One of the issues with the integration of Primavera P6 WBS with Deltek Cobra is how to best use the integration to update the Cobra WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) code file with the P6 WBS. It’s an easy way to keep the WBS code file up to date in Cobra and aligning the information between P6 and Cobra. The issue revolves around how Primavera P6 changes the name of the first level of the WBS every time you save off a version of the IMS (Integrated Master Schedule):
The difference above is subtle but enough to make the integration a problem. If you save a new version of the IMS after each months status or after you incorporate baseline change requests, then you may run into the issue of not having a static WBS across IMS files. This makes the process of updating the Cobra WBS code file impossible by using the P6 WBS field.
Fortunately there is a solution to this problem that utilizes the hierarchical capability of P6 activity code files. Check it out.
In order to map the control accounts and work packages from the IMS, you probably created a UDF or an Activity code to create the WBS CA mapping to Deltek Cobra. It’s recommended that you use an Activity code and mirror the WBS tree structure that was created within the Primavera P6 WBS. By doing this, you will have one standard WBS file on the program that will not change as you save off versions of the IMS.
The one caveat with this is you will have to make sure to manually add the WBS to the activity code any time you add a new WBS or make a change to an existing one. So it adds a step to your change management process. However the convenience of this method and the fact that it makes a Primavera P6 code file the system of record for your WBS structure has more pros than cons.
Once you have this set up you can now easily map this field to the Cobra WBS in the integration process. See below:
Use the integration wizard to map the Primavera P6 WBS to the Deltek Cobra WBS. This is a great way to keep stability and continuity between systems. It’s also an efficient way to update the WBS code file in Cobra as well. By creating an activity code for the WBS you will eliminate the concern about mapping the WBS code into Deltek Cobra from Primavera P6. Especially if you save off new versions of the IMS every month or for every major change.