Deltek has just released Acumen 8.6 which brings some pretty nice new features as well as resolving a few software issues from the previous releases. With immediate availability, users can download the latest version using the DSM (Deltek Software Manager). Let’s take a look at what you will enjoy in Acumen 8.6.
Integrated Program Management Data Report (IPMDR)
As we have mentioned in previous blogs, the new IPMDR uses JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) which replaces XML. It’s worth noting that the current IPMDR formats are still technically drafts, but we don’t expect to see any significant changes. The current releases changes just one word from the previous version and we expect to see this ‘Draft’ finalized in early 2020.
To import and export IPMDR schedule and cost information in Acumen 8.6, you have to turn this feature on in the Deltek Acumen Options dialog box, shown below in Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Deltek Acumen Options Dialog Box
When you import an IPMDR file, Deltek Acumen saves the data within the Acumen workbook. You can use imported contract and contractor data when you export data to either the IPMDR contract performance or schedule formats. You can also export it to a template file for use in other workbooks.
Using the schedule import feature for an IPMDR file, Acumen by default, will map the standard fields. In addition, the Field Mapping tab also allows you to customize and import user defined fields.
You can use the Publish Data To group on the Deltek Acumen Options dialog box Platforms (IPMDR) page to export schedule data. To export cost data to an IPMDR file, you must first select IPMDR Contract Performance Data in the Publish Data To group on the Deltek Acumen Options dialog box Platforms (IPMDR) page
Import Cost Data from a .csv File
You can now import cost data from a .cv file using the new CVS Format option.
Figure 2 – Import Cost Data from a .csv File
3-Point Risk Impacts
Acumen Risk users may want to set the minimum, maximum, and most likely impacts to time and cost. In the earlier versions of Acumen Risk, you could only set the Min and Max. Now you can now set the Most Likely impacts to time and cost.
The new Shape column in the S3 // Risk tab Risk Register is set to Uniform by default and Acumen calculates the minimum and maximum duration and cost. When you select the Triangle, the Most Likely Duration and Most Likely Cost columns are enabled on the Mappings tab.
Acumen calculates default values for the most likely duration and cost but you can edit them to skew the impact curve.
Figure 3 – 3-Point Risk Impacts
Publish Metrics to a Deltek Data Source
A rather useful feature for sharing your results with other folks, allows you to export all metrics (DCMA and other metrics) that have the Publish Metric option selected on the Metrics tab into a Deltek database. When using this option, a dialog box allows you to select the project and the data source.
Figure 4 – Publish Metrics to a Deltek Data Source
S2 // Diagnostics: Fuse Metric Validation Report for Multiple Projects
Now when you publish the Fuse Metric Validation report, you can choose more than one project or snapshot and create separate Excel workbooks for each report.
S3 // Risk: Risk Exposure Grid Includes Total Cost Column
The S3 // Risk tab Risk Exposure grid now includes a Total cost column when you are showing risk exposure for cost. The total cost equals actual + remaining + contingency for the Pxx value the row represents. In addition, when you publish an Executive Briefing report, the risk exposure data refers to the total cost, see Figure 5 below.
Figure 5 – S3 // Risk: Risk Exposure Grid Includes Total Cost Column
Pxx Cost Column Enhancement
In earlier versions of Acumen, when you ran a cost-risk the value in the Pxx Cost column (for example, P75) for an in-progress activity represented the risk-adjusted remaining cost. Now, the data in the Pxx Cost column represents the risk-adjusted total cost which is equal to the actual cost to date + the risk-adjusted remaining cost.
Copy Risk Register and Risk Mappings to Cost Model
As a cost risk user, when you already have risks mapped to activities in a schedule and you create a cost model from your cost-loaded schedule, you can now copy the risk register and risk mappings to the cost model. You can decide whether you want to include a copy of risk register.
- If you choose to include it, Acumen copies the risk register and links it to the new cost model, and maintains all risk mappings on the cost items.
- If you choose not to copy the risk register, Acumen creates the cost model and no copy of the risk register is made (this is the way it works in older versions of Acumen).
Figure 6 – Copy Risk Register and Risk Mappings to Cost Model
Metrics
A new option in the filter dropdown now includes ‘Not Contains’. Also, a metric Version field is now included in the Metrics tab that is incremented when any of the following types of data are changed:
- Inclusions on any tab
- Filters on any tab
- Formulas on any tab
- Tripwire thresholds
Acumen Screen Size
A minor frustration has now been resolved to do with the screen six in Acumen. Now when you start Acumen, it opens with the same screen size and position that it was in when you last closed it.
UN/CEFACT Export Enhancement
When you export a project to UN/CEFACT, you can now select the field from which you want to export the WBS data as shown below in Figure 7.
Figure 7 – UN/CEFACT Export Enhancement
Microsoft Platform Enhancements
Acumen now supports Microsoft Project Server 2019 and resolves an issue with the August 2019 Update. Also you can now use the Hide Unpublished Projects option, when you import Microsoft Project Server projects. The project picker only lists projects that have a published date in the list of available projects (Figure 8).
Figure 8 – Hide Unpublished Projects
Summary
This is a really nice update to Acumen. Deltek have done a great job balancing new enhancements while resolving minor and sometimes frustrating issues and bugs. Existing users will certainly appreciate the work gone into this release and want to upgrade to Acumen 8.6 as soon as possible. Good job Deltek!