in the project (e.g., modules, business processes, integrations).
Key Deliverables: List all major outputs (e.g., URS, FS, Test Scripts, Training, SOPs, Validation Reports).
Note: The number and type of deliverables directly impact project effort, resource allocation, and cost. More deliverables usually mean more work for your team.
Best Practice: Be as specific as possible. If you add or remove deliverables, review resource and cost estimates in later steps.
Out of Scope: Clearly state what is NOT included to avoid scope creep and cost overruns.

Estimate the size and complexity of the project deliverables. These metrics help determine resource needs, effort, and cost.
# of URS: User Requirement Specifications—define what the system must do.
# of Functional Specs (FS): Functional/technical specifications for each requirement.
# of Modules: Major system components or sub-systems.
# of Test Cases: Individual tests to verify requirements.
# of Protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ): Validation protocols (Installation, Operational, Performance Qualification).
# of APIs / Integrations: Interfaces to other systems.
Estimated Data Volume / Notes: Mention if large data migration, special integrations, or other notes.
Tip: Enter realistic numbers for accurate effort and cost estimation. If unsure, use best estimates or consult your technical team.

Assign project roles, set hourly rates, and estimate hours for each project phase.
Role: Select or add each team member's role (e.g., Validation Lead, Developer, Tester, Project Manager).
Hourly Rate: Enter the cost per hour for each role (internal or external).
Init/Plan/Dev/Test/GoLive/Hypercare hrs: Estimate hours each role will spend in each phase.
Tip: Add all key roles for your project. Use realistic rates and hours for accurate budgeting.
Best Practice: Include all contributors, even part-time or external consultants, to avoid underestimating resource costs.

Add all direct and recurring costs associated with the project.
Type: Select or add the cost category (e.g., Software License, Hardware, Cloud Hosting, Training, Travel, Consulting, Other).
Description: Briefly describe the item or service.
Qty: Enter the quantity (e.g., number of licenses, units, or trips).
Unit Cost: Cost per item, license, or unit.
Recurring: Specify if the cost is one-time, monthly, or yearly.
Total: Automatically calculated as Qty × Unit Cost.
Tip: Include all expected costs, even small or recurring ones, for a realistic budget.
Best Practice: Review vendor quotes, contracts, and past projects to ensure no cost is missed.

Review all calculated costs and totals before finalizing your project budget.
Resource costs include all project team members (internal and external) based on their hourly rates and estimated hours per phase.
Direct costs are one-time or recurring expenses such as software, hardware, travel, and consulting.
Contingency and Change Reserve (CR) are calculated as risk buffers for unforeseen events and change requests.
PMO Overhead covers project management and administrative support.
Tax is applied as per the applicable rate.
Total Project Cost is the sum of all above, representing the full budget required for successful delivery.

Tip: Review each component above. If any value seems off, go back and adjust resource allocations, direct costs, or project complexity.
Best Practice: Always include a contingency and change reserve to protect your project from unforeseen risks and scope changes.