About Rules & Rule Sets

The allocation of expenses in the Profit module relies on defined rules and rule sets. An allocation rule is used to assign different percentages/points to different departments, offices, people, etc. These rules can then be applied to expenses in order to allocate the expenses accordingly. A firm can determine a default rule or a default rule set (depending on the level of rule complexity) for direct expenses and for overhead expenses.

For example, a firm may state a simple rule: All overhead is allocated 100% to firm. The Rule Set can be defined as "Overhead Allocation", and the rule could be "Firm Overhead", and Firm allocation would be 100%. Allocation can then be 100% for all timekeepers, or you can select a specific fee earner class for allocation or divide it up among multiple fee earner classes.

Some rule sets and rules are provided out-of-the-box but you can create your own. The Rules Setup tab shows a list of allocation rules, which is grouped into rule sets. To view the individual rules within a set, click the arrow to the left of the folder icon. Rules sets must be created before you create rules.

Before you set up rule sets and rules, make sure you have weightages, target types, target hours, and/or points set up. These elements will appear as options within the rules setup. Refer to Preparing for Rule Setup and Setting Rule Sets and Rules.