Overview
Skill classifications allow administrators to define the dimensions used to describe a skill. Rather than creating long, descriptive skill names, reusable classifications - such as vendor, contract type, location, and seniority - are configured once, and each skill is created as a combination of one value from each classification, together with a role.
An administrator manages classifications and skills on the capacity planning tab of configuration. Once skills are set up, they appear everywhere resource is planned: the resource allocator, the team capacity page, the initiative detail page, and the outcome planner.
An administrator can add up to four further classifications alongside the role name, giving a more granular breakdown when it is needed, or leave the setup as the role name only.
Permissions
Action | Permission |
|---|---|
Add, rename, enable, or disable skill classifications and their options | Strategic Portfolio Administrator |
Create, enable, or disable skills | Strategic Portfolio Administrator |
Select a skill when planning resource | Edit access to the initiative or team capacity being planned |
View skills on planning tables and dropdowns | View access to the initiative or team capacity |
Key terms
Term | Description |
|---|---|
Skill classification | A configured list that holds the options available for one category of a skill - for example a list of vendors, contract types, locations, or seniority grades. Administrators maintain the options on each classification. |
Role name | The mandatory classification present in every portfolio. It cannot be removed, and every skill must have a role name. |
Skill | An ordered combination of one option from each enabled classification, always including the role name. Skills are what users select when planning resource. |
Configuration
Strategic Portfolio Administrator permissions are required to configure skill classifications and skills.
Skill classifications and skills are managed on the capacity planning tab in configuration. An administrator can add up to four classifications, add options to each, and build out the skills that users select across the product. Classifications must be added to the Skill Configuration before you add the Skill.
Managing Skill Classifications
Add a skill classification
Open the the capacity planning tab of configuration.
Select "Add classification".
Enter a name for the classification, for example "Vendor" or "Location".
Save the classification. A new column appears for the skills table.
Up to four classifications can be added in addition to the role name.
Rename a skill classification
On the Skills configuration, select the classification to rename.
Enter the new name.
Save the change.
A classification cannot be renamed to a name that already exists, even if the existing classification is disabled.
Add options to a classification
On the Skills configuration, select the classification to add an option to.
Select "Add option".
Enter the option value, for example "Kiplot" on a Vendor classification.
Save the option.
Each option is unique and case insensitive within its classification. A duplicate option cannot be added, even when the existing one is disabled — enable the existing option instead.
Enable or disable an option
On the Skills configuration, find the option on its classification.
Toggle the option to enable or disable it.
A disabled option is not offered when building new skills. Skills that already use it keep the option but show a warning that it is no longer valid to select.
Managing skills
Create a skill
On the Skills section, select "Add skill".
Select an option in each classification dropdown. Only enabled classifications are shown, and the role name is required.
Save the skill.
Enable or disable a skill
On the Skills tab, find the skill to change.
Toggle the skill to enable or disable it.
A disabled skill is no longer offered when planning resource. Where it has already been used, it stays selected and is shown with a warning that it is no longer valid to select. The Generic skill cannot be disabled until at least one other skill exists.
Selecting and viewing skills
Skills configured here appear wherever resource is planned - the resource allocator, the team capacity page, the initiative detail page, and the outcome planner.
Switch between the skill name and the full classification
On tables that show skills, a control switches how much of each skill is shown:
Show full skill names - each skill shows only its role name, with the full classification available on hover.
Truncate skill names - each skill shows its complete classification inline.
On a table that lists skills, open the display control.
Choose to show the skill name only, or the full classification in line.