2012 is proving to have set a notch for Primavera books from Packt Publishing. They have released 2 books on Oracle Primavera software in 2012. We have already let you know about the first one – now let’s have a look the second; the first Primavera Contract Manager book ever written (to my knowledge) – Oracle Primavera Contract Management 14, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14 by Stephen D. Kelly. Yep, that title is a mouthful!
Synopsis
Well it’s clear from the first dozen pages that Stephen Kelly knows his stuff and has been using Primavera Contract Manager for some time. I quite enjoyed the walk down memory lane that he takes the reader on in the Preface. Included are a smattering of old logos for Primavera Contract Management and an extensive version history. I appreciated this.
I also appreciated his explanation on the basics of contracts and the need for contract management. His explanation of contract management is simplistic, but not dumbed-down and the pictures are great!
Mr Kelly explains that his book is not an instruction manual, nor step-by-step guide. But rather it a complete high-level overview of Primavera Contract Manager with a focus on how the software can help overcome traditional contract issues. The first part of his book discusses high-level process for good contract management such as:
- How to manage contract information overload
- Spreadsheets and the fallacy that they are good tools for managing contract details
- Overcoming Silos and sharing data
- Proper Data Organization leads to proper understanding
The latter part of Mr. Kelly’s book covers a detailed overview of many PCM modules, including Change Management, Cost Management, Payments, Documents, etc.
Highlights
A few items that stand-out for me on reading Oracle Primavera Contract Management 14, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14
- This is a book for users of all levels – beginner to advanced. There’s great beginner level content that will help them get up to speed on the concepts, but advanced topics are not left out.
- Mr. Kelly’s expertise has led his to focus a lot on good contract management processes rather than just focusing on features of the software. And that helps readers bridge the gap between process and tool. Many software implementations professionals, including myself, will tell you that process matters most.
- The book has wide coverage, including a chapter on integration PCM with P6 and vice versa. There’s even a chapter on the up and coming Primavera Unifier product.
Areas for Improvement
Although this book is very well done overall and brings a lot of valuable Primavera Contract Manager information to one place, readers need to be aware that it is not the handbook or step-by-step manual that many are looking for. But hopefully, Stephen’s got that one in the works. 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
I would recommend Oracle Primavera Contract Management 14, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14 to any user, new or seasoned, of Primavera Contract Management. It’s a valuable and detailed reference for a complex and sophisticated contract management tool.
You can download Oracle Primavera Contract Management 14, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14 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 Primavera Contract Manager book? Let us know what you think and how it stands up.
Got a recommendation to share? What books on Primavera Contract Management would you recommend to users and why?
