Skip to content
ProjectControls.com
Primavera Project Planner - P3

MS, Powerproject, and P3 or P6

In the Open Standard
Andrew McGuiganMember for 18 years 1 month
Created
9
1
0
Hi all

For some years now I have been using MS project as primarily a scheduling tool.

However in my industry I am aware the larger construction companies use the likes of Primavera and Aster Power Project.

I am a professional Project Manager with some considerably years of experience I am currently working for an architectural practice, providing an Employees Agent role on behave of our clients. As part of my on going career strategy I am considering moving to planning as it is an area which has always interested me. I have access to both Primavera P3 and Aster Power Project and am considering in mastering one of the two.

My question is a) which one would be a better choice given the above factors? b) if the choice is Primavera should I upgrade to P6?

I would appreciate all your advice

Thank you.
Andrew
Save Follow Follow forum Report
Reply New topic

9 replies

Oldest first
  1. 0
    Arnold Puy ·
    #1
    Hi Andrew,

    Yes.. I am using P3x for 5 years, P5 for 2 years & P6 for almost 1 year. For me, P6 is an upgradable of P5. P6 is the best for me.


    Thanks.

    Arnold
    Report
  2. 0
    Alexandre Faulx-Briole ·
    #2
    Andrew,
    Primavera P3 is still widely used, although it is an old timer initially released for Windows 3.1!
    P3 is the best when your schedules are not using corporate shared resources, P6 is better when all or most of your schedules are using the same resources and you need the software work on this basis
    Asta PowerProject is not known outside of the UK, Sweden and a few other countries
    MS Project is an entry level piece of software
    Alexandre
    Report
  3. 0
    Mal Leadbetter ·
    #3
    PowerProject for me

    Quite capable of having multiple projects in 1 file to share resources and report on etc.

    Cheaper than P6, better service from the supplier. Need I say more
    Report
  4. 0
    Alexandre Faulx-Briole ·
    #4
    Mal,
    you’re right, PowerProject (standalone or entreprise version) is extremly good; but it is not commonly used outside of the UK
    three years ago, I was working with AstaDev and their french representative to enter the french market, with no success
    what if you have a problem with a software you are the only one to use in your country? and the closest instructor is 6000 km away?
    Alexandre
    Report
  5. 0
    Mal Leadbetter ·
    #5
    Alexandre

    Understand what you are saying.

    However, Andrew (the topic starter), from his profile is based in London.

    Regards

    Mal
    Report
  6. 0
    Andrew McGuigan ·
    #6
    Mal et al

    True i am based in London UK. This does pose and interesting question, in the UK Powerproject is the leading construction industry software. However I would consider relocating to another country if the opportunity arose.

    Could one master both programmes?

    Regards
    Andrew

    Report
  7. 0
    Alexandre Faulx-Briole ·
    #7
    Andrew,
    do not be so shy! I am sure you are able to use MS Excel or some other spreadsheet, not to mention email and wordprocessing apps
    I am not myself a 100% planner but rather a PM consultant, able to schedule a project with 4 or 5 different apps
    If you need a comprehensive training, just give me a call, I will be happy to meet you in London
    Alexandre
    Report
  8. 0
    Andrew McGuigan ·
    #8
    Alexandre

    I am sorry but i don’t really understand the meaning of your statement. As for training I always go on the basis of self learning as a starting point. I am a strong believer that it is very possible to master two applications especially when both are in fact doing the same job.
    Do you schedule a project in Excel? Wow i bet that takes some time. Thanks for the offer of training but i think i will decline, good luck.

    Regards
    Andrew


    Report
  9. 0
    Alexandre Faulx-Briole ·
    #9
    Andrew,
    what I mean is: it is certainly possible for somebody being computer litterate "to master two applications especially when both are in fact doing the same job", just like you said
    PowerProject and Primavera P3 or PM5/6 are different enough for you to avoid confusion, and close enough to let you use the same process
    Alexandre
    Report

Log in or join to reply

ProjectControls.com is free to join. Members can post questions, reply, vote and follow discussions.

Log inJoin free

Existing members: your original username and password still work. Forgot password?