Actual Fixed Cost (task-timephased field)

Data Type    Currency

Entry Type    Calculated

Description    The Actual Fixed Cost field shows actual timephased non-resource task expenses, charged over time according to the cost accrual method you've selected.

How Calculated    Until actual progress is reported on a task with fixed costs, the Actual Fixed Cost field is blank. As soon as you enter actual work, actual duration, or percent complete, actual fixed cost is calculated and entered in the Actual Fixed Cost field. If you chose the prorated fixed cost accrual method, the fixed cost is distributed over the task duration. If the accrual method is Start, the full fixed cost amount is shown in the time period when actual progress was first reported. If the accrual method is End, the full fixed cost amount is shown in the time period when the task is shown to be 100 percent complete.

Best Uses    Add the Actual Fixed Cost field to the timephased portion of the Task Usage view to display the actual fixed costs for tasks.

Example    The five-day "Conduct client meetings" task includes a fixed cost of $100 for travel expenses, which you've entered in the Fixed Cost field and specified that it be prorated. In the timephased portion of the Task Usage view, you add the Actual Fixed Cost field. After the first day of meetings, you indicate that the task is 20 percent complete. The Actual Fixed Cost field shows $20 for that day. After the final day of meetings, you indicate that the task is 100 percent complete. In the Actual Fixed Cost field, $20 appears in each of the remaining four days for the task. If you had set the Fixed Cost Accrual field to Start or End, you would see the full $100 either at the beginning or end of the time period in the Task Usage view.