It’s a reason to celebrate….a new book on Oracle Primavera P6 has just been released!
The selection of reference books (and authors) for Primavera P6 users are very few. So I’m delighted when new books are published, especially this one – Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8: Project and Portfolio Management by Daniel L. Williams and Elaine Britt Krazer and published by Packt Publishing.
Synopsis
I have to say, the author’s have taken on a wide scope and have done so well. Written to be “a gentle introduction to P6”, Williams and Krazer cover Oracle’s Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management tool from end to end. The focus is on 3 main areas:
- How to use P6 to build schedules
- Basics of Portfolio Management and Analysis
- Resource Management, briefly
There is even an appendix chapter on integration of P6 with cost management systems like Peoplesoft or JD Edwards.
As you may know, Primavera P6 EPPM differs from Primavera P6 PPM in that it consists of both a web-based tool as well as the familiar P6 windows-client – Williams and Krazer cover both in their book, making it a complete reference manual.
Highlights
A few items that standout for me on reading Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8: Project and Portfolio Management
- The author’s clearly know their stuff. Included are some gems like the history of Primavera software, details on downloading the software from Oracle, and an overview of what’s new in version 8.
- The concepts are equally covered first in the web tool, then in the windows client. This layout helps to compare and contrast both tools so you can decide which is right in your circumstances.
- Best practices are highlighted throughout the book. This will help reader’s not only understand the feature, but how best to use that feature in projects.
- The author’s do their best to cover concepts in detail and with appropriate screenshots and arrows to guide you.
Areas for Improvement
Although this book is very well done overall, for me, the coverage of P6 EPPM’s risk management features is needs a bit more. With version 8, a complete overhaul of risk management was implemented and I would have liked to see more detail on setting up risk matrices and risk scoring, as many of my clients have requested. Lastly, although the book is rich with screenshots, at times, the images could be bigger and cover more of the page. This may be a layout issue enforced by the publisher. These areas for improvement are small in comparison to the value the book brings.
Recommendations
As Primavera trainer and implementation consultant, I often get asked what books on Primavera P6 I would recommend. I would recommend Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8: Project and Portfolio Management to any user, new or seasoned, of Primavera P6 EPPM. It’s a valuable and detailed reference for a complex and sophisticated project management tool.
You can download Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8: Project and Portfolio Management in ebook form from Packt Publishing or purchase the hardcopy and keep it handy. It is also available on Amazon.
Have Your Say
Have you read this book? Let us know what you think and how it stands up.
Got a recommendation to share? What books on Primavera P6 would you recommend to users and why?
