Current status and billing status are two fields that appear near each other on the Project Dashboard. Understandably, users get these fields confused. So this article will explain the differences between these terms and their function in BigTime.
First, let’s get to your Project Dashboard. Click MY COMPANY...PROJECT LIST from your navigation bar. Then, select a project. Your screen should look something like this:
We’re going to focus on the middle portion of the PROJECT tab on your Project Dashboard, which is where Current Status and Billing Status are located.
Next we’ll define current and billing status and explain their purpose.
Current Status
CURRENT STATUS describes the status of a project. Our project is IN PROCESS, as you can see in the image below, meaning we’re actively working on it. This status keeps the project “active” and on our project list.
However, you can easily change the status by clicking on the red triangle under CURRENT STATUS. This will generate a picklist of options.
The values in the picklist are separated into two categories: Active and Inactive.
- Active values describe the status of a project you’re currently working on, and keep the project on your project list.
- Inactive values describe the status of a project that you’re not actively working on. An inactive value removes the project from the project list. If the project is still on the timesheet, then time can be added unless an end date is established for that project. However, inactive projects can be viewed and/or reactivated.
Select the appropriate option from the picklist. Or click on the hyperlink at the end of the picklist—Edit these values—to edit or add another value.
You can also add a note about the status by typing into the textbox under STATUS NOTE(S).
Remember to click SAVE to save your work.
Billing Status
BILLING STATUS is related to invoicing and could be used to keep track of the billing cycle of the project.
However, you can easily change the billing status. Click on the red triangle under BILLING STATUS and several options will populate.
Just like Current Status values, the Billing Status values are separated by two categories: Active and Inactive.
- Active values show the unbilled time/expenses in the Work-In-Progress to be billed for.
- Inactive values "hide" unbilled time/expenses from the Invoice Work-In-Progress. We use the word "hide" because if you change the Billing Status back to an active code it'll appear back in the Work-In-Progress. Learn how inactive projects can be viewed and/or reactivated.
Select the appropriate option from the picklist. Or click on the hyperlink at the end of the picklist—EDIT THESE VALUES—to edit or add another value.