I did not know that it is possible to create and to use multiple WBS in the P6 schedules.
Multiple WBS is not the same as creating multiple groupings by activity codes. It is necessary to keep project history and be able to compare and to apply EVM to different WBS items in different structures.
If multiple WBS are available in P6 it is a part of the integrated cost and schedule management. Other parts include managing multiple cost components and parallel budgets (example: expenses and contract costs), simulating financing and payments, risk simulation including cost items, and cost leveling if project financing is constrained.
Project cost directly depends on the project duration and cannot be managed separately from the project schedule.
Original Message:
Sent: 07-09-2023 12:38 AM
From: Zartab Z Quraishi
Subject: Cost Control Software
Primavera has option to create user defined fields. Additionally, we can create different WBS (just for cost Purpose) to capture the way stake holder want to run cost reports. Combination of additional WBS and added user defined field can capture everything needed to manage project cost wise in the same Primavera schedule.
With regard to John Corr's article, the issues that John has raised can be easily addressed from what I have described above. The situation that John described require additional steps to keep the cost report reflect the intention of inspectors. We can easily capture all intended deduction in a separate WBS and let same schedule drive cost and schedule. It will be less work for everyone involved and chances of manipulating schedule critical path will be minimized.
We have successfully run cost loaded schedule and generate payments with no problem.
Original Message:
Sent: 7/8/2023 11:02:00 PM
From: Ghaith Al-Hiyari
Subject: RE: Cost Control Software
Time-phasing cost forecasts through various means, including cost loaded means, is one aspect of cost control. There are many other facets that cannot be addressed by time phasing and requires analysis from an elemental perspective rather than a time phased one. This analysis includes many dimensions, such as: budgets, authorized funding, commitments, incurred cost and the estimate at completion including potential changes, trend from a totals / project lifetime perspective. Scheduling software are not equipped with the tools to conduct this type of comprehensive cost analysis and modelling that is essential for project cost control.
Also, there are many flaws with over dependence on cost loaded schedules to serve other purposes, other than scheduling. @John Orr eloquently described some of these flaws in a technical paper titled : the Great Divorce - Cost Loaded Schedule Updating
In conclusion, a scheduling software cannot address most cost control challenges in a similar way to how a cost control software is not capable of addressing scheduling challenges. Both can integrate at a common denominator (i.e. a cost loaded schedule), but is not the full spectrum of cost control by any means.
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Ghaith Al-Hiyari PMP CCP
Director
Turner & Townsend
Toronto ON
Original Message:
Sent: 07-08-2023 09:22 PM
From: Zartab Z Quraishi
Subject: Cost Control Software
Cost is best managed by loading schedule for cost. When schedule is loaded for cost, we will immediately know why we are not meeting the cash flow projection. By keeping cost and resource in different silos, we are creating more paperwork (cost and schedule update separately) which is not need and it increases the chance of mistakes taking place.
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Zartab Quraishi CCP PSP
Sr Project Manager
Kaiser Permanente
Stevenson Ranch CA
1 (661) 373-1582
zartab@aol.com
Original Message:
Sent: 06-20-2023 08:18 AM
From: Vladimir Liberzon
Subject: Cost Control Software
Cost and schedule are closely interrelated.
Why cost control is done using special separate software?
What is wrong with the project management tool you are using?
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Vladimir Liberzon
General Manager
Spider Project Team
Moscow
v.liberzon@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2023 02:21 PM
From: Allen C Hamilton
Subject: Cost Control Software
Folks,
Does anyone have a list of cost control software?
Interentestly there is little or no information in the Virtual Library except the RP 94R-18 Software requirements.
Best regards, Allen
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Allen Hamilton
President
Project Management Assoc LLC
Morris Plains NJ
1 (973) 984-1853
ACHamilton42@outlook.com
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