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Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14
Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14

Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14: A one-stop reference to concepts and usability of the core modules of a complex application with this book and ebook.

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Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14

Chapter 2. Information Overload

The world has changed significantly from the days of Joe and David with regards to the types and delivery methods of information. Information is king and some people just can't get enough of it. With the advent of the World Wide Web, there are literally unlimited sources of information. When we don't know where to find information, we just "Google it." In January 2011, Google's index was approximately 15 billion web pages; by the end of the same year it had grown to almost 50 billion (http://www.worldwidewebsize.com/).

No matter how we look at it, that is a lot of web pages. Finding the relevant information is the key to managing your project. Google claims it can search for keywords in tenths or hundredths of a second. At the top of each search, Google brags about how many hits it found and how long it took to find them.

On your project, finding the information that is relevant to you and needs your attention is the key to any management system, and your success...

Types of project information


There is not enough space on these pages to list or explain the many types of information relating to a project. Some of these include a master contract, a task order relating to that master contract, a notice to proceed that allows the contractor to proceed while he or she waits for an official change order, notification documents that are official notices of an upcoming or past due event, and many more. Each of these documents provides an opportunity to record a date on which responses must be given or completion of the action must be taken. With this information, we can report on upcoming tasks that need our attention. Organizations use different acronyms and names for all the different types of documents. Every organization has its own language when talking about documents or information. When you see the word "budget" or "claim", you understand exactly what is meant by that term—or do you? You know what the term means to you and your organization, but do...

Where does all this information come from


No matter the size or type of your project, information is coming in fast and furious. All aspects of a project require capturing data from documents for later retrieval, aalysis, or distribution to other parties. An organization must have a platform in place to properly capture and manage all this information.

This information can come from all kinds of sources, such as:

  • Clients

  • Contractors

  • Public

  • Owners

  • Engineers

  • Architects

  • Internal parties

And this information can be delivered by many different methods, such as:

  • Hand delivery

  • Mail (snail-mail)

  • Courier

  • E-mail

  • FTP site

  • Collaboration site

  • Website

  • Cloud storage

There must be a proper flow of this information, whether it is a document that is being received by the project or a document that is being sent from the project. Either direction requires proper procedures to be followed to make sure the proper data is captured and the information ends up in the correct hands for analysis and possible action.

A document flow...

Using a hierarchical structure


Computerized systems allow us to easily incorporate a hierarchical structure in our projects as well as information within these projects. PCM allows for multiple hierarchies that can be easily switched. Hierarchical structures allow us to organize our projects at different levels. They also allow us to provide roll-up reporting at the various levels. Look at the following hierarchical structure:

You can see that security would be important at the various levels of the structure. You would not want users who have access to the Private Sector Projects to have the same access to the Federal defense projects. Security is assigned at the project level, but the hierarchical structure can give us a visual look at the different levels. When PCM is used in conjunction with Oracle's Primavera Project Management tool (P6), it is good practice to match the hierarchical structure within PCM to that of P6 and the Enterprise Project Structure (EPS).

You can also see that roll...

Storage of information


There is a vast amount of information used and stored on a project; everyone knows this. It is how we use that information that sets us apart. Information is received at a project in many different formats. An information management system needs the ability to accept this information in its native form and be able to manage the data in the form to be used by the different parties on the project. This is not a job for the all-powerful spreadsheet (see Chapter 4, The Almighty Spreadsheet). The system must incorporate security, accountability, and storage so that all parties that need access to this information can have it in real time from anywhere in the world.

PCM utilizes a network (intranet or Internet), a browser, a secure database back-end, and a search engine to allow users quick and easy access to the information that is relevant to them: the network to be able to access the information from anywhere; the browser for the easy-to-use, familiar interface; the security...

Summary


Information is king in this society; however, if you don't know how to manage this information or use it to your benefit, it becomes your enemy. Usually an organization does not understand this concept until it has been engaged in some sort of litigation where if it had properly managed the documents and information it would have saved a lot of time, money, and headaches.

In the next chapter we will look at all the different types of information in more detail. We will see how they can all be related and stored in PCM.

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Key benefits

  • Contract Management concepts
  • Understand PCM from thirty-thousand feet to the ground
  • What you learn can be used when working with previous versions
  • Section on the new Primavera Unifier

Description

Oracle's Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition is a document management, job cost, and field controls solution that keeps construction projects on schedule and on budget through complete project control. "Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14" explains the concepts behind the core modules and how to use them."Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14" makes this complex application understandable. You will understand the concepts behind the core modules and how to use them. This book starts with some basic introduction to Contract management and then covers the advantages and disadvantages of using a spreadsheet in managing information on a project. The book then covers in detail the concepts involved with how it works from a 30,000 foot view and explains the concept of how Oracle Primavera Contract Management is diametrically opposed to a spreadsheet mentality. The book also covers the aspects of how Oracle Primavera Contract Management manages the money and contractual relationships on a project.

Who is this book for?

Anyone who is using or is considering using contract management tools such as Oracle Primavera Contract Management. This books provides a great basis of understanding of how these types of tools work and how you can use them. Includes a section of the new Primavera Unifier as well.

What you will learn

  • The concepts of Contract Management differs with each organization, learn how PCM is designed to work your way
  • Learn how to manage the over-abundance of data in a project and find what you are looking for quickly
  • There is too much information to keep in your head; use PCM for easy storage and retrieval.
  • The Cost Worksheet is your friend, learn how to use it to your benefit.
  • The Change Process can be daunting, learn the various methods to manage this potentially complex procedure.
  • Learn to set up the Change Process to match your business; don t be forced into a box.
  • Payments are key to a successful business, learn how to manage them quickly and easily
  • Improperly managed submittals are the second highest reason for losing money on a project; learn that your project does not need to be part of this statistic.
  • Learn how to use the drawings module to know who has what and when.
  • Learn how PCM can help out in the field

Product Details

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Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Dec 11, 2012
Length: 208 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849686907
Vendor :
Oracle
Category :

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Product Details

Publication date : Dec 11, 2012
Length: 208 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781849686907
Vendor :
Oracle
Category :

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Table of Contents

17 Chapters
Welcome to Oracle Primavera Contract Management v14 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Information Overload Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
So Much to Manage Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Almighty Spreadsheet Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
There Is a Better Way Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Big Picture Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
System versus Silo Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Follow the Money Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Only Constant Is Change Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Time to Get Paid Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Reading your Crystal Ball Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Managing Drawings Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Processing Submittals Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Out in the Field Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
P6 and PCM Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Where Do We Go from Here? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The New Contract Management Tool Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

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Bernard de Jongh Jul 25, 2013
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
From the first page it is clear that the author has an extremely good handle on Project contract management as a whole regardless of the toolset used. This information is invaluable if one would need to explain the need for a product such as PCM on a project. I will be recommending the book to all of my colleagues and all of my clients so that they can better understand the big picture of what we want to achieve.The examples are clear and well thought out and the additional knowledge about what is happening in the boiler room of the application enables the author to quickly and concisely tell you where everything fits as well as highlighting some pitfalls along the way.A great read and a must have for anyone using or implementing PCM.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Soday Sep 25, 2013
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Finally a book on PCM! This book is a must have for anyone using PCM 14 and for those people who may be thinking of using PCM. It's a fantastic representation of the importance and power of the software. Steve discusses the concepts and functions of the primary modules (Correspondences, Notices, RFI's, Change Management, Cost Worksheet, Contract, Pay Requisitions, Meeting Minutes, Drawings, Submittals, Daily Reports, and Punch Lists). This book is for all types of users, from beginners to advance and for users who may not actually input data. He uses real life examples on why and how PCM is used in the evolution of a project. He also discusses the integration between P6 and PCM, which I also found useful. If you enjoy using the software, this book is definitely a page turner.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Jake Campbell Feb 14, 2013
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Anyone that has ever used Expedition, Contract Manager and now Contract Management have always wondered why there was never a third party book on the ins and outs of the product. Finally, Steve Kelly has written the book for all of the Fan boys and Fan girls of PCM (Primavera Contract Management). This book should be sitting by the computer of any PCM 14 user. This book gives you everything you need to know to be successful in using PCM 14. Steve takes you through the cost worksheet, change management, submittals, drawings, RFI's, and every other module in the software. He gives real world examples as well as the tips and tricks needed to get the most out of the product. Steve also gives you some insight on Primavera's newest acquisition, Unifier. This book is an easy read that will make life easier for the new PCM 14 user as well as more experienced users. I highly recommend it.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Thea Martin Feb 27, 2013
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Steve Kelly's book: Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14 is very comprehensive.Whether you have been using PCM since it was Expedition or new to the product in v14, Mr. Kelly provides in depth information that only someone who is an expert in the product can provide. As another reader stated, the preface provides the reader a nice walk through of the evolution of the product.The emphasis that Mr. Kelly places on proactive project management is wonderful advice that can assist the reader on the basics of project management that may be easily overlooked when a project is being driven by a client who only cares about the schedule. Keeping these basics in mind assists the reader as they walk through the chapters of the book and delve into implementation of PCM.While some have suggested that reading documentation provided by Oracle and joining online user groups for information is sufficient. I would argue that the guidance provided by Mr. Kelly in his book provides the reader a path for proper implementation while keeping in mind client pressures. This is clearly communicated in Chapter 9: The Only Constant is Change. This chapter effectively discusses change management in PCM and how best to use the cost worksheet. As he eloquently states: "Tracking the changes in a consistent manner will allow management to understand any potential risk on the project and put a plan in place to help mitigate that risk."I particularly enjoyed Chapter 4: The Almighty Spreadsheet and Chapter 5: There is a Better Way. Mr. Kelly provides the reader good information and tools as to why spreadsheets are not a good project management tool and how with proper implementation of PCM, project managers and project controllers can provide information that is secure and accurate with reports that provide managers live data that is useful and not stale. His expertise in configuration and customization of the product is reflected well in these two chapters.In summary, I do not believe that there is any other source that provides comprehensive knowledge of PCM in a manner that a reader at any level of expertise of the product can understand and take away new information.Kudos to Mr. Kelly!!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Daniel Williams Jan 03, 2013
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This book is not what you might expect. You might think this book would regurgitate the various functionalities of PCM 14, go through the menus available, and talk about each specific module and the fields involved. But that is not it. This book is something more.Oracle PCM 14 starts by taking a step back from the tool itself and addressing the larger questions that drive a company and its projects:- How do you manage information about a project in a consistent and collaborative manner?- What information do you need to store about your project, both from a mangement and legal point of view?- What processes do you need in place to manage project information effectively?Only after addressing these fundamental questions does the author then delve into how PCM addresses these questions, as well as where it falls short. After starting off the first few chapters addressing the large picture, he then gets into the main functional areas of PCM, with good emphasis on the cost worksheet and change management - two of the more complicated aspects of the product.These and other features are explained in a conversational style, and backed up with commentary and stories from the author's evidently vast experience in the industry. This is a refreshing change from the online documentation, which can tell you the how, but not the why. Each module is put into a real-world context. For example, when discussing change mangement, the author discusses a number of reasons that a change may be warranted. Even though PCM may treat these changes identically, there is a big difference between a back charge to a customer and a customer scope change, and the author helps the reader to understand these differences.Another good example of real-world experience is the author's discussion of Requests for Information (RFIs). Project participants can have many excuses for not using RFIs, but the benefits, as discussed by the author, far outweigh the convenience of having project Q&A managed by email threads, or casual conversations, or mind-reading.Finally, the last chapter looks to the future of PCM, which is Oracle's newly acquired product called Unifier. This is where the value of this book shines. The author discusses the differences between PCM and Unfier from a usablility and technical standpoint. There are substantial differences here, but as the author emphasizes, these are yet merely tools that assist companies in managing contracts and project data. And as the book has centered around the "why"- the practices and processes that are universal and do not change- the reader can see that the specifics of the "how" are simply implementation details, which can be covered by hands-on tutorials or online help systems. That gives this book value beyond the specific PCM product, and makes it a valuable educational text for anyone who must manage projects and contracts.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
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