Section 2.2: Manual Project Creation

If you prefer to define your project blueprint structure by hand, you can utilize the Manual Setup pathway. This option walks you through a structured multi-step wizard to choose a project template, fill in project specifications, configure financial alignments, and apply ready-made templates.

1. Accessing Manual Creation

1. Navigate to the Projects tab in the main sidebar.
2. Click New Project in the upper right.
3. Select Manual Setup (Manual Path).

2. Step-by-Step Creation Wizard

The manual setup wizard is broken down into four distinct phases to guide your inputs:

Step 1: Project Type Selection

ABRAM provides preset structures tailored to different creative workflows:

• Video Template: Pre-configured for film, commercials, and music videos.
• Marketing Template: Designed for multi-channel digital campaigns and brand launches.
• Design Template: Configured for visual brand identity, UI/UX, and style guides.
• Custom Project: A blank canvas allowing you to build your work packages and task slates entirely from scratch.

Step 2: Specification (Details)

Provide the foundational scope details of your project:

• Project Title: A clear, identifiable name.
• Description: Detail the creative goals, background context, and team alignment.

Step 3: Alignment (Financial & Timeline)

Configure the structural and billing alignment:

• Estimated Budget: The total allocated budget for this project.
• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Bounds: (Optional) Define the minimum and maximum target bounds for project costs (budget_rom_min and budget_rom_max) and select the scoping confidence level (Low, Medium, High).

  [!NOTE] Manual adjustments to ROM bounds made via the UI (under the Financials tab card or the project settings dialog) bypass the AI scenario approval gate and are saved instantly to production tables to enable rapid revisions.

• Start & End Dates: Select the calendar dates using the Date Pickers.
• Retainer Project Toggle: Check this box if the project follows a recurring monthly billing model (retainer) rather than a fixed-fee model.

Step 4: Templates (Work Packages & Blueprints)

If you selected the Video, Marketing, or Design template in Step 1, the wizard allows you to preview and customize the template structure before creation.

• Package Checkboxes: You can check or uncheck individual packages (e.g., skip the pre-production package if scout work is already complete).
• Budget Breakdown: The system automatically allocates percentages of your total budget to each package (e.g., Video template splits budget: 20% to Pre-Production, 55% to Production, 25% to Post-Production).
• Scope Previews: The screen shows a detailed breakdown of:
  • Deliverables: Pre-populated file assets and links with pre-rated priorities.
  • Work Orders: Scheduled days and draft scopes for crew assignments.
  • Payment Milestones: Payment milestones with offset due dates (e.g., Rough Cut Approval due 25 days after start, triggering a 25% milestone payout).

3. Setup Verification and Protection

When you click Construct Slate, the system builds your project structure:

1. Creates the project profile (title, description, and budget limits).
2. Sets up project requirements (industry type and experience levels).
3. Defines the project timeline (start/end dates).
4. Generates the selected work packages (incorporating the percentage-based budget allocations).
5. Populates all related deliverables, work orders, and payment milestones tied to their respective work packages.

Complete Setup Protection

To keep your workspace clean and organized, ABRAM ensures your project is only created if the setup finishes completely. If your connection drops during creation, the system prevents half-finished or empty folders from cluttering your dashboard, allowing you to safely try again.