Activity on Arrow and Non-Continuous PDM are wrong.
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Hi Rafael,
I pity you. It’s so sad to hear that you are being carried away by your tools. I’m not sure if you know the correct way of managing a project. Project Management never relied on tools. It is used only as a guide or assistance to speed up the process. Always remember no matter what tools you use it will not decides for you. A tool dependant Project Management always leads to defeat and failure. A good leader always uses his conscience, expertise, and experience in decision making and not allows the tools to decide for him.
Project Management is not only resource management. Cost, Time, Quality is the 3 key for planning. The rest will follow like risk, safety, communication…etc…
As I mention to you before, FLOAT IS NOT REAL!!! It is only an estimate and used as guide or indicator. No math or science has been proven yet to make it perfect. Planning tool will not tell you if your Project is safe, will not tell you what risk is involve, the quality of your works, resources are too crowded and poor productivity and many others. Planning tools will not make you as a good planner.
Note:
Clients or stakeholders always looking for systems that compatible to their system as much as possible so the data exchange and communications will much easier.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Anoon,
I do not have the latest version of P6, we tried it but we found it so unfit for our needs it took us just a few days to make our decision. If you do a search of what I was doing at the very beginning of 2009 you will find we were like crazy looking for a SureTrak substitute, this took us months.
The following link provides an introduction to the ‘‘resource critical’’ issue.
http://faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CEM/jannadi/backup-7april/Resource-Activity…
Up to this moment I only know of one software, Spider Project, that gives correct values of float after resource leveing. I will be very happy if I learn there is another good alternative that provides it. Needless to say that if P6 ever provides it that will not be enough to make it a good alternative, even with it I would keep it out, too many bugs and the wrong interface.
Catalan,
About using or not resource leveling, I go for the use of it. I also accept as valid the use of “soft relationships” but only if you accept this can vary as the schedule moves. I believe a good algorithm will do better than by hand. As a matter of fact I believe at times is convenient to combine both. Also for your knowledge most of my clients use the “soft relationships” method in relatively small jobs that can be handled with 600 activities schedules. These are Schools, Parking Garages, Office Buildings, Condos, Bowling Alley, Hangars, Jet engine Power Check Pad, Housing Developments, nothing out of the ordinary.
I compare the results of their approach against resource leveling loading the schedule on my own using the estimate used for bidding as estimating is what makes my living, scheduling is for fun.
I believe in the concept of freedom, if the Contractor want to use the soft relationships method to do HIS OWN PLANNING, he should be able to do so, forcing him to use other software and other methods is undemocratic, is wrong.
Hey MS Project is the most widely used planning software in the world, then why not ban the rest?
Best regards,
Rafael
Hi Rafael,
I suspect that you haven’t actually tried it in P6.
Please try it in P6 and tell us what you found out.
R. Catalan,
Resource levelling is important from the start, so you need to do it as accurately as you can during assigning of resources.
For me, it always depend on how you had structured your activities.
Best regards
Dear Rafael and All,
An honest opinion, it somehow offended other planners that are not using resource scheduling in their projects. We seldom use resource leveling but still were credited for the early/on-time completion of our projects.
PP has helped a lot of planners to get better with their works with the threads they have read here.
Maybe we can try to call all concerned planners to vote in this thread if resource-leveling is really required or important in their planning needs?
_______________________________________________
Vote A for "Resource-Leveling Is Required or Important"
Vote B for "No Need, I Can Do Better Planning Withour It"
For me, I vote for B (1 point).
Best regards,
R. Catalan
Schedule a 2 activities network, not tied one to each other by precedence logic but sharing a limited resource.
For example:
Activity A – 5 days
Activity B - 5 days
Both activities sharing Resource A.
Most software under resource leveling will schedule A and B at different time, the first one depending on your priorities selection. This is ok up to this point, but the problem is most will show float of 5 days on the first activity while a delay in this activity will delay the completion of your schedule.
Imagine that you as a Project Manager look at the available float as per your CPM schedule and start paying attention to those shown as critical and even start moving resources from those showing some float as to keep under control those showing no float. Because most software under resource constrained schedule will show the wrong float for resource critical activities you most probably will end up moving resources precisely from the wrong activities. You either will discover too late it was wrong or start doubting about the CPM float display. Well better start doubting about the CPM float display and either buy a glass ball or software capable of showing resource critical float.
The following example illustrates the error can happen not only on the critical path but also anywhere, just to make it clear how wrong it can be.
http://www.spiderproject.ru/library/pmie01_rcp.pdf
Best Regards,
Rafael
Hi Rafael,
Im just wondering how you had made your two-activity sample for P6 which according to you (several times already), displayed the wrong float after resource levelling?
I tried it several times also, and it is not displaying any float (0) or sometimes negative, which gives me the impression that P6 is accurately calculating, but you are always saying otherwise, thats why I have developed some doubts as well, and no one (at least up to now) challenges that what you are saying is not true.
As we are always making schedules as correctly (at least in our own imagination) as we can, we seldom use resource levelling, as we had assigned resources considering that no adjustments is gonna happen during the course of the project.
Best regards
Rodel,
Are you or your company forcing at gun point that all contractors use a rubbish and unreliable tool as P6? P6 is a tool that every other day someone discovers a bug, this is no secret just look at P6 threads, a tool where float is useless after resource leveling, unbelievably this is simple math missed by many schedulers.
Suppose all the designs by your company are correct and no revisions are needed, if needed is always the fault of others, seems like architects are a breed apart.
But as you said every company has its needs, then why not accept that the selection of the software by the Contractor shall be what satisfy his needs and force him to use software that satisfy the need of other at the expense of his own needs? Why many times as Contractors we have been forced to use Primavera software when we find it so unreliable?
Maybe you do not need reliable float display, but we do. We use the metrics as a buffer. If it does not matter then let us submit schedules with no float, anyway if P6 most probably will be wrong.
What is the use of nice P6 bar charts if not used by the Contractor as his own tool? P6 is all on the surface, the engine is bad. Keep in mind that if float display is wrong for the contractor managing resources with the assistance of the CPM tool then it is just a beauty of a bar chart to the eyes of others not his, is useless, is no true scheduling, is wrong math. To us math is beauty; if wrong there is no beauty on it no matter the color selection for your bars.
Best regards,
Rafael
All,
No offense intended.
Can you imagine if we are having the same imagination in the middle of the night (I dont care who you are sleeping with)?
Scarllet,
There is always a solution, I supposed it is printed in the US dollar.
Best regards
Hi Rodel,
Thats what Im trying to say, all plans can be wrong because of differences in perceptions. It is just in the imagination and how do you create an ideal interface between imaginations?
Hi Scarllet,
I believe there is a solution, and thats what we are always trying to find out.
Best regards
Hi Anoon,
We as an architect have different views, all designs are correct; we don’t accept it is wrong. That’s our interpretation, perception and imagination. We love our creation and the beauty depends on eye of creator but we always accept client concept and suggestion because they have the right on their own. Same as the planner, their own creation and perception may be different from the PM, client and construction personnel but with their help and assistance it will soon pointed to the right directions. I will not say it’s correct but that’s my view.
Best Regards,
Rodel
IMHO,
I think what was missed in this discussion is the politics involved in projects.
There is no democracy in project development because the contract dictates what are the deliverables. There is no free will as we experience in a democratic world.
So while the thread is trying hard to state something wrong somewhere, there is no solution. As small time planning engineer, we just learned to move on since there is no solution.
Thank you,
Scarlett
Dear All,
For me, all plans or schedules are wrong the first time they are published.
Schedules can only become correct as soon as they are realized.
And why we schedule our work?
To put everything in mind into paper, or a piece of chip! so that others can read whats exactly in mind.
Best regards
Vladimir,
As I have mention, every company has their own common need and not all packages can substantiate those need. Our company deals internationally and various country and with the help off modern technology and online facility gave us more advantage like having a live schedule up to date for a top management in different places with out asking for a schedule in each project. It’s all there available online.
Project Management is not only dealing with resource management, the planning itself deals with cost, time, resource, quality, safety etc… and feasibility of schedule are not only dealing with resources, it can be analyzed in many different ways where a good planner can demonstrate his ability and knowledge on project management. Planning tool will be a good help but not always the case. If a schedule is only use for presentation why we plan? What’s the used of planner? Why we schedule our work?
Best Regards,
Rodel
Rodel,
I want to clarify that the process of schedule updates can be organised different ways, and these ways have advantages and disadvantages (we do not discuss the software packages and the ways it is organised in the certain packages). When updates timing is different for different suprojects (project phases) the direct access to the common schedule model becomes complicated.
Yes, projects were successfully managed even before appearance of computers. But the tools that were created for project managers shall make it easier and PMs more informed. Project management for contractors means resource management. And if resource levelling is not used then the contractor planner does not know if the schedule is feasible. It means that the schedule is just a presentation tool.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Mimoune,
Thanks for the advised. I’m an architect in profession but grown more at site and construction instead on my drawing board and concentrate on the design. I love database especially when I learned how powerful it is by the used of different application and having integrated system that works fine.
Vladimir,
I’m sure you know the difference between 2 processes and a single process, online and offline. Like what you said all software’s had different advantages and disadvantages. Every company has their own common needs where on our case enterprise and open database are more appropriate.
Rafael,
Yes we do resource leveling when required. That’s one module from planning tool that every planner can live without it. As we know not all planners do resource leveling and it is not a day to day basis requirement. Every ones has their own need and specialty. Planning tool is just a tool that can used to make planners job easier than before. Some planner with out the knowledge of using this tool still can have their schedule and plan according to their knowledge and methodology but finished it on time and accomplished the works successfully. Before I used lotus 123 then excel to draw my schedule because those tools are not available until been installed and available to use but we manage to live with our schedule successfully.
Float is good to analyze project situation and very helpful if we know how to use it. But always remember float is not real. It is only an estimate and not a perfect science. Some planning tools maybe capable of producing it more accurate but is it necessity on planner daily works? Schedule is just a guide and not 100% perfect. I haven’t seen a Project that runs 100% according to the schedule. There are lots of technique has been used and introduce like CCPM, Theory of Constrain (TOC), CPM etc… but still not perfect.
Everyone has the right to have their opinion and everyone have their own talent. You may love your planning tools because it works for you but 100% sure not everyone have the same satisfaction like you are. Every planning tools have their own characteristics and capability but again it’s always depends on users needs. A good planner is not because he is a good operator of a planning tools, I seen a lot of planner that are very talented on using their tools, good presentation and reports but don’t know how to read a plan, coordinate with construction personnel, no knowledge on construction methodology, how activity has been derived, no knowledge in estimating and etc… so end up just an encoder or operator. (Majority of them are IT joins in a construction industry).
Friendly word of advised. Don’t criticize something that you don’t know about. It might fire back to you. WE have a saying “Little knowledge is dangerous”.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Rodel,
Even if the only benefit of integration with your ERP software is for transferring of updating data I can see benefit on it, especially if the data comes from many jobs all happening at the same day, perhaps in different shifts, with short duration activities. Yes I believe under such circumstance the updating data should come from the line supervisor of each individual job and not from a 24hr a day timekeeper that will miss many details. By the way you describe the issue it seems to me it is of substantial value under your circumstances as not to trade it for the traditional updating procedure that are a better fit for most of us. In a similar way maybe Utilities can benefit of such way of updating hundreds of jobs per week.
I still agree with Mimmoune... “but using full database system for a standalone usage is ....”. Requiring use of P6 for 98% of construction jobs is insane. Can you imagine planning the substitution of a windows at a Federal Courthouse using P6, insane, the construction of a 30 classrooms School, insane, the construction of a Municipal WWTP, insane, the construction of a bridge, insane, the construction of a Drug Store, insane, a Home Depot Store, insane, a Marshalls Store, insane, a Parking Garage, insane and the list goes on and on.
Please take notice of my question about float after resource constraining, I am curious about schedulers being aware of the issue on resource critical float, lack of knowledge of this issue can be disastrous if you manage your job using the concept of available float and not aware of this.
Best regards,
Rafael
P.S. insane not only because P6 is based on a monstrous database but also because it is a BUG. I do not believe ever existed software with so many bugs.
Vladimir
i repeat what i have said before, i find spider very interesting( resource leveling, importing past period performance), and SDPM very promoting,at least it take into account criticality of tasks (that what I understood from the little documentations I could read) and i hope we will live in a world of diversity, i hate when i speak with others planners, and they have never heard about spider, powerproject, safran, openplan, x-planner,they thought Planning = CPM = Primavera (high end), Ms project (low end)
but i wish from you more effort to promote spider outside of Russia, i wish to read books about spider usage in English, i wish someday that you create a north American subsidiary. i love competitions, it is what drive innovations. And at the end of the day, the planner will gain.
for ODBC connectivity usage, and why integration is the new hot topic in portfolio management, i think Rodel has better explain it then me.
Rodel
lets be honest, working with SQL database is not so easy, at least for a guy like me, i am a civil engineer, for example linking from SQL server to Excel is easy, but the other direction is not so simple (you know that already), and please dont be so humble.
mimoune
Rodel,
Do you model resources in your scheduling and use resource leveling?
If yes, how do you interpret the displayed values for float as P6 do not display correct values of float after resource leveling? Do you hide the values of float to all others so unreliable values are not shown?
It will display available float in some activities that because of resource availability cannot be delayed without this delaying the schedule.
Best regards,
Rafael
Rodel,
I already wrote that changing data date without changing the remaining durations and moving dependent activities is misleading.
I dont agree that importing requires double effort. If the process is established then it is just one command.
But in this case your schedule is always valid, the state when different activities have different data dates can be escaped.
Each approach has own advantages.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Vladimir,
Primavera has a capability of changing data date without scheduling. That doesn’t mean much but instead of using spotlight a data date can be shown on any date you want.
I agree with you that Direct access or importing does not change much except for the double effort which can be eliminated by direct access.
Ex: If we use export to refresh our in-house database then it another programming code will be done to validate the data from existing to a new one. (less error if using direct) Importing data compare to direct are almost the same except it can be done automatically using direct access.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Rodel,
I cannot understand moving data date without scheduling. If remaining duration is changed then it is not just the moving of the data date, it is moving future events and dependent activities. It cannot be done without scheduling. Another option - looking to the wrong schedule.
When all reports will come and the data date becomes the same for all objects the model can be rescheduled.
Now imagine that all actual data are collected in Excel (or some other external program) and before rescheduling are moved to the Primavera database. In this case previous approved schedule is available to the moment when new schedule will replace the old one.
I dont see the serious advantages of the first process. Direct access or importing does not change much.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Rafael,
We are not talking about sales or inventory here. It’s a capability of a database integrated to another database where input can be done on a daily or weekly basis. Yes on the cut-off date a schedule is review and validated before publishing. The source of input is from different location and instead of sending data from each and import into database; it can be done automatically on their side.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Vladimir,
I understand what you’re saying but in our case was different. This is how it works. We have an in-house database link to Primavera database where other stations are operating. The database was capable of viewing schedule data on the database where priority, look ahead, quantity are viewable for each item. Ex: Spool fabrication, supports, galvanizing, painting, insulation and many others. Weekly the other stations will input what they accomplished and we have a cut-off date. P6 has a capability of moving data date without scheduling (F9). When report comes, just a press of a button a new fresh schedule will come up.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Vladimir,
Not sure if I am following you, but I understand CPM updating is not the same as sales updating at a Sears Store Cash Register, here sales data and inventory is entered on line. I believe looking at any schedule updating only make sense after all period data is entered, any look at the schedule before all data is entered, is misleading, is in error, should not be available to everyone. A company that is displaying to everyone partial project updates is in error. The validity of live data is a fallacy, is daydreaming, only after all updating data is entered and verified the schedule can be called to be valid.
Data shall be entered only once does not means at a single data entry session, it may take a couple of days. You can enter first all the updating data for work performed by your own crews and then on the next day enter all updating data as it become available from your subcontractors unless you have a glass ball and can enter their estimate for remaining duration.
Well seems you already answered my doubts while I was writing this reply, anyway here it goes.
Best regards,
Rafael
Rodel,
if the data dates for different schedule objects are not the same the schedule model is not workable.
You will not be able to reschedule, to provide most reports, the model is useless.
So there is a need for the certain data entry (or import) schedule - at what time, at what dates. Entering actual data between these dates shall be banned.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Vladimir,
I agree that Project schedule shall be updated at the certain predefined moments, but my point is because it is viewable online, we don’t have to worry if the data is correct or out of date. No import needed to be done first to have fresh data. No need to advise the other side of the world if the data was updated or not. It works like warehousing, accounting but the difference it is construction and or fabrication.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Rodel,
I agree that the data shall be entered only once.
But I dont see much difference between capabilities of import/export and direct access.
Project schedule shall be updated at the certain predefined moments and it does not matter much what is the way of updating data to these moments (direct access or import from other softwares).
I dont mean Spider, this is theoretical discussion.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Vladimir,
Well I’m not a computer programmer or developer but Im one of the fortunate that found it very easy.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Hi Vladimir,
I’m not saying that Spider has problem and like what I said I have no idea what Spider capable of.
My examples is for those planning tools which don’t have capability of direct exchange of data to avoid double input, use automation and interfacing to another system.
Ex: A schedule data is link to another system that been published electronically without worrying that the data is out of date.
An up to date program that can be accessed to another system in different format where contractor can view electronically on their own system like fabrication schedule look ahead and target completion. It may be on tabular format or table format for each activity with correct data online and many others.
Rodel,
unfortunately it is not that easy.
And Primavera does not recommended to write to P6 database directly.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Rafael,
I respect your opinion and we are happy for you. You love something that makes you happy then it’s you to enjoy it.
Like what I mention, I haven’t use Spider and looking forward to have a chance in the future. I used Artemis where I began to have interest in database, Microsoft Project, P3, P3e (P4), P3e/c, P5, P6 and I don’t have problem with all of them. If I got a chance of using Spider I will love it for sure.
For you info, P6 database doesn’t require any PhD like what you mentioned. It is simple and very easy to understand. It is an open database where integration and interfacing is very possible to any system which I believed one of the selling points of Primavera. SQL is very popular everywhere and very common to all system. It can be accessed directly through SQL or any Open Database Connectivity (ODBC).
Hi Rodel,
I would like to understand your requirement using the specific examples. What limitations do you mean?
Spider Project can save the project into its own format or into database (all tables, codes, etc. are open). Saving into database we call export. Project can be opened from the own file or from the database (we call this import).
We have customers that use Spider together with their ERP systems and did not meet problems. But maybe you mean using the PM software some specific way?
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Hi Mimoune,
Thanks for the information. I understand what you’re saying and I agree with your thought. The simplest and easy accessible is the better. But we are now on the age of modern science where every system requires full interface, common control and one system that operate everything in one single station .One of the selling advantage of every a company now is a good system that produce everything with compatibility to clients system. Data exchange is now very important especially in the electronic and computer world like now.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Mimoune,
That you can use Spider Project without the need to link it to external databases it does not mean it cannot do it. The great difference is that for most of the operations other software requires for you to use a link to an external database Spider can handle 99% with Reference Books functionality, is easier, makes no sense going the hard way.
Best regards,
Rafael
Mimoune,
I live in Russia and in my country Spider Project is most popular and widely used professional PM tool.
All large programs here are managed with Spider Project and we are involved in the management of some of them (with total budget exceeding $60bln).
We are happy with this.
We support our partners and users in other countries (28).
But it is your choice - what software to select. It depends on your requirements. I think that the wide choice is better than no choice.
Why do you need ODBC driver? Is there some special purpose or just in case ...
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Rodel,
I judge something at times based on observation, I have worked with several scheduling software without the need of a PhD in Databases. To me it should be on the background, bringing it to the user level is unnecessary. With Spider I can transfer data among file tables at will without the need of specialized training.
I can make my opinion without asking the “experts” on a product I do not know the inner workings, I can make my opinion by comparing the result with similar products. I can compare my experience with a Jeep Cherokee, a very bad experience with my experience with my 2 Toyota 4runners and my wife Toyota Highlander, all Toyota great products I only know how to drive and how to check basic liquids.
The same I can do with Primavera P6, a horrible experience, with SureTrak and P3, not bad, Spider Project, even better. Without any knowledge about databases I can tell you my experience with P6 lead me to reach an opinion of my own, that it is rubbish. Is relevant to PP community all members express their experiences for the knowledge of the rest.
The time for training in my profession is more productive if a course on Foundation Design, Structural Engineering, Pre/Post Tensioned Concrete Structures, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant, Storm sewer Design, Structural Steel Structures, Concrete Structures, Structural Dynamics, Construction Codes and Project Management among many others, but databases for what, I see no need.
Here at PP many of us are Project Managers in varied field such as Construction, Oil and Gas, Nuclear and many others, we are managers in need of a workable tool that does not require of us any specialized knowledge on database administration to keep us in control. Outsourcing some decisions is not only expensive but many times counterproductive. I found a scheduling tool that do not requires from me any knowledge about databases all I ask is for Government Agencies and Owners to allow the Contractor to use the software of their choosing. If by brute force then why not MS Project or an Abacus?
Best regards,
Rafael
Vladimir
no you did not wrote that" spider is the best thing invented after after CPM", i only meant is that the software is as good as it is actually used, whats the point of a fantastic tool if it is used only by a small number of people.
Rafael
P6.7 include by default oracle database, but if you upgrade from p6.2, you can keep, your Microsoft Database, but to be honest installing oracle express edition is not so intuitive, specially if you screw up the first installation and you want to do a re-installation, it is a nightmare, because even when you remove the first installations, some files simply stay, and if you want to install again, the system will tell you, that oracle database are already installed, the only solution some manual deleting. and a lot of googling.
Rodel
from my understanding, spider use a kind of embedded proprietary database, the advantages, it is installed with the software, no need to configure anything, and you can export, import any imaginable data, but unfortunately there is no driver available, thus no live ODBC queries.
and if i had to choose,in case of stand alone usage, i would prefer something like SQlite, small footprint, embedded with the software, and has good driver.
for enterprise usage, it is clear, a kick ass oracle 11 database.
but using full database system for a standalone usage is ....
best regards
Mimoune
Thanks Vladimir,
I believed there is a big difference between the two options. An open database has exposed all table structures which an advantage for the use of integration and interfacing of one software to another. The data exchange is not limited and matching fields against its table can be improvised. Using import/ export function has a limitation of data, unknown structures and limited input interface.
Best Regards,
Rodel
Hi Rodel,
since the schedule model is valid only if the data date is common for all schedule objects there is not much difference between the options that you suggested.
In any case the model shall be updated in the discreet moments and open database has no advantages against import/export function.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Hi Rafael,
I’m puzzle on how you judge something when you don’t know anything about it?
It’s seems that spider is really a very promising planning tools where you can integrate in any other system without any problem. Unfortunately I haven’t got luck to use them yet but I’m looking forward that chance will come someday.
Is spider having an open database?
You mention about relational database. Relational database consist of a collection of tables that store matches data by using common characteristics found within the data set. The invention of this database system has standardized the way that data is stored and processed. The resulting groups of data are organized and are much easier for many people to understand. The concept of a relational database derives from the principles of relational algebra, realized as a whole by the father of relational databases, E. F. Codd. Most of the database systems in use today are based on the relational system.
Just for curiosity sake, if you will have a pleasure to select a planning tools which one is your preference? A planning tool with open database and its structure where you can use other simple application for your convenience, an open database where you can add, edit and modify data directly on the tables or a planning tool with close database but data is available using import/export function for the use of other simple application for your own convenience to add, edit and modify data?
Best Regards,
Rodel
Then the network - if there are activities without predecessors/ successors, if there are constraints like Start no Earlier Then.
And only then the schedule itself - if resources were levelled, if it can be improved.
Vladimir,
Start with the premise the first step passed. Then how the other steps must follow?
Best regards,
Rafael
Rafael,
math computations are useless if they are based on the data that are not reliable.
The first step of the schedule verification is the verification of its initial data. If they are not reliable then all schedule improvements do not make any sense.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Vladimir,
I believe Sammer is looking for a way to test the math computations used by Spider Project.
I believe that perhaps because of the way the algorithms are defined the only way is to run as many simulations you can. Covering all possibilities even in the best of today supercomputer can be impractical.
Kind of similar to Monte Carlo Simulation need, the CPM model is so sophisticated and the combinatorial possibilities are unlimited that it is not possible to write a mathematical equation that will give us the result for whatever a scheduler want to model.
Vladimir, seems like a few are scratching their heads because with Spider you can work with the database tables using the concept of Reference Book, something similar to a “shell”, an interface that runs over the other to make it user friendly. I know nothing about database but can play basketball with Spider Project Tables and without injury as no matter how I tried I have not been able to corrupt a single file.
Somewhere I heard the term relational database. Do databases have sex with each other?
Best regards,
Rafael
Dear Samer,
I looked at the paper that you advised and did not find the answers to my questions.
I think that did not understand what do you mean by audit.
Being on site does not help to audit the quality of the project schedule that may cover long period.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Rodel
I know nothing about database, is just that P6 is so inefficient and by watching how more powerful software can do better without the use of Oracle or MS databases that I am deducting part of the limitation is on the external database engine.
I find it intriguing that Oracle uses a Microsoft Database as the default option in one of their products, P6. Therefore I believe is because of their inability to provide an equivalent. My limited knowledge then tells me Microsoft Databases are better than Oracles. I cannot understand how a supposedly excellent company as Oracle has such a bad product.
Best regards,
Rafael
Dear Vladimir,
You asked me about what procedure that I propose for internal audits. I found this article that I posted yesterday under Contracts:
"
Applying Internal Controls Skills on Construction Projects*
Alexia Nalewaik, CCE MRICS. *This article first appeared on the website of RICA Americas
http://www.ricsamericas.org/member-articles.html and is reprinted ...
www.icoste.org/ICMJ%20Papers/Nalewaik3.pdf
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This is a good start showing the direction.
With kind regards,
Samer
Dear Vladimir,
Updating and reviewing the Schedules is a lot of work if you are sitting in the office. For a person that is at site all the time, it is very easy. Because they already saw all the information and know the full details.
Usually it takes me between 30-60 seconds to review each page. So for a 10,000 activities/35 activity per page = 300 pages = 5 hours approximately. Say 6 hours with the report writing and other interruptions.
With kind regards,
Samer
Rafael,
there are no restrictions of Spider Viewer usage for our customers. They can install them on any number of computers and supply their clients, customers, subcontractors for free.
Best Regards,
Vladimir
Hi Mimoune,
Thank you, I will look at the format you suggested.
As I wrote earlier Spider Project schedules can be exported to xml, MS Project, P6, text, Oracle, SQL Server.
The data formats were described in Spider Project Help.
I don’t see problems with this.
In my country Spider Project is widely used in all industries, for all large programs for more than 15 years. At the moment we also have customers in 28 other countries and branches in 5 of them. So many thousands planners from thousands companies are using Spider Projects for many years.
I did not say that “spider is the best thing invented after CPM method”. Where did you see it? More than that – I don’t know what do you mean by CPM method. Spider supports many methods and we suggest our customers to apply SDPM method that is more powerful and reliable.
Best Regards,
Vladimir