Estimate progress automatically

If you want to estimate progress as if activities are proceeding on schedule, you can automatically calculate actual data based on activity, resource, and/or expense data.

Estimating activity progress is a quick and convenient way to update your project. The module estimates progress only for those activities that were supposed to take place. Since progress can occur out of sequence, you may need to update additional activities.

Set Auto Compute Actuals by activity

1. Choose Project, Activities.
2. Open a layout that contains the activities you want to automatically update.
3. Add a column for the Auto Compute Actuals option.
4. Mark the checkbox next to each activity.

Note: When connected to a P6 EPPM database, you should not automatically compute actuals for those activities from which you are collecting timesheet data from the Progress Reporter modules; otherwise, your timesheet data are overwritten when you apply actuals.

Set Auto Compute Actuals by resource

1. Choose Enterprise, Resources.
2. Select the resource that you want to automatically update when actuals are applied.
3. Click the Details tab and mark Auto Compute Actuals.

Note: When connected to a P6 EPPM database, you cannot automatically computer actuals for those resources from which you are collecting timesheet data from the Progress Reporter module. If you choose to disable the timesheet usage, your timesheet data are overwritten when you apply actuals.

Tip

Setting the Auto Compute Actuals option to ON for an activity automatically updates actual and remaining units/costs for all resources/expenses assigned to the activity, regardless of whether the individual resources/expenses have the Auto Compute Actuals options set to ON. If you don't want to update all assignments, turn OFF the activity's Auto Compute Actuals option and turn it ON only for those resources/expenses you want updated automatically. For example, you may be collecting actual data from some, but not all, resources through the Progress Reporter module. For those resources from which you are collecting actual data, turn OFF the activity- and resource-level Auto Computer Actuals option, and turn it ON for those resources not reporting data through the Progress Reporter module.