Analysis – Page 3 – The Official Site for Zümmer – CPM Schedule Analysis & Comparison

Activity Name with Embedded Double Space

The Filters Module in P6 is a very powerful tool. However, when using – the “Activity Name equals/contains” option, problems could arise when Activity Names contain embedded double spaces. For example, in the illustration below, there are 4 ‘Review Bids’ activities. In this case, setting a Filter specification to: “Activity Name contains ‘Review Bids'” will only return 2 results. This is because 2 of the 4 activity names have embedded double spaces.

Checking for this condition using P6 alone is difficult and nearly impossible even in a moderately sized CPM Network.

In Zümmer Analysis Report #02, “Activity Names with Embedded Double Space”, not only lists all instances, but the ‘Set Group’ column even shows you where to look. Using Zümmer concurrently with P6 helps speed the process of eliminating embedded double spaces.

Reporting & Monitoring Analysis Variances

If a Schedule Analysis is a valuable tool for maintaining high-quality CPM networks, then the next logical step is to monitor and report on the progress of analysis results as schedule updates are submitted on a periodic basis.

For example, if you’re an Owner’s Representative and are receiving monthly schedule updates from a Contractor, then monitoring and reporting analysis trends is a great way to ensure that high-quality CPM networks are consistently submitted.

In Zümmer, any 2 Schedule Analysis runs can be compared for variances.

In the illustration above, an analysis was performed for TST-BL4-UP02 (DD 01-Jul-18), then later an analysis was performed for TST-BL4-UP03 (DD 01-Aug-18). Running the Zümmer Analysis Variance report reveals that when compared to the previous analysis, the number of open-ends has increased (+1 for No Predecessors and +7 for No Successors).

Expense Profile with Negative Total Float

When an activity has a negative Total Float value it means the activity cannot complete in time to satisfy an imposed Finish constraint on itself or on another successor activity along its path. Under this condition, the Late Start and Finish dates are actually EARLIER than the Early Start and Finish dates. In an expense loaded schedule, the effects of negative Total Float can be observed in the profile results on the Late Cost Distribution Curve.

In the illustration above, the Project has an imposed “Must Finish By” constraint date. Schedule Progress Update indicates that the Project will not finish on time evidenced by Activities with Negative Total Float values.

In this case, the resulting Late Cost values plots a curve that is ABOVE the Early Cost curve. In some instances, the Late Cost curve can even begin prior to the Data Date. The further left the Late Cost curve begins the more severe the Finish constraint has on the Cost profile and the more difficult recovery based on Cost will be. In addition, Late Cost Curves with Negative Total Float calculations have a tendency of flattening out prior to the Project End Date. Again, the earlier the Late Cost Curve flattens out, the more severe the Negative Total Float values exist on the Project.

In any case, the Early Cost curve remains the same regardless of Finish Constraints imposed on the Project. To produce an Expense Profile curve with a Late Cost Curve relative to the current status of the Project, remove the late constraints, the recalculate the schedule. This will remove the negative Total Float values and generate positive Total Float value.