PRIMAVERA 5.0

Hi,
First I have to let you know that there isn’t any P5. The last version of P3 is version 3.1. However, there is a new Primavera E&C (for Engineering & Construction) version 5.0. Even though Primavera E& C is doing the similar thing (schedule, cost and resource control) as P3, this is completely different software. The interface is quite different and the functionality is much enhance especially in web. To put it in a simple way, P3 is designed for large
and complex projects. Primavera E&C is designed for enterprise to manage wide range and large number of projects. It is particularly useful for
owners or General Contractors with projects internationally. If you are planning to set up a good EPM (Enterprise Project Management) system for
your company, this is the way to go.

It turns out that it is quite acceptable to use the term, "P5" as even Primavera calls their new software by that name (sometimes.) For a review of the differences, try this PP forum: http://www.planningplanet.com/forum/forum_post.asp?fid=1&Cat=8&Top=20673. Good luck!

Hi Kris!

I’ve used both. P5/PE/P3e/PM Module is more compliant to the PMBOK’s 9 Knowledge Areas. Lots of functionality. Better WBS management (Activity coding is not the way to go here).

BUT
- managing your layouts is much more time consuming than P3.
- You need a team to cover more PM data.

If you’re doing just a large project, stick with P3. If you need to integrate multiple projects and need the benefit of centralized resource management, great security, lots of PM data, lots of Web functions, plunge into P5. But you also need to learn a lot of PM stuff - read the PMBOK (proj. mgt. body of knowledge).

As for me, I still like P3. You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

Best,

Jorge

Hi guys,

Thanks for the input.

If an organization decides to "migrate" to P5 from P3.1 will it require the team to be trained or is it easy enough to do on one’s own.

One question though - can’t we get similar results in P3.1 by using project groups.

Kris

Just keep in mind that shifting from P3 to P3e is not as easy as it seems since:

1. You’ll have to learn a lot more theorietical stuff about project management.
2. You may need an Oracle database Admin.
3. You may need to setup several servers to manage data, web, etc.

I would strongly advise that you undergo all Primavera training courses available if you plan to shift since self learning is so inefficient and time consuming. I also strongly advise that you get some consulting, maybe for a year.

Projects can’t wait for you to learn to be able to produce and properly interpret data. Self-learning is NOT the way to go in P5. Your company will benefit from the experiences of people who’ve done it before because these people have already made the mistakes and researches that you wouldn’t want to have to go through if you’re managing mission-critical projects.

Best regards,

Jorge