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Rate Files

A rate file contains all the rate sets used in a resource file. Rate sets define the rate that is applicable on any given date.

In Cobra, you want to have a single resource file for your project with multiple rate files. For example, when you plan your project, the budgeted rate and the forecast rates are the same. Once the project is underway, the forecast rates may change. At this point you copy your budget rate file to a new file and give it a name similar name (for example, use FY22Forecast to indicate that the forecast rate is for fiscal year 2022.) Now change the rates in the new rate file.

Select your forecast class on the Classes tab of the Project Properties dialog box and assign a new rate file to the forecast class. Assigning a new rate file does not recalculate the forecast — you now need to run the Recalculate process to change the forecasted costs based on the new rate file.

Once you have new forecasted rates, you may want to modify the budget (for example, new scope) to use the new rates. To have two different budgeted rates (original and modified), you need to create a new budget class using the Project Properties dialog box. You can use the same forecast rate file, or you can create a new rate file. For example: you can copy the Budget rate file and give it the name Modification. The Modified rates are used to calculate costs for new scope. You then add the new rate file to the new budget class. When you get to assign budget to the work package, you choose which class: either Budget or Modified. Cobra then applies the correct rate file when spreading the budget.

You should never change the rate file on the project or the class without running the Recalculate process. You should always create a new class if the new scope should have new rates. In this way, the existing budget has the original rate file and the new scope has the new class and the correct rates.