Primavera P6 Software Review: CH2MHILL (1 of 2)
User Review
JimBerg
Review Summary
Even in an earlier iteration, Primavera's Integrated Project Management Solution helped CH2MHILL plan a contract quickly and effectively. In version P6 of its software, the vendor addressed most of the flaws or problem areas Jim Berg encountered over his 17 years of using the product.
"Many of the items I would change already exist in the newer version of Primavera's scheduling software [P6]. I am using v 3.1 because the older schedulers that established the schedule used this software and they have not migrated to P6," he said. "I would change the Windows compatibility issues from 3.1, which was done with the newer versions of the software."
Although user documentation is better than average and its help desk is usually responsive, the quality of Primavera's support is decreasing slightly as the company releases later versions, Berg said.
Berg gave Primavera scheduling software an 8 out of 10 rating.
Full Review
More than 16 years.
Various projects, actually. I'm currently working on a power plant project. However, our mainstay is wastewater. The company does architecture and planning; decontamination and decommissioning; energy management and planning; enterprise information management; security and emergency management; engineer-procure-construct (EPC) and design-build; lean enterprise solutions; operations and management (O&M) and facilities management; program and construction management; environmental management and planning; site/infrastructure planning and sustainable solutions.
It was company issued.
I do not know.
I use Primavera for construction project scheduling. I am currently using it on a power plant upgrade project. We are using it to schedule all the engineering and construction work that's going to be performed, prior to and including, all the installation of foundations, steel and equipment. We did all the manpower, the sequencing and the durations of the activities.
Primavera products are the industry standard from our point of view.
Yes I did, however I wasn't part of the evaluation process.
This construction scheduling software has been around since I joined the work force.
On the Deerhaven power plant project where we're working today, we wouldn't have been able to perform the planning as quickly and effectively without this product. Many years ago I worked in the ship-building industry, submarines in particular, and we did all our planning on paper. It took months and months and months for this planning effort to happen. If there were changes, it could take a month or two to implement a change. It streamlined the whole industry. It's easier to make changes, it's easier to get the plan together and the information you're getting back is a timely.
If you were doing this by hand, you'd be saving thousands of hours. If you were comparing it to another application, it would depend on the user and their proficiency. Initially, it took about a month to schedule all aspects of Deerhaven. Doing it on paper would take about six months. If it were me doing it on Microsoft Project, it might take me a month and a half.
Primavera scheduling software identifies tasks, the relationship between tasks, helps identify the plan, lets you assign resources, identifies man hours and overload situations, critical path activities, and earned value.
I am not sure because I do not know how much we paid.
Many of the items I would change already exist in the newer version of Primavera's scheduling software, called P6. I am using v 3.1 because the older schedulers that established the schedule used this software and they have not migrated to P6. I would change the Windows compatibility issues from 3.1, which was done with the newer versions of the software.
There are many features I do not use, simply because they are not necessary for my business.
All engineering, construction and consulting companies, any firms or organizations that are cost- and schedule-driven would benefit from Primavera scheduling software.
Minimal, however being somewhat [computer] literate certainly helps.
My formal training was minimal, with 60 hours total over a 17-year period.
Yes, overall it's good. Lately, however, customer support has declined for the earlier version of Primavera's scheduling software [v3.1].
Good, better than most. Yes, it is basically helpful.
Yes, the firm will. However, this particular project will not use it.
8
Company Overview
Seattle-based Dexter + Chaney Inc. specializes in construction accounting and construction project management software. The company was founded in 1981 and provides its software to clients throughout the United States. Dexter + Chaney has developed an integrated construction management software package called Spectrum Construction Software.
9700 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA
Web: dexterchaney.com
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