Primavera P6 vs Microsoft Project: Which One of Them Is Better Than the Other?

Both Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project are two popular EPPM software in the market. Both the project management software come with lots of powerful tools. Besides this, both of them can make it very easy for a project manager to manage his/her various projects. In short, both the software’s are spectacular and can be very useful for project managers. But which project management software should you use? So, to find out the answer to this question, today we are going to learn about both project management software in detail.

Connection to Database

In order to use the P6 software, you must connect it to an Oracle/SQL database. Furthermore, you also get the flexibility of installing the database as a stand-alone server farm. You can also install the database as a part of the server farm. Whereas Microsoft Project works in two different modes:

• Stand-alone mode.

• Part of EPM.

In the stand-alone mode, the software stores project information in a.mpp file format. While in the EPM mode the software works with a Microsoft Project Server/Microsoft SharePoint Server. To learn more about both the project management software feel free to join Primavera-P6 Training in Noida.

Multiple User Access

Primavera P6 supports multiple user access. Furthermore, it also allows a project manager to specify the features that other users can use while working on the software. Microsoft Project also supports multiple user access. However, to do this you must use the software with the "Microsoft Project Server.

Activity Steps

"Activity steps" is a phenomenal feature of Primavera P6 that allows its users to easily break down complex activities or tasks into small tasks or parts. While on the other hand, Microsoft Project does not come with any such feature. Thus, if you are looking for software that can easily convert complex tasks into small tasks/parts then Primavera P6 is perfect for you.

Expenses Field

Besides allowing its users to add direct costs to the total cost of the project, Primavera P6 also allows its users to add indirect costs. Using it you can add indirect costs like training or travel costs to the cost of your project. Whereas Microsoft Project does not allow its users to directly add indirect costs. To add indirect costs to your project you will have to use the cost named/cost resources option of Microsoft Project.

Custom Fields

Both the software allows its users to add custom fields. But there is a slight difference between both the software when it comes to defining custom fields. Primavera P6 allows its users to create custom fields without setting formulas for the custom columns. Thus, if you want to add a value in your custom fields then you have to add them manually. While by using Microsoft Project you can create custom fields of various types like text, number, start, duration, etc. Besides this, it also allows its users to define complex formulas for custom fields to assign value to them.

Reports

Both software allows its users to create detailed project reports. However, there is a slight difference between the reports of both the software. Using Primavera P6 you can create sheet-like or tabular reports without any kind of graphics or dashboards. While Microsoft Project allows its users to create graphical reports. This means you can easily add various chart elements, bar graphs in your Microsoft Project reports without any difficulty. To learn more about the reporting features of both the software feel free to join the Primavera-P6 Training in Gurgaon.

Conclusion

Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project are some of the most reliable project management software in the market. But after going through the details of both the software, Primavera P6 appears to be a better option than Microsoft Project. So, if you are looking for reliable project management software then do use it rather than using Microsoft Project. It is a spectacular project management software and can provide lots of benefits to a project manager.