Primavera Professional P6 has the capacity to create complex activity filters which schedulers spend a large chunk of their time on. They create them, adjust them and maintain them to help ensure that a project remains on track. These activity filters together with layouts can be time consuming to create.
The good news is that they are a job that really only needs to be done once, because they can be transferred to different Primavera P6 databases or users. They can be viewed globally by everyone in the company or by a select few who are involved in the project. This is a powerful and easy, but not always obvious, function of Primavera P6 Professional.
Exporting Activity Filters
To export an activity layout from a Primavera P6 database, you must initially make the layout active.
Figure 1
In this ‘Filters’ dialog box, we have made the Critical baseline active ready for exporting.
Then we save the layout using ‘Save Layout As’ dialog box.
Figure 2
Here we have saved the layout to Project so, that when it is finally imported back into the database, all personnel who are working on the Project will be able to access it. We have the option to choose from the ‘Available To’ dropdown menu, by selecting Current User. This will make the layout private for personal use, Global will make the layout available to all users. The final option of Another User will allow the layout to be shared with selected users.
Figure 3
Open the layouts dialog box by navigating to the view menu-layouts, and select export.
Figure 4
We are prompted to create a suitable PLF filename and directory location. Once this is done, the activity layout has been exported.
Importing Activity Filters
To import activity filters, simply login to Primavera P6 database, open the layouts dialog box by navigating to the view menu-layouts, and select import.
Figure 5
Select the PLF file that you want and in the ‘Import Layout ‘dialog box and make the file available to Project.
It’s important to note that only general filters can be transferred, for example activity type, activity status, etc. You cannot transfer filters containing activity codes.
Summary
By making layouts active, it’s easy to transfer them together with certain activity filters between different Primavera P6 databases. By exporting/importing you will save valuable time, regenerating new filters for each P6 database. By transferring filter layouts to different Primavera P6 databases, you will have the option to select the viewing preferences. This allows you to decide whether you want your filter layout viewed solely by a manager, subcontractor or the whole project team. If you are on a site visit and you adjust your filter layout, these adjustments can be saved back into your Primavera P6 database in the office.