How to Manage Linked Variation Jobs

Overview

Add variations to accommodate extra works on jobs that are outside the scope of the original job, or add-ons requested by the customer.

Linked variations are invoiced separately from their original job using the standard invoicing process. Learn more in Invoicing Overview.

US only: If you use Simpro Premium in the United States, the term 'change order' is used instead of 'variation'.

US only: If you use Simpro Premium in the United States, the term 'change order' is used instead of 'variation'.

In order to view content or perform actions referred to in this article you need to have the appropriate permissions enabled in your security group. Go to System A screenshot of a schedule icon with a grey calendar icon and an arrow. > Setup > Security Groups and access your security group to update your permissions. The relevant security group tab and specific permissions for this article can be found here:

Create Jobs

View/Edit Jobs

Create Variations

If you do not need to quote a variation, create a linked variation job. This job can then be approved, managed, and invoiced separately while still being included in the original job reporting.

To create a linked variation job:

  1. Access the job, and then go to Cost Centre List > Linked Variations. The Linked Variations sub-tab appears only after you have added parts or labour in a cost centre in the original job.
    • To add a variation to a service job, click Cost Centres in the job breadcrumbs and access the Cost Centre List.
  2. Under Jobs, click Create Variation, and then click OK to confirm. The customer, site, and contact details are automatically completed using information from the original job.
  3. In the new job, click Next.
  4. Create the variation by adding sections, cost centres, and parts and labour as normal for jobs. Learn more in How to Create a Service Job and How to Build Your Project.
  5. If retentionClosed AU, NZ, UK: Retention. A portion of your payment withheld either from you by the customer, or from a contractor by your business until the project is completed to specific standards. is required on the variation, go to Details > Settings to Set up retention for a project as normal.
    • To access the original job from a variation job, go Details > Settings. And, click the required original job number under Options.
  6. Click Save or Finish to update your changes.

A screenshot of linked variations on a job.

The variation appears in your jobs table with the original job number as well as the variation number. It also appears in the original job and the variation job log.

If you have the original job and the linked variation open at the same time, click Finish > Edit Job in the original job to update the Linked Variation sub-tab.

US only: If you use Simpro Premium in the United States, the term 'retainage' is used instead of 'retention'.

To link an existing job as a variation:

  1. Open the job that requires a linked variation.
  2. Go to Cost Centre List > Linked Variations.
  3. Under Jobs, click the drop-down arrow next to CREATE VARIATION > LINK EXISTING JOB.
  4. Search for a job that is not archived and has the same customer.
    • Note that if you select a job that is already a linked variation, linking it again will overwrite and remove the existing link.
  5. Click LINK.
  6. Click SAVE AND FINISH.

To display the original project and the linked variation on the same invoice, merge your linked variation job with the original project.

A screenshot of the Merge Quotes pop-up window.

To merge a linked variation with the original job:

  1. Locate the linked variation in the jobs table.
  2. Click Options > Merge Job.
  3. Search and select the job number of the original job.
  4. Click Merge.

Merged variation jobs are automatically added to the Primary tab.

Merging a variation with a job is not reversible.

If a linked variation quote or job no longer needs to be tied to the original job, unlink it so that it becomes a stand alone quote or job.

To unlink a variation:

  1. Access the original job that the variation is linked to, and then go to Cost Centre List > Linked Variations.
  2. Next to the variation that needs to be unlinked click Options > Unlink Variation.
  3. Click Ok. The variation is now a stand alone quote or job with no reference to the original job.