Mastering a new project portfolio management software such as Oracle’s Primavera P6, PPM or EPPM is both challenging and fulfilling. However, at first sight, it might look overwhelming (or even discouraging) for beginners. For that reason, we made a list of 15 Primavera P6 books and instruction manuals you might find handy while mastering the software.
1. Planning and Control Using Oracle Primavera P6 Versions 8 to 17 PPM Professional
Level: Intermediate
This is a user guide and instruction manual dedicated to PM Professionals willing to master and manage projects in an incorporated Primavera Enterprise environment. Since it is an update of a previous book version, the Visualizer section contains new updates enclosed. The sections in the book are applicable to all software industry versions. The book includes screenshots, tips, and practice exercises at the end of each chapter. Basically, it has all the necessary information that is usually covered in training courses or could be used as a supplementary user manual for employees in a company that has implemented the software. It covers all Primavera P6 versions from 8.1 to 15.2 PPM Professional.
2. Planning & Control Using Oracle Primavera P6 Versions 8, 15 & 16 PPM Professional
Level: Intermediate
This book is a PMI Approved course that, just as the previous book, may be used in various industries and is committed to anyone ready to learn or willing to optimize their current knowledge in the field. It has essential information on how the software works on an intermediate level. However, it covers only Primavera P6 versions 8, 15 and 16 Professional Client and Optional Client. It also includes some more complex features of the software that are not discussed in other books, and it highlights the most relevant information and methods in clear English and easy to follow structure.
3. Construction Scheduling With Primavera P6
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The central focus of this book is on how to plan and schedule with Primavera P6 when operating on construction and field-based projects. It dwells upon strategies, scheduling methodologies, and tools which are in the nucleus of schedule management. The best thing is that they can be implemented on any type of construction project. Following the tips in the book will result in immediate advancement in schedule control. The book includes manuals and additional textbooks and is designed to be user-friendly so that anyone would understand the core of schedule management with ease.
4. Planning and Control Using Oracle Primavera P6 Versions 8.1, 8.2 & 8.3 Professional Client & Optional Client
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
This manual is an updated version of the previous books in this edition, covering Primavera versions 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 Professional and Optional Client. It has new and refreshed content and a new chapter on Earned Value. It is beginner-friendly and easy to navigate through, dedicated to anyone willing to learn but unable to take a course. The focus is on the core functions required to plan and control projects and may be used as a self-teach book, an instruction handbook or supplementary material of a training course. It is based and build upon a scheduler’s experience and expertise in the field. It is usually bought together with Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8: Project and Portfolio Management – which you may find on number 13 on our list.
5. Planning and Control Using Oracle Primavera P6 Versions 8, 15 and 16 EPPM Web
Level: Intermediate
This book covers Oracle Primavera P6 versions 8, 15 and 16 and it includes tips and trick on how to become expert at project planning in any managerial context. The book goes into detail, particularly about the discrepancies between Professional Tool, SureTrack, P3, Microsoft Project, and Asta Powerproject. A command list at the opening of each chapter is encompassed. There is also a complete table of contents and an index of each topic tackled in the book. It is an end result of a scheduler and the years of experience and expertise behind him. The manual is an impressive accumulation of PM concepts and PM software training manuals extended into a complete guide to planning and running projects using the P6 PPM clients.
6. Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8, 16 and 16 EPPM Web Administrators Guide
Level: Intermediate
This book covers Primavera P6 versions 8, 15 and 16 and is aimed at helping database administrators understand how to configure and administer a P6 database after the software and database have been installed. It goes into details when it comes to P6 database composition, available tools, steps in P6 database implementation, P6 uses, P6 database configuration using the web interface and much more. The book is not beginner-friendly, the content and structure mirrors an intermediate level of proficiency and is applicable to all industries.
7. Planning and Control Using Oracle Primavera P6 Versions 8.1 to 15.1 PPM Professional
Level: Intermediate
You must have noticed that the books so far have been instruction manuals written by Paul E. Harris. He is a renowned and accomplished scheduler focused on Microsoft Project and Primavera software. His books are user-friendly and follow a similar structural pattern so that it is easy to navigate in each one of them, regardless of the P6 version they cover. Due to the complexity of the software, the books are a perfect match for a three-day course that would turn you into a confident scheduler and master of the software. This book covers all Primavera P6 versions from 8.1 to 15.1 PPM. It provides manuals, indexes, tips, screenshots, and workshops so that you could immediately check your knowledge.
8. Primavera P6 Professional Project Management
Level: Intermediate
This is the very first edition of the PrimaveraP6 Professional Project Management book and it contains a smooth approach based on the newest release of the software. The topics covered chronologically are aligned with a project life cycle in any industry. Everything is thoroughly described and it truly goes into details; all nomenclatures are defined, especially on how to scale project management ROI, build and share value to customers, etc. This edition features an enlarged view on the issues of planning, monitoring, and controlling phases and further analysis of the project plan. Dedicated to all PM Professionals, it is a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of Primavera P6.
9. Oracle Primavera P6 (V8.1) Professional Client Quick Guide for Beginners
Level: Beginner
This guide can be read in one sitting for it is a beginner-friendly manual that is easy to navigate through. It is an illustrated guide in an effort to make people confident in using the software. The book is a summary of Primavera P6 version 8.1 main concepts and may be used as an aid for entry-level learners. It contains rough knowledge of CPM scheduling and people who navigate P6 for the first time will find it extra beneficial. It is divided into different modules that concisely sketch relevant processes in P6 such as: how to create a WBS, how to print a schedule etc. Check it out if you are a beginner and tell us what you think.
10. Oracle Primavera P6 (V8.3) Professional Client Quick Guide for Beginners
Level: Beginner
Similar to the previous book, this manual is an entry-level comprehensive guide that covers Primavera P6 version 8.3 Professional Client. It is created as a roadmap and its aim is to make beginners feel comfortable making their first steps in the software and not feel overwhelmed by its complexity and multi-faceted nature. It is also suitable for project managers that have not used the software for a longer period of time and feel that they have lost their agility in using it. It contains diagrams, screenshots, and tips on relevant processes. Schedulers may find it helpful, too.
11. Oracle Primavera P6 (Version 8.1 Professional Client) Beginner’s Guide
Level: Beginner
This beginner’s guide is an attempt to make people use Oracle’s Primavera P6 version 8.1 Professional Client more efficiently. It is a key starting point for all entry-level users. After finishing the book, users will be able to set up an EPS, create a project from scratch, define a WBS, open and edit existing layouts, add activities and more. It is detailed at any level, and it is a great resource for college-level courses or planning an exam on the basics of Primavera. You can easily move to Paul Harris’ book after reading this guide. The exercises included are easy to follow and a great source for revision.
12. Practical Training in Primavera P6
Level: Intermediate
These editions are ideal for project managers, engineers, planners, and schedulers in any industry who would like to get a glimpse at how Primavera P6 is working on an intermediate level. It covers every key component of the software including schedule framework structure for successful planning and practical controlling processes for effective project management. It also shows how to effectively manage resources such as people, time, and money, and how to manage conflicts, issues, and risks. The training book will quickly provide you with the required skills by presenting you with some features not commonly used in traditional project scheduling.
13. Oracle Primavera P6 Version 8: Project and Portfolio Management
Level: Intermediate
This guide is focused on Primavera P6 version 8.2 and it provides a full overview of the software. It integrates role-specific functionalities to meet each team member’s needs, duties and facilities. The book is divided into two sections: the first one is dedicated to the software’s core concepts, and the second one deals with portfolio management. However, the book presumes that you already have some basic knowledge of working in Primavera P6 environment, so you might not consider it for a beginner’s guide.
14. Oracle Primavera Contract Management, Business Intelligence Publisher Edition v14
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The book is a management record, job cost, and field controls solution that keeps construction projects on schedule and on budget through complete project control. It explains the concepts behind the core modules and how to use them, which makes this complex application understandable for everyone. The book begins with a basic introduction to contract management and covers the benefits and drawbacks of using a spreadsheet in managing information on a project. It has a thorough and full table of content which will make you confident in using Primavera P6. Check it out!
15. Planning and Managing Projects with Primavera (P6) Project Planner
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
And finally, last, on our list, this is the book that will show you the importance of having an effective management tool and the influence it will have on your project’s success. It covers various PM techniques, from the planning to the commissioning stage using Primavera P6 project planner. The book is divided into chapters that cover project planning and management, the fundamentals of PM, construction management, Primavera P6 primary elements, and progress report.
We hope that this Primavera P6 books selection will assist you in your Primavera P6 acquisition and knowledge upgrade.
About the Author:
Vivien Goldstrong is a Consultant, Author and Planning Manager with 22 years of experience and expertise in implementation and consultancy related to Oracle Primavera P6.