Exciting Update: Release 1.9.8 is Here!

We are thrilled to announce the completion of Release 1.9.8, meeting our quarterly release commitment within our quarterly release framework. This release introduces 64 new features and continues our focus on quality by reducing number of overall defects. 

This release brings major enhancements designed to improve user experience and efficiency. It includes the first set of roadmap deliverables focused on expanding the platform’s scheduling capabilities, addressing one of the most requested features from our customers. Additionally, we’ve implemented over 20 updates to our API integrations, enhancing security and streamlining how the platform interacts with external systems. 

For a full list of all product updates and enhancements see the release notes. To review the highlights continue reading below. The updates reflect our ongoing commitment to listening to customer feedback and continuously evolving to meet your needs. 

1. Cascading dropdowns

Cascading Dropdowns offer a significant improvement in user experience for data entry. You can group these lists together, so when you make your first selection you see a much shorter picklist in the related lists. A simple application is with Country->State->City where you see shorter load times and data entry efficiency.  

2. Schedule functionality expansion

a. Freeze Period  

You now have the ability to enable and set planning block freeze period at the project level.  Setting the freeze period on a project can be used in the baseline change control process. The history and planning phases can also be calculated off the freeze period and do not need to be set on the project.  

b. Free Float Calculation  

A new calculated field ‘Free Slack’ is now available in the Gantt. It represents the amount of time a task can be delayed without impacting the start of its successor task. 

c. Task Type  

The current MSP import functionality has been expanded to include the ability to map Custom MSP field to Cora system task type field.  

Task Type definition which facilitates schedule logic rules in accordance with National Defence Industrial Association (NDIA) Planning & Scheduling Excellence Guide (PASEG). 

API support task type data point is now available for extracting and updating data from/to the system. 

3. Fiscal Calendars

Fiscal calendars have been expanded to work with non-traditional Jan – Dec yearly parameters. Customers can select the start month of the Fiscal Calendar, and the date will display in resource demand and forecasting. 

4. API Updates

The release include 20+ updates across a range of APIs 

a. Enhancing security

APIs now validate that the authenticated user is an administrator before allowing access to create and/or update data APIs. Note: It is important that existing customers review their use of APIs to ensure that users meet this updated security requirement. 

b. New end-point for the Rate Matrix Configuration settings 

Make it more intuitive to access the data together. For example, to get Rate Matrix configuration data into a dashboard 

c. Extending the APIs in line with new features in the platform 

i. Support for new Task Type (scheduling) 

ii. Support for new Project Management Technique 

5. Register Upgrades (included from prior release)

The Registers interface has undergone a major UI refresh, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. The updated design maximizes screen real estate by organizing fields into logical, collapsible groups, helping minimize clutter and streamline workflows. These groups can also feature neatly arranged columns to reduce the need for excessive scrolling. Additionally, a collapsible navigation panel makes navigating long forms effortless, while fields now include helpful call-out hints to guide users effectively. 

Additional Enhancements for Customers in Government Contracting

Cora now includes EVT, EVC and risk adjusted EAC empowering managers to make informed decisions about resource allocation, priority adjustments, and strategic planning. By incorporating a wealth of performance data, project and control account managers gain better control, foresight, and confidence in delivering projects successfully. 

1. Earned Value Techniques (EVT)

Cora now includes the range of techniques within the DoD Earned Value Management System Interpretation Guide (EVMSIG) and the NDIA Earned Value Management Systems EIA-748-D Intent Guide to support DCMA compliance. 

2. Earned Value % Complete

Cora now provides EV % complete data based on the full complement of Earned Value Techniques. It automatically matches the appropriate rules with the EVT selected. The EV % complete is displayed in the Gantt. 

3. Advanced Forecasting

a. Risk adjusted EAC 

Cora now includes risk-adjusted Estimate at Completion (EAC). This enhances project management by incorporating risks and uncertainties into cost forecasts, offering a more realistic projection than standard EAC.  

b. Distributed EAC by status date 

Cora now includes distributed EAC by status date. It provides a time-phased view of estimated project costs, enhancing visibility into when costs are expected to occur.  

4. Rate Matrix – Burdened Costs

The Rate Matrix calculates Direct Costs. Additional functionality, called ‘Burdening’ is now available within the Rate Matrix and this is used to extend the calculations to include ‘Burdened’ or ‘Indirect’ Costs.