How Plus tracks Spent and Estimate in Trello

Plus for Trello lets you assign and transfer card Spent, Estimate and Remaining time/points per user or globally. Users can easily enter time manually or with timers. Managers can view, compare and track progress with charts, burn-downs and reports.


Why keep track of Spent and Estimate history per user?

You have a Trello board with cards organized by stages (To do, Doing, Done). You know what is pending, but can't measure effort to get them "Done".

You could add a custom field or numbers in the title to keep track of pending effort or "points". But you still wont know who's work it is when the card involves many people or checklist items, if that effort was later increased, how it got there historically, by who or how to make an end-date projection.

Plus solves this by keeping track of all Spent & Estimate changes per card and per user, and has the concept of a "global" user to assign estimates when you dont yet know who will do the work.


Typical usage

A project manager creates and assigns cards for pending work. If estimates have not yet been agreed, the team can use Plus card and checklist "pre-estimates" to figure out each estimate (See pre-estimates below).

Once estimates per card are known, the manager (or each user) can enter "E" on each card. It can be assigned directly to "me", a specific member, or to the special "global" user. This special "global" user can be used when you dont yet know who will do the work, or as a bucket where specific users later transfer "E" to themselves.

Once all estimates have been entered, users start doing work and entering Spent ("S") on each card. It can be entered very easily by using a Plus "timer", or enter the time manually in the "S/E bar". Use our webapp or mobile app to enter S/E from mobile.

Tip: Plus "Preferences" (in the help pane) has many ways to customize your S/E usage. For example, there is an option to warn users if they later try to increase the estimate.

As "S" is entered, each user will be reducing their remaining ("R") work. From trello.com, open the "Plus S/E" section, there is a "Recent and "Remain" section below the charts. Click on "Remain" to see a list of all cards with non-zero Remain for you.

You can view that list even without opening Trello: Click the Chrome Plus menu (top-right in Chrome), then click on "Remain". Type your Trello username in "User" and Query. All your customizations are saved for next time you open that report. If you use that report "Dock out" button, a new Chrome tab shows the same report which can be bookmarked in Chrome as another way to get there.

Users and managers can view progress anytime from Plus reports, charts and burn-downs (from the Chrome Plus menu or standalone tabs). Measure and compare by card counts, Spent, Estimate and Remaining.

Burn-down timelines incorporate Spent, Estimate, Remaining, Annotations and Due dates over time. The burn-down supports drawing a projection line to calculate end dates.

Managers can easily check for spent per user to make sure Spent is being entered on-time. The easiest way is to use the Chrome Plus menu, click "Spent" then the "Spent by user" tab. That pivot report can color cells under or over thresholds to easily detect under or over-spent. Most will pivot by week but you can also pivot by day for more granularity.

As the project advances, estimates might change. Plus supports increasing or decreasing estimates. Later there are reports and charts that can compare estimate change in many ways.

In Plus, a card is considered "done" where its Remaining reaches zero. If a card is finishes and there is still a remain, the easiest is to use "modify" from the card front and blank the "R" value. This will cause the estimate to decrease accordingly to match spent.

Reports and charts support many ways to group, stack or filter cards. Use labels and Plus hashtags in your cards to categorize them and later use them from reports, charts and burn-downs.


Entering and modifying S/E

Plus inserts Spend and Estimate elements inside the Trello card front in the Chrome extension. Spent and Estimate can also be entered from our web and mobile app.



Use the "S/E bar" to enter new estimates or spend per user or use the "modify" link on the user report above it. Use card timers to pre-fill Spent in the bar.

Use the "global" user (configurable from the Plus help pane) if you dont need to track per user or to assign and later transfer global card estimates to specific users.

Plus can also track time spent in lists automatically by using Butler.


Spent / Estimate. An analogy using a spreadsheet



Here you add rows from top to bottom and keep a running total for all time spent on the card.

Plus does the same except the "rows" are entered inside Trello cards as special card comments (or as Google spreadsheet rows, when using stealth sync mode) and tracks multiple users in many dimensions. You would need more columns on a spreadsheet to track and group by those additional properties.

In the sample above the current Spent is 13, the sum of spend history.

Plus uses the same concept for estimates. Enter a "first estimate" on the first row, then increase (positive) or decrease (negative) it in later rows as needed:



This gives much more information that just the previous "spent history" table because it shows a first estimate of 11 later increased by 2 hours with a timeline and by user.

Plus reports and charts shows these estimate changes per user, board, label, hashtag and pretty much any way you can by grouping and filtering with full traceability.

Burn-downs visualize patterns and changes to helps predict end dates (Remaining reaches zero.)

Plus automatically fills the "Estimate" as you type "Spent" or stop timers, calculating any Estimate increases needed (which you can overwrite before Entering or prevent increasing, see Preferences). 

Note in this example rows go from oldest to newest but Trello displays card comments from newest to oldest. To view S/E rows in any order click "report" inside the card front and sort it in that new report tab.

Use the Plus "Card S/E bar" or directly modify the running totals using "Modify". It adds a row for you with the needed differences, positive or negative. Those using sync by "card comments" can use a special syntax to enter, modify or transfer S/E as a card comment from any device, including the official Trello mobile app.

Note that you cannot easily modify an already-entered individual row in Plus. Instead, you enter a new row with the needed differences in S/E. This system makes report S/E history fully traceable to who and when each S/E modification happened.

It is possible to force a "reset sync" in all sync modes to re-read all Trello data from card comments (or a Google spreadsheet depending on your sync mode.)  It is also possible to force a "reset card sync" for only an individual card when using sync by "card comments". These methods allow you to modify the data and history if you must, but will also generate traceability because the command will appear in reports together with the old rows (as 0/0 rows with the previous S/E in the row note). See the Plus help pane utilities section for more.

Entering S/E data in Trello (Chrome Extension)

When using either our card "S/E bar", the "modify" or "transfer" links, or card timers, Plus creates the S/E "rows" inside Chrome.

Depending on the sync mode you choose, Plus stores these rows either inside Trello itself as card comments, or in a private Google spreadsheet that only you (or your team) has access through Google permissions. This method is useful if you share boards with your client and dont wish to share with them your S/E data.

Here is a sample of how those "rows" look in Trello when using the "Trello card comments" sync mode:



With card timers keep an always-on-top notification showing elapsed time. Minimize it and come back to the card with a single click, then let Plus enter the S/E row for you.




Calculate pre-Estimates before entering them


Plus supports two levels of card pre-estimation to let you collaborate on figuring out first estimates before you actually enter the estimates. You can:

  • Use Trello card check items with one of our "s/e title" formats (see Preferences) to assign a pre-estimate to eack check-item. Plus shows you the sum of all check-item pre-estimates at the bottom. This pre-estimates or the sum is not shown in reports, charts or the Trello board, only on the card front:
This example uses the ""Scrum for Trello" S/E format to add estimates. See your Preferences.

  • Assign pre-estimates using card titles with the same "S/E title" formats (see Preferences). For example, a card named "my card (5)". These pre-estimates are one level higher: they still wont show in reports or charts but do show in the Trello board S/E/R sums and dimensions giving you a higher view to play with the list sums as you move cards around. You can then assign the pre-estimates based on the check-items sums or assign E directly to a global or specific user. Once a card has an estimate (global or to a user) it takes precedence over card title pre-estimate in the Trello board view:

  • Once your board estimates settle down, assign them to global or specific users. Soon we will add a tool to automate this process as a single step.



Transfer, Modify or enter S/E without Plus

You may use the Plus Chrome extension or direct card comments to modify S/E or transfer estimates. See more:


Use our built-in tour to show you step-by-step how to use these and more of our features.

Once your team has entered enough rows, you can start making useful charts, reports and burn-downs:



Spent and Remain




Pivot Spent by month





Burn-down Auto-Projected end date







Increased and reduced estimates per user







Card counts per list, stacked by user





Spent by week, stacked by user




Many more reports, chart and burndown possibilities!


Enjoy!

54 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Assign pre-estimates using card titles with the same "S/E title" formats (see Preferences). For example, a card named "my card (5)". These pre-estimates are one level higher: they still wont show in reports or charts but do show in the Trello board S/E/R sums and dimensions giving you a higher view to play with the list sums as you move cards around. You can then assign the pre-estimates based on the check-items sums or assign E directly to a global or specific user. Once a card has an estimate (global or to a user) it takes precedence over card title pre-estimate in the Trello board view:

      Final Year Project Centers in Chennai

      final year projects for computer science

      IEEE projects for cse

      Delete
  2. It is actually a great and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing. keep update
    Ai & Artificial Intelligence Course in Chennai
    PHP Training in Chennai
    Ethical Hacking Course in Chennai Blue Prism Training in Chennai
    UiPath Training in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  3. I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.
    Estimates

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can configure my new idea from this post. Detailed information is given. Thank you all for this valuable information...

    360DigiTMG Data Science Certification

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awesome article with top quality information and found very interesting looking forward for next blog thank you.
    typeerror nonetype object is not subscriptable

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am overwhelmed by your post with such a beautiful subject. I usually visit their blogs and update myself through the information they contain, but today's blog would be most appreciated. Well done!

    Data Analytics Course in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  7. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Great work
    digital marketing courses in hyderabad with placement

    ReplyDelete
  8. Superb Information, I really appreciated it, This is fine to read and valuable pro potential, I really bookmark it, pro broaden read. Appreciation pro sharing. I like it.
    data scientist training and placement

    ReplyDelete
  9. Impressive. Your story always brings hope and new energy. Keep up the good work.
    Best Data Science courses in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  10. Always so interesting to visit your site.What a great info, thank you for sharing. this will help me so much in my learning
    data scientist course in pune

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am glad to discover this page. I have to thank you for the time I spent on this especially great reading !! I really liked each part and also bookmarked you for new information on your site.
    artificial intellingence training in chennai

    ReplyDelete
  12. I read your post and I found it amazing! thank!
    data science training in pune

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is excellent information. It is amazing and wonderful to visit your site. Thanks for sharing this information its very useful to me...
    Data Science Training in Hyderabad
    Data Science Course in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  14. Incredible site you have here.. It's elusive quality composing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate people like you! Fare thee well!!news updates

    ReplyDelete
  15. I see some amazingly important and kept up to length of your strength searching for in your on the site
    data scientist course

    ReplyDelete
  16. Well I truly enjoyed studying it. This article offered by you is very useful for proper planning.
    경마사이트
    경마

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I¦ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 토토

    ReplyDelete
  18. You have completed certain reliable points there. I did some research on the subject and found that almost everyone will agree with your blog.


    Data Analytics Course in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  19. I really love your post and what you share with us is updated and quite informative, I would like to bookmark the page so that I can come here again for you to read, because you have done an amazing job.. visa application to Turkey filled online , Applying for e visa application saves time and is very fast, secure and very simple.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Shop from a wide selection of mens jackets 8 ball leather jacket and coats. Free shipping and free returns on eligible items.

    ReplyDelete
  21. i am glad to discover this page : i have to thank you for the time i spent on this especially great reading !! i really liked each part and also bookmarked you for new information on your site.
    cyber security course in patna

    ReplyDelete

  22. I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.data scientist course in nagpur

    ReplyDelete
  23. I recently found a lot of useful information on your website, especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing.
    data analytics training in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just couldn't leave your website before telling you that I truly enjoyed the top quality info you present to your visitors? Will be back again frequently to check up on new posts.
    data science course fee in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for sharing a great article.
    You are providing wonderful information, it is very useful to us.
    Keep posting like this informative articles.
    Thank you. 온라인카지노

    ReplyDelete
  26. When I read your article on this topic, the first thought seems profound and difficult. There is also a bulletin board for discussion of articles and photos similar to this topic on my site, but I would like to visit once when I have time to discuss this topic. sòng bạc


    ReplyDelete
  27. it is really a good post.
    Here I am sharing some more points on web designing training and institutes. interested people kindly check it out.

    A2N Academy, one of the top-tier IT Skill Development Institutes in Bangalore, offers the best Web Designing course. Our skilled trainers recruited by the academy offer quality-based Web Designing Courses. Steadily, we guide our students to get placed in prominent web design companies through our online web designing course.

    learn web designing training
    learn web design course

    ReplyDelete
  28. How can you think of this? I thought about this, but I couldn't solve it as well as you.샌즈카지노I am so amazing and cool you are. I think you will help me. I hope you can help me.


    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You can do something much better but i still say this perfect.Keep trying for the best.
    data analytics courses in hyderabad with placements

    ReplyDelete
  30. I am visiting first here. Really an awesome content and informative blog. Keep up this good work.
    Data Science Training in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people..
    full stack web development course

    ReplyDelete
  32. I truly like you're composing style, incredible data, thankyou for posting.
    cyber security training malaysia

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is the first time I visit here. I found such a large number of engaging stuff in your blog, particularly its conversation. From the huge amounts of remarks on your articles, I surmise I am by all accounts not the only one having all the recreation here! Keep doing awesome. I have been important to compose something like this on my site and you have given me a thought.

    ReplyDelete
  34. 360DigiTMG, the top-rated organisation among the most prestigious industries around the world, is an educational destination for those looking to pursue their dreams around the globe. The company is changing careers of many people through constant improvement, 360DigiTMG provides an outstanding learning experience and distinguishes itself from the pack. 360DigiTMG is a prominent global presence by offering world-class training. Its main office is in India and subsidiaries across Malaysia, USA, East Asia, Australia, Uk, Netherlands, and the Middle East.

    ReplyDelete
  35. People are impressed with this technology, and the experts have predicted a bright future of data science.

    https://360digitmg.com/india/data-science-using-python-and-r-programming-in-lucknow

    ReplyDelete
  36. Start your Data Science Course today with 360DigiTMG and be score a high-paying job soon.

    Best Data Science Training institute in Bangalore

    ReplyDelete
  37. Data Analytics' focus is to seek out insights from the processed knowledge. It performs the functions of Data cleansing, preparation, and evaluation. Statistics, Probability principle, Probability Distributions, Machine Learning, Regression testing, etc are broadly taught to know the clear picture of Big Data processing.


    Data Science Course in Jaipur

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to talk about a Data science course. For the Best career in Data science, I recommend Skillslash is recognized as the best data science institute in Hyderabad. We cover all the essential topics in data science like R, Python, Machine Learning, and Deep
    Learning, Tableau, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Nice knowledge gaining article. This post is really the best on this valuable topic.
    full stack development course

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great post on Plus for Trello, keep posting valuable information to us Software Testing Classes in Pune

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us.
    Men Gothic Baggy Pants

    ReplyDelete
  42. This is amazing content, and I would like to read more inspirational and informative posts like this. Becoming Alteryx certified professional by enrolling in a course program given by 360DigiTMG will help you learn how to automate work and keep yourself updated with the latest data analytics and data science trends.mlops training

    ReplyDelete
  43. Your blog is a testament to your unique skill. You seamlessly weave profound insights with eloquent storytelling, creating a captivating journey through a world of knowledge. Your ability to simplify complex ideas is highly impressive. Furthermore, I'd like to offer valuable insights into the on-arrival visa for Saudi Iqama holders. Simplifying travel logistics, this process facilitates easy entry into different countries, granting Saudi Iqama holders the flexibility they need throughout their journeys.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us. yerli yarış tahminleri

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi, this was an interesting & informative article. Sıcak Haberler

    ReplyDelete