Hidden Float

I am from the SureTrak/P3 world but maybe you can try with a link to an external project. Maybe it won’t show within a digger run.

Another one would be with the use of nonworking days in your calendars. I understand P6 is not good at showing changes in your workdays or work hours.

Make sure you keep track of it otherwise it might backfire.

Hi Paul

I have moved this thread to the P5 P6 forum - you will get a better response here.

Best regards

Mike Testro

Sir Rafael,

Can you detail more on the hidden float by linking to an external project?

What is the advantage/disadvantage of it from Contractor side. Does it affect the logic of the schedule?

Best from us,
Edniel

Edniel,

Any link affects logic. I believe external links will show up in Primavera P6 reports, I have SureTrak and P3 but interested on the issue of schedule manipulation, it is good to know.

May I suggest use of predecessor/successor lag as a way to hide some float? This will affect logic, a wise scheduler will take time looking for lags, but we know not always a wise scheduler is at the other side. The problem with this you might even at some point lose track of which are real and which artificial, you must keep a record for yourself.

Also you might add activities such as a coordination activity. Just add some additional time if you have available float. Eventually if the Owner delays start of the Successor you will be able to claim extra time up to the stoppage time plus coordination time.

If at the other side the scheduler does not have an efficient file comparison tool then they are at your feet. I believe implementation of Digger under P6 is not as efficient as it was under P3, you can take advantage of this. Look in particular to calendars where you can add nonworking days and the other side won’t have a way to know if you don’t tell him.

You got to explore the use of digger within P6 and figure out its limitations, this if you want to hide or reduce float after your initial submission.

Like you, I am looking for suggestions in this issue, especially under P6.

Rafael,

Your views are very helpful, read some in other threads. Keep it up!

Going back, I really want to know more on the subject of hidden float even if the reviewer has the Digger/SA. Maybe there are other means like hiding it manually or the use of non-working days in the calendars.

What about the external dates that are shown on the P6 report? Can this be a way to hide a float on the program?

Hope this is not too much to ask from Senior Planners.

Best from us,
Edniel

Surely the easiest way to hide float in the programme is to increase the activity durations?

No doubt about it, I was so focused into the following I missed it.

The problem with increasing activities duration as well as any schedule manipulation it invalidates your schedule. It would be great to use a strategy that keeps you in control, something you can toggle on and off easily without the other side figuring it out while at the same time you are in no need to keep two separate schedules.

Here switching calendars might be one of your options. The best way of doing this I still have to figure it out. Suggestions welcomed.

Hi Rafael

Change the work patterns from - say - 9hrs day to 8hrs day.

That can be toggled back and forward.

Best regards

Mike Testro

Great;

It seems a very practical way, better than playing with individual workdays or changing activity calendars.

Seems this is the best way for calendars.

What about other tricks not necessarily on calendars?

Thanks.

Hi Rafael

Most of the "tricks" I use work on Powerproject because it has a copy paste facility between the data columns and a spreadsheet - I use Lotus 123 v9.

If I told you all of them you would be doing my job better than me.

For instance I have developed formulas in Lotus that will show if an AI will affect the critical path - and if so by how much.

Giving an instant delay report without bothering the planner - the site secretary can use it.

And before anyone asks - NO you can’t have a copy.

Best regards

Mike Testro

Lotus i23, a stiky Dinasaur from the DOS era?

That you are not to share your tricks and throw it to into our face, just like that?

You are worst than a Gasoline Ice Cone.

Hi Rafael

Lotus 123 will do things that excell cannot even contemplate - don’t knock it until you have tried it.

I will continue to give advice from time to time - such as the work pattern switch a few threads ago - but to tell you everything in one go? No Chance.

Meanwhile you will have to remain as competent as a one legged man in an arse kicking contest.

Best regards

Mike Testro

Edniel

After a few stress relieving jokes, like many I am hardly working on this economy, please consider further Google search under titles like "cpm float suppression".

Take a look at the following link

http://books.google.com/books?id=uxHXn8CctmgC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=cpm+float+supression&source=bl&ots=7Rs4DGwkgs&sig=fT6HjikLXns5i7Aw5kpVxyuRf0U&hl=en&ei=DeIvSpXPOtmLtgedhPH_Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

You can buy the Book at Amazon and maybe find further info by typing the name of the book and adding the letters rar or rapid share, file hosting sites where a lot of information is shared for free, make good use of them.

Like; delay analysis on construction contracts rar

Hidden Float is an issue of much debate in which I have a particular interest.