PrimaveraReader markets itself as a ‘cost-effective solution’ to viewing Primavera P6 files statically. Allowing users to view, interact, analyse and print P6 programmes.

A run-down of the key features shows that PrimaveraReader:

• costs about US$250 (a tenth of the price of a P6 licence);

• is a standalone piece of software that uses imported P6 files (both xer and xml);

• has an interface that looks similar to P6 but feels more like you are using a Microsoft Office application;

• has plenty of view options so each team member can drill down on what relates to them;

• the Trace Logic Function provides a clear visual on the relationships that have been applied to each activity. Superior to the function in P6 itself;

• the Progress Update Assist Function allows users to update activities and then export the information to a formatted Excel document capable of then being directly uploaded to P6.

This is not a tool for the nitty gritty of planning, it’s a tool to help the broader team (PM’s, Team Leaders, Subcontractors and Clients etc) to engage with the programme. It allows users to ‘play’ around and interrogate the programme model meaningfully without the fear of breaking anything. Users can set up their own views, examine what’s relevant and even report back on progress. No promises of ‘fully integrated systems’ here, just a simple and practical way  for team members to engage with the programme.

PrimaveraReader isn’t new and has been through enough iterations, version 4.2 being released recently, to ensure you don’t encounter any early adoption bugs. You can also trial the latest version for free by handing over an email address and enduring a few sales enquiries.

In short – It’s cheap, simple to use and has just the right amount of functionality to get people pointing out the mistakes in your programme’s logic. Marvellous!