Duplicating Projects for Multi-Phase and Multi-System Type Projects

In defining a Project's scope of work, it's not uncommon to find that a single Project has changed to a multi-phase Project, or could be more effectively managed as a multi-system Project. In both cases, it’s important that the information be as congruous as possible, while still accurately representing the work to be performed within each phase or segment of the Project.

Using the Duplicate Project feature, you can maintain all of the information collected for the entire scope of work in a single Project and duplicate it to create new Projects within the Account. Let's review some examples of how duplicating can be used.  

Example 1: Duplicating for Multi-Phase Projects

You conducted a site walk and built a Design Project for an Account to install a large camera system to protect their facility. After discussing the scope of work with the Account, it’s determined that the budget will only allow for a portion of the work to be completed at that time, while the remainder will be completed in the future. During the site walk, you captured rich data for the entire scope of work, such as photos where each camera will be installed, coverage areas, manufacturer, and part numbers. Although all of this information is not needed for Phase 1, it will be beneficial for Phase 2 and you don't want to lose it. 

Using the Duplicate Project feature, you're able to use all of the data collected in the initial Design to develop new Projects that represents only the work to be performed in each phase. Once duplicated, you can rename the original Project to “Phase 1”, or similar, and then remove any Devices and Tasks that will be done in Phase 2. Don’t worry, since you duplicated it, everything still exists in the new Project. In the new Project, which is a copy of the original, you can rename it to “Phase 2”, or similar, and remove everything that will be done in Phase 1.

You now have 2 Design Projects, Phase 1 and Phase 2, each with photos and other rich data collected during the initial site walk, allowing you to manage, track and complete each Project independently. 

Example 2: Duplicating for Multi-System Projects

Your Design Project includes multiple system types. You've determine that you'll need to segment one type, the Intrusion system, from the rest of the Project in order for the work to be performed by a subcontractor. During the site walk, you captured information about all of the various Devices that are needed, including specific high value items, location of the panel and keypad, entry/exit zones, etc. which you want to ensure is communicated to your subcontractor. You also want to ensure your subcontractor has access to only their portion of the job and not the entire scope of work. 

Using the Duplicate Project feature, you're able to maintain all of the data collected in the initial Design to develop a new Project that represents only the work to be performed by the subcontractor. Once duplicated, you can rename the original project to “Video/Access/Infrastructure”, or similar, and then remove the Devices and Tasks that don't apply to the Intrusion system. In the new Project, which is a copy of the original, remove all the Devices and Tasks that are not associated with the Intrusion system.

You now have 2 Design Projects for the Account, one for the Video Surveillance, Access Control, and Infrastructure systems, and another for the Intrusion system. This allows you to assign your Technicians to the appropriate Project, including your subcontractor.

How to Duplicate a Project

1. From the Projects screen, navigate to the Project that has the data that you wish to duplicate.
2. In the Project Card, select the Information link.
3. Within the Project, in the upper right corner, click the Project Actions button.
   
4. Select the Duplicate Project button.
5. You will be prompted for a name for this new Project before completing the process.