Latest Update: 10-15-2026
A project often needs resources that span multiple activities but are not tied to any specific set of tasks. That resource might be required from the start of an activity to the end of another one regardless of how many other activities are between those start and end dates.
Some common examples are temp power, tower crane, scaffolding, project manager, etc.
Traditionally, these resources are tracked in a separate spreadsheet that is not linked to the schedule. So any change made to the schedule makes that spreadsheet out of sync, and manual updates are needed that are both error-prone and time-consuming.
That is why we built Timespan Resources as part of Planera's scheduling engine.
Watch a brief introductory video here.
How to add Timespan Resources to your project?
Navigate to Timespan Resource tab using the left toolbar.
Under the Resource List tab, you will add all the Timespan resources you need in the project.
3. Create a new Timespan item by giving it a name.
4. Next, you can add Labor and/or Equipment (one or many) as required. Then choose the calendar for this item.
Note: Only name is the required field; you can choose to add the other details later
5. Add the start date and end date for this item.
Dates can be tied to an element in the project (Activity, Group, Milestone) or a fixed calendar date
If tied to an element in the project, you can add +ve lag (delay the start) or negative lag (earlier start) compared to the date of the element
Start date uses the Start Date of the element
End date uses the End Date of the element
6. Finish Late: If you choose to finish entering details later, you will see a yellow alert sign and a box around the cell to highlight which entries have been deferred for later
How to view Timespan Resource Outputs of your project?
1. Navigate to Labor Output or Equipment Output sections in the Timespan Resources page
2. You will find Resource graphs and a usage table in this section
3. You can change the display type from Units and Hours and time scale from Week to Month to Year
4. You can also turn on and off individual resources by clicking on the checkboxes on the left column of the table
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a Timespan Resource different from a standard labor or equipment assignment?
A standard assignment is tied to a single activity, while a Timespan Resource stays active across a range of activities, groups, or dates. Use a Timespan Resource for needs that run through several phases, like a superintendent or temporary power, and a standard assignment for work that belongs to one activity.
What happens to a Timespan Resource when my schedule changes?
If its start and end dates are tied to an activity, group, or milestone, the resource moves with those dates and your resource demand updates automatically. A resource set to fixed calendar dates uses the dates you entered.
Can I start or end a Timespan Resource earlier or later than the activity it is tied to?
Yes. Add positive lag to delay the date or negative lag to move it earlier than the date of the activity, group, or milestone.
Can one Timespan Resource include both labor and equipment?
Yes. When you create a Timespan item, you can add labor, equipment, or both, and you can add more than one of each.
Do I have to fill in every field when I create a Timespan Resource?
No. Only the name is required, and you can add the rest later. Cells you skipped show a yellow alert sign with a box around them so you can find what still needs details.
Where can I see how much labor or equipment my Timespan Resources use?
Open the Labor Output or Equipment Output section on the Timespan Resources page to see resource graphs and a usage table. You can switch the display between Units and Hours, change the time scale from Week to Month to Year, and use the checkboxes in the table to turn individual resources on or off.
Can I change the hours per day for a Timespan Resource?
No. Timespan Resources count an 8-hour workday, and the hours per day can't be adjusted for an individual Timespan Resource. A role that works 10 or 12 hour days will still show as 8 hours per day.
Can I view Timespan Resources across multiple projects?
Yes. Open the Resource Planning dashboard from your home page, select the projects you want, and set the Labor Type to Timespan Labor.