Draper Provides Best Practice in Database Scheduling
Draper has extensive experience utilizing the industries latest scheduling software including Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asta Power Project, Phoenix, Rubix and others.
Over the 35 years of Draper & Associates, the power and functionality of database driven scheduling software has increased exponentially while the costs have decreased making their use more prevalent. We understand the power of utilizing database schedules for performing project planning and analytics. We also understand the pitfalls inherent in utilizing a database schedule that can impact project success.
The quality of a database schedule is directly correlated to the quality of the information that goes into the software. Issues such as logic flaws can be hidden within the database and not readily apparent to the users. The result can be schedule busts that are not discovered in a timely manner and result in negative budget impacts.
To assist our client utilizing database schedules, Draper has developed a set of best practice procedures and standards to help our clients navigate the complicated process of managing database project schedules.
- OPS Development – we strongly encourage our clients to develop the initial OPS utilizing the Graphic Network Diagram format. The graphic format provides a tool to allow the project team to clearly see how the project is planned to be built and the inherent logic.
- P6 Conversion – once the graphic OPS has been finalized, the Draper consultant will convert the graphic schedule to a P6 schedule utilizing the work breakdown structure, work flow and logic from the graphic version.
- QA/QC – once the conversion is complete, the Draper consultant utilizes a peer review process to test validity of the schedule. Our consultants utilize tools such as Aegis-Rubix analyze the logic of the schedule and identify risks before the impact project success.
- Status Updating/Reporting – during the update meetings, the Draper consultant will gather information (actual starts, actual finishes, logic changes, etc.) from the project team required to perform the P6 status update and produce reports. Draper has developed standard reporting templates to communicate to the project team the key data associated with the latest status update. Additionally, our consultants utilize s standard narrative template to tell the client what the schedule is saying.
- File Management/Integrity – a key to a successful project utilizing P6 is the process for managing the file and ensuring the integrity of the data within the schedule. For projects utilizing P6, the Draper consultant will maintain historical versions of the .XER file anytime significant changes are made to the schedule which will allow the client to capture changes if an as-built version is required. Additionally, we adhere to the policy that the Draper consultant is the only person allowed to make change to the master P6 file.
In many cases, the Draper consultant will maintain both the database schedule and the graphic schedule concurrently over the life of a project. This process allows for the graphical schedule to remain current and used to communicate project status in addition to providing a tool for validating the data being reported from the P6 schedule.
Whether you choose to use a Graphic Network Diagram, Database Schedule or a combination for your project, the primary factor for success is the skills and experience of the Scheduling Consultant. At Draper, our consultants have a diverse knowledge of construction and expertise a broad range of tools to help deliver successful projects.