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JeremyJvR_Project's avatar
JeremyJvR_Project
Copper Contributor
May 06, 2024

Project Desktop - Actual vs Remaining Costs

Good day,

 

I have an issue with either my installation or my brain. I always used project this way and never had an issue before.

 

I have costs resources with a estimated cost allocated to a task. The task is baselined with the estimated cost. When I type in the actual cost (which is lower than the estimated amount) for the activity, the Remaining Cost drops to 0 and the estimated Cost "Cost" is changed to the actual cost I just entered.

 

The "Actual costs are always calculated by Project" setting is deselected. Doesn't matter if I change the setting or Task Type, the problem remains.

 

What am I doing wrong?

 

 

4 Replies

  • John-project's avatar
    John-project
    Silver Contributor
    JeremyJvR=Project,
    Which desktop version of Project are you using? For reference, the latest version is:
    Version 2402 (build 17531.20120 CTR),

    What exactly do you mean by "costs resources"? Are you using cost type resources (i.e not work or material type) or do you simply mean cost driven by a resource's standard rate?

    When you enter the actual cost are you also declaring the task 100% complete? My guess is "yes". In that case the Cost field will be adjusted to agree with reality (i.e. actual cost) and the remaining cost will be zero because the task is complete. The Baseline Cost field will still reflect the original cost.

    John
    • JeremyJvR_Project's avatar
      JeremyJvR_Project
      Copper Contributor

      John-project 

       

      I am using 2403 (Build 17425.20176 CTR) Edit: just did an update to 2404 (Build 17531.20128 CTR), Problem still persists 

       

      Yes sorry, I mean Cost Type resource as this is a flat fee quoted and charged

       

      No the task is not 100% complete, the contractor is claiming a portion in advanced (Yeah, I know). So if the original cost and baseline cost is $1000 and the claim is $300 with the task at let's call it 40% then surely the remaining cost should be $700?

      • JeremyJvR_Project's avatar
        JeremyJvR_Project
        Copper Contributor
        I think I found the issue. The "accrue" for that resource is set to "End" as that is where the invoice should happen. When I change it to "prorated" the calculation works, but then screws my financial forecast. Please tell me there is a way around this, other than creating milestones linked to the task?

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