How do I build a Budget?

Work with your clients to build and maintain a budget. Set expectations for both cost and time. Streamline your quotes and improve your sales efficiency.

  • Navigate to the Client's Budget Module:

    • From the client’s dashboard, click on the Budget tab. This section allows you to create, view, and modify financial budgets for the client.
  • Adjust the View:

    • Change the view to Monthly for a more detailed look at the client’s financial forecast. This will break down budget items into monthly intervals, making it easier to track expenses and planned projects.
  • Add Budget Items:

    • In the budget view, you'll see projects and assets that contribute to the client’s financial outlook.
    • Click on any spike in the graph (representing higher costs) to see the details of what is driving that cost, such as specific projects or asset depreciation.
  • Incorporate Projects and Assets:

    • To add new items to the budget, use the Project Roadmap or Asset section.
    • For assets, you can either manually add them or import them from a CSV file using the asset importer tool. Ensure each asset has its purchase date and depreciation value set for accurate budgeting.
    • For Projects, select projects from the roadmap to include their costs in the budget.
    • Ideally, Projects are added via a Gap Analysis Report or Smart Rules, but can also be added directly from the Project Roadmap module by clicking the + icon.
  • Set Depreciation Schedules:

    • You can adjust depreciation schedules for assets by clicking on the Asset Types settings. This allows you to set depreciation years and standard costs for each asset type (e.g., managed workstations, servers).
    • Use the slider to adjust depreciation years for each asset type, ensuring that the budget aligns with the client's specific needs.
  • Interactive Client Engagement:

    • The budgeting tool allows you to engage with the client during meetings. Adjust the budget view as you discuss potential expenditures, helping the client visualize costs over time. Clients can provide feedback, and you can modify the budget on the spot based on their input.
  • Save and Share:

    • Once the budget is built and reviewed with the client, you can export the budget as a proposal to be shared with the client.
    • Use the Share feature to generate a link that can be sent to the client for review. This allows them to approve or reject the budget directly through the platform.
  • Client Approval or Rejection:
    • Once you’ve shared the budget with the client, they will have the option to Approve or Reject the budget via the link you provided.
    • If the Client Approves:
      • The budget status in the system will automatically update to Approved, and you’ll receive a notification via email.
      • The projects and assets within the budget will be marked as approved, allowing you to proceed with implementation.
      • This approval also eliminates the need to review previously approved items in future engagements. You can focus on outstanding items that still require dicussion.
    • If the Client Rejects:
      • You’ll be notified by email of the rejection. The platform will allow you to see which specific parts of the budget were rejected.
      • You can then make adjustments to the budget based on the client's feedback, and resend it for approval.