Phase or Task Numbering

After you decide to use phases, or phases and tasks, you need to decide on the phase and task numbering structure. There are three common approaches to structuring your phase or task numbers: segmentation, sequencing, and disciplines.

Remember that phases, or phases and tasks, and their structure can differ from contract to contract. Even if you decide to use segmentation as the main phase or task structuring method, there may be instances where you would want to use one of the other methods.

Numbering Format

Phase numbers can be up to seven characters, including one user-defined delimiter. Most firms are satisfied with a simple three-character code. As long as you use the same number of characters from contract to contract, your phase numbers do not need to be consistent. For example, one contract can have phase numbers 100, 200, and 300 while another has phases 001, 002, and 003. However, it may be helpful to determine a numbering method before you begin to create phases.

Task numbers can be up to seven characters, including one user-defined delimiter. Most firms are satisfied with a simple three-character code. As long as you use the same number of characters from contract to contract and phase to phase, your task numbers do not need to be consistent. For example, one phase can have task numbers 001, 002, and 003 while another has tasks A01, A02, and A03. However, it may be helpful to determine a numbering method before you begin to create tasks.

Segmentation

Contract segmentation allows different components of the contract to be separated on contract reports. This is useful if each segment involves more than one discipline, or if the segments have different capture managers. Segmentation is also appropriate if contract amounts have been defined for each segment.

Segmentation example:

  • 100 High-rise Block
  • 200 Parking Structure
  • 300 Shopping Level
  • 400 Forecourt and Plaza

Sequencing

Contract sequencing is helpful for contracts that benefit from being budgeted in separate stages, or are going to have different billing terms for each stage.

Sequencing example:

  • 010 Feasibility Study
  • 020 Site Analysis
  • 030 Design Services
  • 040 Construction Documents
  • 050 Construction Administration
  • 060 Additional Services

Disciplines

Dividing a contract by discipline is appropriate if there is a different manager responsible for the work in each department. It is also useful for seeing profitability for each discipline.

Disciplines example:

  • 0A Architectural
  • 0C Civil
  • 0S Structural
  • 0M Mechanical
  • 0E Electrical