Demystifying the Primary Plan
Welcome to another installment of the Smartsheet Platform Insights series! In this post, we’ll explore the concept of the primary plan—a critical, yet often overlooked, component of Smartsheet’s architecture. With the introduction of the User Subscription Model (USM), understanding the primary plan is more important than ever for both users and administrators.
What is a Primary Plan?
A primary plan in Smartsheet is the cornerstone of a user’s experience. It serves three essential functions:
1. Authentication: Determines how a user logs into Smartsheet.
2. Asset Creation: Governs the user’s ability to create assets such as sheets, reports, and dashboards.
3. Asset Ownership: Assigns ownership of all assets created by the user.
In essence, the primary plan dictates how users interact with Smartsheet and defines the boundaries of their capabilities.
Legacy Collaborator Mode vs. User Subscription Model
Smartsheet has transitioned from the Legacy Collaborator Mode (LCM) to the User Subscription Model (USM):
- LCM: Users could belong to only one plan, which automatically became their primary plan.
- USM: Introduced in July 2024, USM allows users to join multiple plans, both internal and external. This flexibility has introduced complexities in determining and managing primary plans.
How is the Primary Plan Assigned?
Primary plan assignment varies depending on the user’s operational context:
- Migrating LCM Users: Retain their existing primary plan.
- New USM Users in Centralized Mode: Assigned to the organization’s centralized plan (typically Enterprise).
- New USM Users in Decentralized Mode: The first organization—internal or external—that shares an asset with the user determines their primary plan.
Managing Changes to the Primary Plan
Under USM, users can:
- Request a change in their primary plan.
- Have their primary plan automatically reassigned if their organization uses auto-provisioning.
This flexibility allows for dynamic user management, but it also requires careful oversight by system administrators.
Features of Primary Plans Across Plan Types
The functionality of primary plans depends on the Smartsheet plan type:
- Free Plans: Users cannot create assets. Authentication methods are limited.
- Pro and Business Plans: Users can create assets, and all authentication methods except single sign-on are supported.
- Enterprise Plans: System administrators have granular control over authentication methods and asset creation capabilities.
Regardless of the plan type, all assets created by a user are owned by their primary plan.
Key Takeaways
- The transition to USM has enabled greater flexibility and collaboration but introduced complexities in primary plan management.
- System administrators play a vital role in managing primary plans, particularly in organizations with high-security requirements.
- Understanding the primary plan’s role in authentication, asset creation, and ownership is essential for optimizing Smartsheet usage.
Conclusion
The primary plan is a fundamental part of Smartsheet’s architecture that impacts users and administrators alike. With the shift to USM, mastering this concept is critical for leveraging the platform’s full potential.
Stay tuned for more insights in the Smartsheet Platform Insights series. If you’re ready to optimize your Smartsheet experience, complete the Platform Consulting Interest Form to connect with a Smartsheet expert today!
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