Assigning Packages
A package assignment links a package tier to a specific client and starts the retainer clock.
Creating an assignment
From a client detail page, click Assign Package. Select the package tier you want to apply and set the start date. The assignment becomes active immediately.
Per-client overrides
You can override any of the package tier defaults at the assignment level without changing the template:
- Included hours override — give this client more or fewer hours than the tier default
- Overage rate override — apply a custom hourly overage rate for this client
- Dedicated contractors override — adjust headcount for this specific engagement
These overrides only affect this client's assignment. The underlying package tier is unchanged.
Assignment status
Assignments move through three states:
- Scheduled — the assignment has a future start date and hasn't begun yet
- Active — the engagement is live; time is being tracked against it
- Ended — the engagement has concluded; an end date has been set
Renewals and changes
When a client renews their retainer or changes their package, end the current assignment and create a new one with the updated package tier and a new start date. Historical data from the previous assignment is preserved and visible in reports.
A client can have only one active assignment at a time. If you need to represent a client on two different packages simultaneously, consider modeling them as separate clients or using the included services field on the package to differentiate scope.