Use Optimization to Select Projects for a Resource Planning Scenario

Use the Optimization tool to simulate different project selection scenarios. Specify primary and secondary objective fields, an allowable percentage of role overallocation, and start and finish dates for the planning horizon. Run the analysis to generate the optimal selection of projects.

To select projects using resource scenario optimization:

  1. In the object selector, select Portfolio, and then select View Portfolios List.
  2. Select a portfolio name.
  3. From the Main Menu, select Resources, and then select Resource Planning.
  4. Select the Scenario Optimization button to open the scenario optimization panel.
  5. Specify Optimization parameters.
    1. In the Options section, configure the following fields:
      • Primary Objective: Select the objective field that you want to maximize.
      • (Optional) Secondary Objective: Select Maximize or Minimize, and then select a secondary objective field.

        Note: If you do not want to include a secondary objective in the optimization, select --Select-- to disable the field.

      • (Optional) % Overallocation Allowed: Select as a percent value the acceptable amount of increase in each role's weekly availability. The increased values are used during optimization calculations, but do not overwrite the current role availability values.
      • Select More Options to modify optimization unit preferences and horizon dates:
        • Optimize Against: Choose to run the optimization process against assigned role Demand Units or Allocation Units.
        • Horizon Start: Select a start date for the time period in which optimization calculations will be run.
        • Horizon Finish: Select a finish date for the time period in which optimization calculations will be run.
        • Select Save.
  6. Select Optimize.

    The optimization process runs in the background. The scenario on which the optimization is being done is read-only while the optimization process runs.

    Note: You can only rename or duplicate the scenario while the optimization is in progress.

  7. You receive a notification in the Notifications panel when the process is complete. Select View Scenario from the notification to view the optimized scenario.
  8. Review optimization results.
    • The Chart section displays results for the most recent optimization:
      • Hover over the Optimal Selection - 0% Overallocation data point to view the optimal selection, objective, and demand or allocation unit values based on role availability.
      • If you specified a % Overallocation Allowed value, the chart also displays an optimal selection point based on that value. Hover over the point to view the additional demand or allocation units necessary to achieve the increased objective values.
      • The selection of projects in the table is the suggested selection based on the optimization results. If two points are plotted, the selection is based on the optimal selection in which additional overallocation is allowed.
    • In the table, the State field is highlighted green for projects that have been selected, red for projects that have been deselected, and not highlighted for projects whose state did not change.
  9. Select Apply Optimization to apply the optimized project selection on the scenario.
  10. Make any necessary adjustments to the project selection.
  11. Select Save.

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