Construction Scheduling: Primavera vs.

MS Project
March 19, 2011 Knowing which software to choose for specific construction scheduling services or a specific type of project, can significantly improve the efficiency of the construction scheduling process and produce a higher quality construction CPM schedule that is more commensurate with the needs of the project. Based on our professional opinion and extensive construction scheduling experience, we usually recommend Primavera applications for the vast majority of construction schedules; although, MS Project can still be a useful tool in the correct application. Primavera applications have long been the construction scheduling tool of choice for construction scheduling consultants and construction schedulers throughout the industry. Primavera offers many advantages that other applications cannot match such as a centralized database that multiple users can access at any given time. Different levels of authority can be assigned to different users for security and organizational purposes. Furthermore, Primavera allows multiple project-level construction schedules to be open simultaneously for program-level analysis. Resources can be assigned individual work calendars; this allows for simultaneous updates to be made to all construction schedules that utilize that specified resource. Perhaps the most significant advantage of Primavera is the sheer magnitude of the processing capability that can compute complex construction CPM schedules that contains thousands of activities and relationships. Many large-scale projects could not be effectively scheduled on any other software platform. Customer support has significantly improved since the purchase of Primavera by Oracle. MS Project offers a useful tool for construction scheduling novices that do not require large schedules with thousands of activities. The visual display of MS Project is appealing and offers a variety reports that can be quickly generated. The user-interface of MS Project is much more user-friendly than Primavera, hence less training is usually required to operate the program. Some basic timeline bar charts that represent construction phases or other grouping category can be effectively generated in a short time period. Another major strength of Whether you are performing construction schedule services, construction schedule oversight, construction schedule analysis, or other construction schedule application, choosing the right construction scheduling tool for the project or application is critical to the success of the project.

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2011 Precision Scheduling Consultants. All Rights Reserved.

MS Project is the ability to communicate to other Microsoft applications. Primavera does communicate with Microsoft Excel; although, the Import / Export process is not seamless. Cost is sometimes a factor when choosing software for construction scheduling services. Depending on which options are chosen, a license of Primavera can cost over $3,000. MS Project is considerable less at around $1,000. Based on our professional opinion that was derived from years and $billions worth of construction scheduling experience, some basic guidelines to follow when deciding on a construction scheduling tool are summarized below: Projects with over 500 activities Primavera (P6). Program-level analysis or simultaneous multiple project analysis Primavera (P6). Multiple user interface (more than one person updating the schedule) Primavera (P6). Projects with over $10 million worth of scope Primavera (P6). Construction schedule oversight and detailed analysis Primavera (P6). Non-construction projects or process-oriented schedules MS Project. Basic bar charts or timelines for display in MS PowerPoint presentation MS Project. Following these simple guidelines listed above can assist you in deciding which construction scheduling tool is best suited for your project. Whether you are performing construction schedule services, construction schedule oversight, construction schedule analysis, or other construction schedule application, choosing the right construction scheduling tool for the project or application is critical to the success of the project.

www.precisionscheduling.com
2011 Precision Scheduling Consultants. All Rights Reserved.