Project Types Guide
MONTON supports three distinct project types, each with different billing models, management approaches, and workflow characteristics. Understanding these project types is essential for proper project setup and management.
Project Type Overview
Available Project Types
- Time & Materials (T&M): Billing based on actual time spent and materials used
- Manpower (MP): Resource-based billing with dedicated team allocation
- Turnkey / Fixed (KEY): Fixed-price projects with predetermined deliverables
Choosing the Right Project Type
The project type determines how work is tracked, billed, and managed throughout the project lifecycle. Select the appropriate type based on your client agreement and project structure.
Time & Materials (T&M) Projects
Overview
Time & Materials projects bill clients based on the actual time spent by team members and any materials or expenses incurred during the project.
Characteristics
Billing Model:
- Hourly billing based on team member rates
- Direct pass-through of materials and expenses
- Variable project cost based on actual work performed
- Detailed time tracking required for accurate billing
Project Management:
- Flexible scope that can evolve during the project
- Emphasis on accurate time tracking and reporting
- Regular client communication about progress and costs
- Detailed documentation of all work performed
Time Tracking:
- All team members must log time to the project
- Time entries should include detailed descriptions of work
- Regular timesheet approval process
- Time reports used for client billing
Best Use Cases
Ideal for:
- Projects with undefined or evolving scope
- Research and development work
- Consulting and advisory services
- Maintenance and support contracts
- Projects where requirements may change frequently
Client Relationship:
- Requires high trust between client and service provider
- Regular reporting on time spent and progress
- Transparent billing with detailed time breakdowns
- Flexible engagement that can adapt to changing needs
Management Considerations
Project Setup:
- Define hourly rates for all team members
- Establish time tracking procedures
- Set up regular reporting schedules
- Create clear work description guidelines
Ongoing Management:
- Monitor time tracking compliance
- Review time entries for accuracy and completeness
- Generate regular time reports for client review
- Track project progress against estimated hours
Manpower (MP) Projects
Overview
Manpower projects involve dedicating specific team members or resources to a client for a defined period, typically with monthly or periodic billing.
Characteristics
Billing Model:
- Fixed monthly rates for dedicated resources
- Billing based on resource allocation rather than specific hours
- Predictable monthly costs for both client and provider
- May include minimum commitment periods
Project Management:
- Focus on resource allocation and availability
- Team members may work exclusively or primarily for one client
- Emphasis on maintaining consistent team composition
- Long-term resource planning and commitment
Resource Management:
- Dedicated team member assignments
- Resource utilization tracking
- Capacity planning for allocated resources
- Potential for resource scaling up or down
Best Use Cases
Ideal for:
- Long-term client engagements
- Dedicated development teams
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Projects requiring consistent team composition
- Clients who prefer predictable monthly costs
Client Relationship:
- Partnership-style engagement
- Dedicated resources feel like extended team
- Regular communication and collaboration
- Focus on outcomes rather than hours
Management Considerations
Project Setup:
- Define dedicated team members and their roles
- Establish monthly rates and billing cycles
- Set up resource allocation tracking
- Create communication and reporting procedures
Ongoing Management:
- Monitor resource utilization and availability
- Track team member allocation percentages
- Manage resource scaling requests
- Maintain consistent team composition when possible
Turnkey / Fixed (KEY) Projects
Overview
Turnkey or Fixed projects have a predetermined scope, timeline, and price. The client pays a fixed amount for specific deliverables regardless of the actual time spent.
Characteristics
Billing Model:
- Fixed project price agreed upon in advance
- Payment typically tied to milestones or deliverables
- Provider assumes risk for cost overruns
- Profit margins depend on efficient execution
Project Management:
- Well-defined scope and deliverables
- Fixed timeline with specific milestones
- Emphasis on project efficiency and cost control
- Change management processes for scope modifications
Scope Management:
- Detailed project requirements and specifications
- Clear deliverable definitions and acceptance criteria
- Formal change request processes
- Risk management for scope creep
Best Use Cases
Ideal for:
- Well-defined projects with clear requirements
- Projects with specific deliverables and deadlines
- Clients who prefer fixed, predictable costs
- Competitive bidding situations
- Projects where scope is unlikely to change
Client Relationship:
- Formal contract with specific deliverables
- Milestone-based progress tracking
- Focus on meeting agreed-upon specifications
- Clear acceptance criteria and sign-off processes
Management Considerations
Project Setup:
- Define detailed project scope and deliverables
- Establish milestone schedule and payment terms
- Set up change management processes
- Create risk management and contingency plans
Ongoing Management:
- Monitor progress against milestones
- Control scope creep through change management
- Track actual costs against fixed price
- Manage resource allocation for profitability
Project Type Comparison
Billing Comparison
| Aspect | T&M | Manpower | Turnkey/Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billing Basis | Actual hours worked | Monthly resource allocation | Fixed project price |
| Cost Predictability | Variable | Predictable monthly | Fixed total cost |
| Risk Distribution | Client bears cost risk | Shared risk | Provider bears cost risk |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly based on hours | Monthly fixed amount | Milestone-based |
Management Comparison
| Aspect | T&M | Manpower | Turnkey/Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope Flexibility | High | Medium | Low |
| Time Tracking | Detailed required | General tracking | Internal tracking only |
| Change Management | Informal | Moderate | Formal process |
| Resource Planning | Flexible | Dedicated allocation | Project-specific |
Setting Up Projects by Type
Time & Materials Setup
Required configurations:
- Enable detailed time tracking
- Set up hourly rates for all team members
- Configure time approval workflows
- Establish reporting schedules
Key settings:
- Time tracking: Enabled with detailed descriptions
- Billing: Hourly rate-based
- Reporting: Regular time reports
- Approval: Time entry approval required
Manpower Setup
Required configurations:
- Define dedicated team member allocations
- Set up monthly billing rates
- Configure resource utilization tracking
- Establish allocation percentages
Key settings:
- Resource allocation: Defined team assignments
- Billing: Monthly fixed rates
- Tracking: Resource utilization focus
- Planning: Long-term resource commitment
Turnkey/Fixed Setup
Required configurations:
- Define project scope and deliverables
- Set up milestone schedule
- Configure change management process
- Establish fixed pricing structure
Key settings:
- Scope: Well-defined deliverables
- Timeline: Milestone-based schedule
- Billing: Fixed price with milestone payments
- Management: Formal change control
Best Practices by Project Type
Time & Materials Best Practices
- Accurate Time Tracking: Ensure all team members log time accurately and promptly
- Detailed Descriptions: Require meaningful work descriptions in time entries
- Regular Reporting: Provide clients with regular time and progress reports
- Rate Management: Keep hourly rates current and competitive
- Scope Communication: Maintain clear communication about evolving scope
Manpower Best Practices
- Resource Commitment: Honor dedicated resource commitments to clients
- Utilization Tracking: Monitor and optimize resource utilization
- Team Stability: Maintain consistent team composition when possible
- Capacity Planning: Plan resource capacity for scaling needs
- Performance Management: Focus on outcomes and client satisfaction
Turnkey/Fixed Best Practices
- Detailed Planning: Invest time in thorough project planning and scoping
- Risk Management: Identify and plan for potential project risks
- Change Control: Implement formal change management processes
- Milestone Management: Track progress against defined milestones
- Cost Control: Monitor actual costs against fixed price for profitability
Switching Project Types
When to Consider Changes
Project type changes may be needed when:
- Client requirements or preferences change
- Project scope evolves significantly
- Billing model needs adjustment
- Resource allocation requirements change
Change Considerations
Important factors:
- Impact on existing time tracking and billing
- Client agreement and contract modifications
- Team member assignments and workflows
- Reporting and management processes
Change Process
Typical steps:
- Evaluate need for project type change
- Discuss implications with client and team
- Update project configuration and settings
- Modify contracts and agreements as needed
- Communicate changes to all stakeholders
- Update workflows and processes accordingly
Troubleshooting Project Types
Common Issues
Time tracking problems in T&M projects:
- Ensure all team members understand time tracking requirements
- Verify time approval workflows are functioning
- Check that hourly rates are properly configured
- Confirm time entries include adequate descriptions
Resource allocation issues in MP projects:
- Verify team member allocations are properly set
- Check resource utilization tracking is working
- Ensure billing rates match resource commitments
- Confirm team members understand their allocation
Scope management problems in Fixed projects:
- Review project scope definition and clarity
- Check change management processes are followed
- Verify milestone definitions and acceptance criteria
- Ensure all stakeholders understand fixed scope limitations
Getting Help
- Project Documentation: Review project-specific setup guides
- Admin Support: Contact organization administrators for configuration help
- Client Communication: Discuss project type concerns with clients
- Team Training: Provide training on project type-specific workflows
Next Steps
After understanding project types:
- Learn detailed project management
- Understand time tracking for different project types
- Explore financial management and billing
- Master project reporting
Related Topics
- Project Management Guide: Detailed project management workflows
- Time Tracking Guide: Time management for different project types
- Financial Management: Billing and cost management
- Team Management: Resource allocation and team assignments