Alphanumeric Naming Convention (also Schedule File Name Convention)

Illustration 3.2 Schedule file name convention for identification of schedule versions

Alphanumeric Naming Convention is a convenient format to monitor the number of schedule submissions, schedule version history, and version control - as well as, to obtain a snapshot of the project's performance for every schedule submission. As part of the schedule version history, the source of schedule submissions is also tracked.

Every schedule submission (schedule version) is assigned a combination of a unique number (Month Identifier), and an alphabet (Baseline Series Identifier).

The number in the schedule version refers to the progress as of the number of months from the project start. The number for the month is derived from the data date.

The alphabet in the schedule version such as A, B, or J helps to differentiate schedule submissions.

• Major developments in the schedule version history, major schedule logic changes, and proposed baselines/ accepted baselines are identified with a unique alphabet which is called a baseline series identifier
• The alphabet is used to recognize the source of the schedule versions.
• The alphabet is also used to track schedule versions where major changes in logic, duration, or forecast dates might have happened.
• With the help of the alphabet identifier, schedule versions with similar attributes, functionality, logic, etc. (part of the same baseline) can be easily marked, and grouped, if needed.

It is a best practice that also helps avoid confusion - a comparative analysis of a project's schedule data may involve source data by the contractor, data from other sources in the project, and secondary data generated by third parties.