Data Import Using Scheduling Tools and Files
In an integrated cost/schedule environment, activities in a schedule are identified with their control account points (that is, control accounts or work packages) in an earned value management system. This integration allows budgets and forecasts to accurately reflect the most current actual and estimated scheduling information.
You can create an integrated cost/schedule system between Cobra and the following scheduling software tools:
By linking a Cobra project with a scheduling tool, you can have a system that provides for single data entry. This avoids both the extra effort and the increased risk of error associated with having to enter the data in both the schedule and Cobra. The detailed resource-loaded schedule provides the time-phasing of the budget in Cobra while status data from the schedule generates earned value in Cobra. In addition, if you use Open Plan as your scheduling tool, you can also use Cobra's integration features to provide for bidirectional data transfer.
The Integration Wizard also allows you to load code files from your schedule. You can save only the settings you have made for your configuration, or you can synchronize Cobra with your schedule as well.
Video
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| How to Link an Activity to a Work Package | Learn how to identify to which work package an activity is linked, which is the first step in integrating cost and schedule. |
Related Topics:
Sharing Cost and Schedule Information
When planning to integrate your Cobra project with a resource-loaded schedule, consider the best practice tips below:
Preparing Cobra for Schedule Integration
You can load information such as rates from your schedule using the Integration Wizard.
Use the Integration Wizard to import data from Open Plan into Cobra.
Data Import from Microsoft Project
Use the Integration Wizard to import data from Microsoft Project.
Use the Integration Wizard to import data from Primavera into Cobra.
With the Integration Wizard, you can import project data into Cobra using import files.
Cobra enforces file-level security when you use the Integration Wizard.
Template resource files help you build a calculation for the resources that you are importing from a schedule. The resources are calculated during the import process.
Import Data From Scheduling Tools and Files
Use the Integration Wizard to import data from scheduling tools and files.
Integration Wizard-Scheduling Tools and Files
To import data from files, Microsoft Project, Open Plan, or Primavera into Cobra, you must complete the information required on each page of the Integration Wizard.