Lentune Variations FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about Lentune variations.

1. I have unallocated variation lines (formerly known as cost code variations). How do I assign them to an internal or external variation?

If you have any variation lines that are unassigned, simply click on that line and select the variation header that you would like to attach them to. (Note, this can only be done on the variations tab of your project.)

2. Can I import my variations from a spreadsheet?

Yes, on the variations tab of your head contract, you can import variation headers. If you want to import variation lines, you can do this with the import feature once you click into the variation header.

3. What are the variation submittal statuses?

A Lentune variation can have the following statuses:

• Approval Not Required
• Draft
• Awaiting Approval
• Approved
• No Longer Required

Once a variation is in an approved or approved-not-required status, the value of the variation lines is added to the budget of the project.

You can change the submittal status at any time  until the variation is marked Approved and a claim has been made against it. At that point, the status is locked unless you roll back the claim to Draft.

To review the status of a variation, head to the Variations tab in the Project.

4. Why would I want to create an unapproved variation?

While you work on confirming the details of a variation, you might still want to get started. The different statuses can reflect where the variation sits in the process. There is no formal approval structure for variations, like in other areas of Lentune. 

5. Can I send the instructions that I set on the variation to my subcontractor?

No, the instructions that are set on a variation are for internal use only. They are there so you can store notes or instructions against a variation to provide context for your team.

6. Can I create a variation on a cost code without creating a variation header?

No, this feature was sunset in July ’25. All variation lines (formerly known as cost code variations) must be created from a variation header (which can be internal or on-chargeable)

7. How do I code an invoice to a variation?

When you select the cost code in the check or approve screen in Lentune, A little “V” appears above the field. Click into this “V” to see all the variation lines on the cost code that the invoices can be coded to. This workflow is identical for coding invoice Lines to a variation and is true for both the checker and the approver.

8. How do I code a timesheet to a variation in the Lentune on a web browser?

When you select the cost code that you want to create a timesheet entry for, A little “V” appears above the field. Click into this “V” to see all the variation lines on the cost code that you can code your timesheets against.

9. Can I raise a Purchase order against a variation or variation line?

Any purchase orders created for a variation should be coded against the project cost code, and can be coded against the variation line when the invoices come into the check screen. Coding the invoice to the correct variation line makes sure that the Variation P&L updates correctly. It is not currently possible to raise the PO against the cost code variation line.

10. How do I create a variation on a subcontract?

When you create a new variation from the head contract or project screen, you can assign a subcontract to a variation line. This automatically creates the subcontract change order (SCO) for you. It is not possible to create an SCO from the subcontract itself.

11. How can I tell what costs are committed against a variation

Lentune can create commitments against a variation through SCO’s only, which are captured in the value of the appointed cost on your variation.

Last updated: 25 June 2025