Primavera P6

Overview

Time Location Plus is capable of importing data from Primavera P6 and earlier Primavera versions, in all versions that create .xer or .xml files (versions P3e, P4, P5, P6, P6 v7, P6 r8) Time Location Plus will also import from programs that create .xer files (e.g. Primavera Contractor, Pert Master and Primavera Risk Analysis). The import procedures are the same for all versions.

Unless specifically stated all the following applies to all versions of Primavera P6.

In order to import data from Primavera P6 it is necessary within P6 to allocate chainages to the tasks and to set up a code base for the different types of tasks. The project must then be exported in Primavera XER format. Time Location Plus then extracts the relevant data from the XER file.

Note: The project must have been rescheduled prior to exporting the data otherwise not all the relevant data is present in the XER file (Activity end dates, float etc.)

Allocating Chainages

Chainages are allocated in a text User Defined Field (UDF) in the format

Start Chainage : Finish Chainage

Any Global or Project UDF can be used but it must be the same field for all activities and it must not be used for any other purpose.

In the above example a UDF called 'Chainage' is being used with the task Sub-Base starting at chainage 1300 and finishing at 1600. If the entry had been 1600:1300 the activity would have been starting at chainage 1600 and finishing at chainage 1300. If an alternate chainage is also required this can be specified by separating the two chainages with a slash e.g. 1230:420/23B:450B

Allocating Codes

A specific activity code (or series of codes) for use with Time Location Plus must be set up, with values for the different types of Activity. This will form the basis of the Key Legend for the time location chart. All Activities which are to be imported into the time location chart MUST be allocated a time location package code. Tasks which do not have an allocated code will not be imported.

The activity code can be Global or Project based

In the above example an activity code Outline Prog has been set up with values for Clearance, Concrete Barrier, Ducts etc.

When these codes have been allocated to the relevant Activities, the project should be rescheduled and exported to an XER file or an XML file. The data is then ready for importing into Time Location Plus. (Note: exporting and importing using .xer is significantly faster than using .xml, therefore .xer is recommended where there is a choice.)

The project MUST be rescheduled prior to export otherwise Primavera does not include in the exported file, all the information required by Time Location Plus, resulting in errors and omissions in the imported data.

Within Time Location Plus

From the main menu select Import - Primavera P6 (r8, v7, P6, P5, P4, P3e, Contractor, Risk Analysis)

Locate the .xer, .xml or .zip file and the P6 Import Options dialogue box will open.

Highlight the Code Library holding the information on the Time Location Types, and select the Activity UDF holding the chainage information, from the dropdown chainage box. Select to Import Early Dates or Late Dates and select to use Free or Total Float.

Description 2, Free 1 and Free 2 list optional information that can be imported for display on the chart. This includes all activity UDF's and WBS. Select the desired selections. Note: It is possible for the same name to appear in the chainage drop down box more than once, if the same name has been used in the project for different udf's. If there is more than one entry with the same name ensure the correct one is chosen for import (which may take trial and error).

Press Continue.

The data will then be imported and the Save P6 Settings button will appear in the toolbar.

Continue Tutorial