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Using the Left Sidebar and Top Navigation Bar

Table of Contents

Overview

Reason Behind the Change

Left Sidebar

The Top Navbar

What Isn't Changing

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help?


Overview

Exciting news! We're giving you more room to work. Menu options have been moved to the left-hand side of your screen, allowing them to collapse, while also supporting the new Staff page design rolling out across the platform, and aligning with the experience of commonly used applications.

Please note, If you're a current BigTime Resource Management customer, it's now integrated into the main Delivery platform, so it will no longer open in a separate browser tab. 

The updated layout incudes two key elements:

  • Left Sidebar - your primary navigation for moving through the app
  • Top Navigation Bar - access to global tools such as search, timer, notifications, and your profile 

Both navigation elements remain visible as you move throughout the platform, allowing for a more consistent and streamlined experience. 

Reason Behind the Change

Before this update, accessing BigTime Resource Management meant clicking a link that opened in a brand new browser tab. This meant:

  • Juggling multiple tabs
  • Losing your place when switching between BigTime Delivery & BigTime Resource Management
  • Extra clicks and time wasted on common tasks

Now, everything is in one place. No more tab-switching. Just smooth navigation from project to planning to utilization and back, all without leaving the app. 

Left Sidebar

The Left sidebar is your main way to navigate BigTime. Here's what you need to know:

It's Always There

The sidebar stays on screen no matter where you navigate. It's your consistent anchor point.

You can Collapse It

Need more screen space? Click to collapse the sidebar. When collapsed:

  • Only icons are shown (no text labels)
  • Hover over an icon to see its name as a tooltip
  • Sub-menus are hidden until you expand again

It Shows What You Have Access To

The sidebar only shows menu items that are relevant to you, based on:

  • Your subscription type
  • Your role and permissions in BigTime Delivery
  • Your role and permissions in BigTime Resource Management (if this is included in your subscription) 

ℹ️ If you don't see a menu item, it's likely because your subscription doesn't have access to it. Please contact your System Admin if you think something is missing. 

BigTime Resource Management Is Now-In App

If your organization has BigTime Resource Management enabled, you'll now access it directly within BigTime, no separate tab needed.

If your organization has BigTime Resource Management disabled, you will not see any Resource Management related items in the sidebar, which is completely normal.

Here's a quick look at how your sidebar differs depending on whether or not BigTime Resource Management is added onto your subscription: 

BigTime Resource Management Enabled

BigTime Resource Management Disabled

 All BigTime Delivery Navigation (based on your role & permissions)

All BigTime Delivery Navigation (based on your role & permissions)

BigTime Resource Management Menu Items

No BigTime Resource Management Menu Items

Time Off (If you're currently integrated with BambooHR)

No Time Off

BigTime Resource Management now opens directly within the app, without launching a new tab

-

Not applicable

💡Not sure if your organization has BigTime Resource Management included in your subscription? Check with your BigTime System Administrator. 

Role Switching (only applicable to BigTime Resource Management customers)

If you previously used the role-switching feature in BigTime Resource Management, please note; that option has been removed. 

Instead of manually switching roles, the app will automatically show you content based on the role assigned to your account. If you believe your role is set incorrectly, please reach out to your BigTime System Admin.

The Top Navbar

The top navbar gives you quick access to global tools from anywhere in the app. These tools work exactly as they always have, nothing has changed functionally.

Tool What It Does
Search Find projects, clients, staffers, and more across BigTime
Timer Track your time - stays running so you can focus on other tasks
Notifications See alerts and updates relevant to your work
User Profile Manage your account and personal settings
Settings Access system controls and app configuration
Resource Center Access AVA, BigTime's AI Assistant, Knowledge Base, Release Updates & more

What Isn't Changing

This update focuses solely on navigation. The menu items you're familiar with have moved from the top to the left sidebar, while all features continue to work exactly as before.

  • All BigTime Delivery features work as before
  • All BigTime Resource Management features work as before (with the exception of role-switching, noted above)
  • Your data, reports, and integrations remain unchanged
  • Permissions and access level remain unchanged 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why can't I see BigTime Resource Management in my sidebar?
    • BigTime Resource Management will only appear if your organization has BigTime Resource Management in your subscription. 
  • Where did the role-switching option go in BigTime Resource Management?
    • It has been removed. Your content now appears automatically based on your assigned role. If something looks off, please check with your BigTime System Admin to confirm your role is set correctly.
  • Will my sidebar stay collapsed when I log in next time?
    • Yes! Your expanded or collapsed preference is saved so you don't have to adjust it every session. 
  • Is any of my data affected by this change?
    • No. This is purely a navigation and layout update. Your data, settings, reports, and integrations remain completely unchanged. 

Need Help?

If you have any questions or run into any issues with these updates, we're here to help:

  • Chat with AVA, BigTime's AI Assistant
  • Reach out to your BigTime System Admin for role or access questions
  • Contact BigTime Support for any technical issues
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