Time-Based Planning
Using effective dates for phased changes
Time-Based Planning
Use date fields to model organizational changes that occur at specific future points, creating accurate time-phased forecasts.
Core Date Fields
Hire Date - When a new position starts (person joins or vacancy is filled). The position appears in Forecast headcount and cost from this date forward.
Termination Date - When a person leaves or a position is eliminated. The position no longer appears in headcount after this date and costs are removed from projections.
Effective Date - When a change to an existing position takes effect (transfer, reorg, attribute change). The position appears in its "before" state until the effective date, then in its "after" state from that date forward.
When to Use Each
New hire or filling a vacancy
Hire Date
Layoff, RIF, position elimination
Termination Date
Internal transfer or reorg (same person, new department/manager)
Effective Date
Phased department move (e.g., Q3 effective)
Effective Date
Salary increase effective next year
Effective Date
Key distinction: Effective dates preserve position continuity — the same position just changes attributes. Hire and termination dates show positions being created and eliminated.
How Effective Dates Work in Forecast
When you change a position's department with an effective date of July 1, 2026:
In the org chart - shows the "after" state (new department)
In Forecast before July 1 - position counts in the original department
In Forecast from July 1 onward - position counts in the new department
Show Changes view: Before the effective date → 0 change; from the effective date → +1 in new department, -1 in old department.
Example:
Network Operations
25
25
20
20
Operations & Logistics
30
30
35
35
This shows 5 positions moved in Q3 2026.
Phased Reorganizations
Set different effective dates on different positions within the same scenario:
Teams moving in Q2 → effective date April 1, 2026
Teams moving in Q3 → effective date July 1, 2026
Teams moving in Q4 → effective date October 1, 2026
Forecast shows the gradual transition, letting budget owners see exactly when departmental headcount and costs shift.
New Positions
For positions created in a scenario (no "before" state), effective dates control when the position appears in Forecast. The position only ever appears in its assigned department, starting from the effective date.
Common Questions
What if I don't set an effective date?
The change is treated as immediate — it appears in the "after" state for all Forecast time periods.
Can I set different effective dates on different positions in the same scenario?
Yes — this is the standard approach for phased reorgs.
How far can I forecast?
Up to 5 years from the current date.
Do effective dates work for all field types?
Yes — department, location, manager, title, salary, and any custom fields.
If I move someone with an effective date, do they appear in their old department in the org chart? No — the org chart always shows the "after" state. Use Show Before to see the original state. Forecast is where you see the time-phased view.
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