Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Software
User Manual V5.0
10/1/13
Table of Contents
1 Overview of the Deltek Acumen Software Suite .............................................................................................. 10
1.1 Whats Included.............................................................................................................................................. 10
1.2 Navigating through the Deltek Acumen Software Suite ................................................................................. 10
1.2.1 The S1 // Projects Tab ............................................................................................................................. 11
1.2.2 The S2 // Diagnostics Tab ....................................................................................................................... 12
1.2.3 The S2 // Logic Tab ................................................................................................................................. 14
1.2.4 The S2 // Benchmarking Tab................................................................................................................... 14
1.2.5 The S3 // Risk Tab ................................................................................................................................... 15
1.2.6 The S4 // Acceleration Tab ...................................................................................................................... 15
1.2.7 The S5 // Dashboard Tab ........................................................................................................................ 16
1.2.8 The Forensics Tab .................................................................................................................................. 17
1.2.9 The Metrics Tab ...................................................................................................................................... 17
1.2.10 The Fields Tab ...................................................................................................................................... 18
1.3 Integrating With Project Management Platforms ........................................................................................... 19
2 Working With Deltek Acumen Workbooks ....................................................................................................... 20
2.1 Workbook File Formats .................................................................................................................................. 20
2.1.1 Standard File Format............................................................................................................................... 20
2.1.2 XML File Format ...................................................................................................................................... 20
2.2 Creating a New Workbook ............................................................................................................................. 20
2.2.1 Metrics within a Workbook ...................................................................................................................... 20
2.3 Linking and Importing Projects....................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.1 MS Project 2003/2007/2010 .................................................................................................................... 21
2.3.2 Oracle Primavera P6 (V5/6/7/R8) ........................................................................................................... 21
2.3.3 Primavera P3 ........................................................................................................................................... 22
2.3.4 Oracle Primavera Risk Analysis (formerly known as Pertmaster) .......................................................... 22
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 2
2.4.4 Merging Multiple Data Sources into a Single Dataset (e.g., cost and schedule) .................................... 26
2.5 Importing Project Data ................................................................................................................................... 28
2.5.1 Filtering Project Data During an Import ................................................................................................... 29
2.6 Including/Excluding Projects from Analysis ................................................................................................... 29
2.7 Setting Display Units ...................................................................................................................................... 30
3 S1 // PROJECTS: Viewing and Editing the Schedule ...................................................................................... 31
3.1 Activity View ................................................................................................................................................... 31
3.1.1 Activity Grouping ..................................................................................................................................... 31
3.1.2 Add/Remove Columns ............................................................................................................................ 32
3.2 Smart Gantt ................................................................................................................................................ 33
3.2.1 Top Bar vs. Bottom Bar ........................................................................................................................... 34
3.2.2 Smart Gantt Dates ................................................................................................................................... 34
3.2.3 Smart Gantt Colors .................................................................................................................................. 35
3.2.4 Additional Smart Gantt Options ............................................................................................................... 36
3.3 Filtering Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 37
3.3.1 Create a Filter Using Metrics ................................................................................................................... 37
3.3.2 Create a Filter Using Forensics ............................................................................................................... 37
3.4 The Timeline View.......................................................................................................................................... 38
3.5 Editing the Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... 39
3.5.1 Modifying the Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 39
3.6 Create a new Cost Estimate .......................................................................................................................... 40
3.6.1 Add New Activities ................................................................................................................................... 41
3.6.2 Organizing Activities into a Hierarchy or Cost Breakdown Structure ...................................................... 41
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 3
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 4
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 5
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 6
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 7
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 8
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 9
Deltek
Acumen
Risk
Deltek
Acumen
360
Full
Software
Suite
Schedule diagnostics
Logic Analysis
Project Benchmarking
Schedule Cleansing
Dashboard Reporting
Schedule Acceleration
Schedule Deceleration
Customizable Metrics
Customizable Reports
S1 // Projects: Used to create and maintain project workbooks. Use this tab to import, view and edit
project data. Available in all three Deltek Acumen products.
S2 // Diagnostics: Schedule analysis using metrics. Only available in Deltek Acumen Fuse.
The Deltek Acumen schedule maturity framework is a series of 5 stages that result in a validated, risk-adjusted,
and team-approved schedule. Learn more at: http://www.projectacumen.com/resource/improving-project-plansusing-a-schedule-maturity-framework/
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 10
S3 // Risk: Monte-Carlo risk analysis, risk register and reporting. Only available in Deltek Acumen Risk.
S4// Acceleration: Define acceleration goals and criteria. Available in Deltek Acumen 360.
Forensics: Compare multiple snapshots or historical instances of a project(s). Available in all three
Deltek Acumen products.
Metrics: The metric editor for maintaining custom metrics. Available in Deltek Acumen Fuse.
Fields: View for defining custom field mappings when importing project data. Available in all three Deltek
Acumen products.
Navigation between these tabs is carried out through the Ribbon Navigation Menu Bar (Figure 1-1).
File management (File New, Open, Close, Save, Save as, Print and Options) is navigated to by clicking on the
icon in the top left hand corner of the ribbon menu bar (Figure 1-2).
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 11
Workbook
Project
Snapshots
Imported
project data
A workbook can contain one or more projects. A project can optionally contain one or more snapshots. Snapshots
are previous versions of a project file. This enables comparisons between versions of a single project file to be
carried out without accidental double-dipping of data during analysis. More detail on project snapshots can be
found in chapter 2.
Ribbon Browser: flattened project data showing ribbons, activities and phases
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 12
Intersection
Analysis
Phases
Ribbons
Ribbon
Analyzer
Ribbon
Browser
Metrics
Activity
Browser
Phase
Analyzer
A single workbook can contain multiple analysis views. For example, you may have an analysis view designed for
cost analysis and a second analysis view for risk exposure analysis in the same workbook.
Ribbon Browser
The ribbon browser is the core of the diagnostics tab. Within the ribbon browser, you create ribbons, segment by
phases and apply metrics. The ribbon browser is highly customizable.
Ribbons
Ribbons are groupings of activities based on a given criteria. By default, ribbons are grouped by project but can
be grouped in multiple ways including activity attribute, resource and path. If a workbook contains multiple
projects, then a separate ribbon for each of these projects will be shown. Ribbons also contain activities. These
activities can be hidden from within a ribbon if desired. Ribbons are segmented by phases.
Phases
Phases are user-definable segments of time against which the Acumen Fuse analysis is run. Phases can be
weeks, days, months, quarters, years, custom periods or the entire project duration.
Phase Analyzer
The phase analyzer shows the results from an Acumen Fuse analysis for each phase. Multiple metrics can be
added to the phase analyzer. The phase analyzer can be displayed as either a table or a chart.
Ribbon Analyzer
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 13
The ribbon analyzer shows the results from an Acumen Fuse analysis for each ribbon. Multiple metrics can be
added to the ribbon analyzer. The ribbon analyzer can be displayed as either a table or a chart.
Intersection Analyzer
In addition to running an analysis against a ribbon or phase, Acumen Fuse also enables metric reporting against a
single segment within the ribbon browser (i.e., for a specific ribbon within a specific phase).
Activity Browser
The Activity Browser shows individual activities. The activities shown depend on which segment of the ribbon or
analyzer windows are clicked. There are six modes in which the Activity Browser can be used for reporting. These
are described in detail in chapter 5.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 14
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 15
A dashboard can be used at the workbook level or specifically within the context of a single project.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 16
Metric
Libraries
Metrics
Filters
Advanced
Formula
Figure 1-11 The Metrics View
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 17
Primary formula
The primary formula is the formula used to calculate the primary result calculated in an Acumen Fuse analysis.
Secondary formula
The secondary formula is the corresponding formula associated with the primary formula often used to represent
the primary formula as a percentage.
Tripwire formula
The tripwire formula is used to determine the individual exceptions that are listed in the Activity Browser.
Tripwire Threshold
The threshold editor enables customizable thresholds to be defined and associated colors set.
Selected
Source
Mapped
Source
Fields
Source
Fields
Fuse Fields
Figure 1-12 The Fields View
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 18
Primavera P3
Asta PowerProject
UN/CEFACT XML
Deltek Risk+
ARES PRISM G2
In addition, Acumen provides flexible customizable integration with MS Excel. The Excel integration enables you
to import data in almost any format from an Excel spreadsheet.
Data from any discipline (cost, schedule, risk, earned value, performance, etc.) can be analyzed within Acumen.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 19
Analysis Views
Only one workbook can be open at a time within Acumen. Workbooks are stored as single files either on a local or
network drive.
If you currently have a workbook open, you will be prompted to save any changes before your new workbook is
created.
Once a new workbook has been created, you can then start linking and importing projects.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 20
You can import a single project or multiple projects from Primavera P6 web services. To do this you will first need
to set up a connection to your P6 server. On the Acumen Options menu, click on the tab titled Platforms. Add
your host name (server), the Port, your user name and password. If you do not have this information contact your
P6 administrator or IT representative.
Test your connection and once it goes through you are ready to analyze P6 schedules. To link to the project, click
on the From Oracle Primavera button and then click Single or Multiple Projects from P6 Web Services.
You will see the EPS (Enterprise Project Structure) appear. Use the check boxes to select a single project or
multiple projects within the EPS. Hit ok.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 21
Primavera XML
Use the Project from a P6 XML file menu option to import a Primavera project that has been stored in the
Primavera XML format.
2.3.3 Primavera P3
You can import a project(s) from a Primavera P3 file. To do this, click on the From Oracle Primavera button, and
then Single Project from a P3 file. When prompted, select the desired project file (with a dir.p3 suffix) and click
OK.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 22
have a valid Open Plan login in order to select a project for linking. The Open Plan login credentials can be stored
in the Acumen Options > Platforms window.
Open Plan linking supports custom field mapping (normal, code and user defined fields see Chapter 26).
Under Tools > User Field Manager, select Object Type > Bar > Add > Integer and name the newly
created field e.g. TotalFloatUserField"
Add a column in the main view for Total Float: right click on column header > add column > Float > Total
Float (you are about to copy this column to your newly created user field)
Add your user column in the main view by right clicking on a column header > Add column > User > "
TotalFloatUserField "
Copy Total Float field data to user field (TotalFloatUserField) by selecting the Total Float column header
and trigger a copy (CTRL C or edit > copy). Move to the user field and paste the data by edit > paste (or
CTRL V)
You can now read the MDB file directly in Fuse. Once imported, to reference the Total Float field, simply map the
User Field representing Total Float to the Fuse Total Float field in the field mapping view.
2.3.9 MS Excel
Acumens interface with MS Excel provides an extremely open and flexible means of linking to external data. Any
data that can be stored as an XLS or XLSX file can be imported into Acumen for analysis. When linking to an
Excel file you are firstly prompted to select which worksheet within your Excel file you want to import (Figure 2-4).
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 23
Once you have linked to a desired worksheet, you need to create mappings between the columns in the XLS
spreadsheet and the fields within your Acumen workbook (see chapter 26). Excel fields will be auto mapped to
Acumen fields if the field names are consistent between the two applications.
Detailed phase-based Earned Value (EV) data can be linked to from ARES PRISM . This is a very flexible
means of analyzing time-phased cost data.
PRISM
G2
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 24
Workbook
Project
Snapshots
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 25
Either right click on the P6 project or click on the Primavera menu within Fuse and select Set/Change
Baseline
Select the desired P6 XER that youd like to set as the baseline project
Once assigned, the Primavera P6 file within the Fuse workbook will have a B icon associated with it
(Figure 2-7).
Import the project data to import both the project and baseline files together.
2.4.4 Merging Multiple Data Sources into a Single Dataset (e.g., cost and schedule)
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 26
Fuse includes a powerful utility for merging datasets from disparate sources into a single set of data that can be
subsequently analyzed. Example use cases include merging a cost estimate from Excel with a schedule created
in MS Project or Primavera. Such integration is a powerful means of combining cost and schedule information.
To create a merge file, firstly select the project file that you would like to merge data into. Right click on the project
and select Merge with Excel File. Select the desired Excel file and then hit the Import Project button to actually
complete the merge.
The actual data merge occurs when the parent project data is imported into Fuse. Once merged, the combined
dataset can be exported from Acumen using the Export to Excel button in the project workbook view.
Merging is not limited to cost/schedule. Any dataset that has an ID structure that corresponds with the activity IDs
in the main dataset can be merged. If the field headings in the XLS merge file correspond to field names in the
Fuse file, they will be auto-mapped (merged). Non-standard fields can also be imported/merged simply by dragdropping the merge fields into the Fuse field list in the field mapping view (Figure 2-9). Available mapped fields
are displayed in the source field list highlighted in green. The merge file must have a column called ID in order to
bind the merge data with activities in the Fuse workbook.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 27
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 28
Importing project data will override any existing versions of previously imported data for the project(s) in question.
Once imported, the project data is stored within the Acumen workbook. Subsequent importing is not necessary to
conduct repeated analysis. Reimporting is only required if you want to analyze newly updated data that has
changed in the source application.
Resource assignments
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 29
Include/exclude from
analysis
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 30
Group by WBS
This option displays the activities by the project WBS hierarchy.
Group by Fields
Grouping by fields allows you to create a structure based on existing fields within your project file. For example,
you could view all critical activities within a certain contractor by first grouping by Critical/Non-Critical and then by
Contractor. Figure 3-2 shows the view grouped by critical/non-critical and then by WBS.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 31
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 32
Figure 3-4 Right Click on Column Headings and Select Show Column Chooser
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 33
Scheduled: The current dates for the activities as defined in the schedule.
Early: The earliest possible date that the activity can start.
Late: The latest possible date that the activity can start.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 34
Original: The dates as defined in the schedule prior to any modifications such as acceleration.
Px Date: Probabilistic or risk adjusted dates identified during a project risk analysis.
Critical/Non Critical
Show critical activities in red and non-critical activities in blue.
Schedule Quality
Show color based on the Fuse Schedule Index. Activities in red are poorly planned (include errors such as
missing logic, negative float or insufficient detail) while activities in green are well planned. Yellow or orange
activities follow somewhere in between.
Historical Performance
Show color based on the historical performance of each activity. Activities that have been performing poorly are
shown in red. Activities that are on time and on budget are shown in green. Yellow or orange activities fall
somewhere in between.
Metrics
Show color based on a certain metric from a Fuse analysis. Each activity will be colored based on the thresholds
defined by the metric.
Field
Select a field such as Activity Status or any user-defined field to use as the basis for coloring each activity. Once
a field is selected define the color mapping.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 35
Adviser
Color each activity based on suggestions from the Schedule Realism Adviser. See Chapter 24 for more
information on the Adviser.
Risk Inputs
Color activities based on the uncertainty inputs defined during a risk analysis. This option is only available with
Deltek Acumen Risk.
Duration Uncertainty: Color each activity based on the Duration Uncertainty assigned in Acumen Risk.
The colors are defined in the Uncertainty Template found on the S3// Risk tab. See chapter 17 for more
information on uncertainty assignments in Acumen Risk.
Cost Uncertainty: Color each activity based on the Cost Uncertainty assigned in Acumen Risk. The
colors are defined in the Uncertainty Template found on the S3// Risk tab. See chapter 17 for more
information on uncertainty assignments in Acumen Risk.
Risk Outputs
The Risk Output options for coloring activities in the Smart Gantt are only available with Deltek Acumen Risk. A
risk analysis must be performed first in order to use these options.
Criticality: Color based on how many times the activity fell on the critical path during risk analysis. Red
activities have a higher criticality while green activities have a lower criticality. Yellow or orange activities
fall somewhere in the middle.
Schedule Contribution: Color the activities based on how much or how little they impact the riskadjusted project finish date. Red activities have a higher impact on project finish while green activities
have a lower impact. Yellow or orange activities fall somewhere in the middle.
Risk Range Factor: Color the activities based on Deltek Acumen Risks simulation of the impact of risk
events on the schedule.
Acceleration
Color activities based on the acceleration calibration settings. This option is only available with Deltek Acumen
360. The color settings for this option are defined in the calibration template. For more information on Calibration
refer to chapter 24.
Display Float
Select this option to display the amount of float on each activity. A dark line is added below the activity to indicate
positive float. A red line below the activity shows negative float.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 36
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 37
Create a filter for the Activities View and Smart Gantt using activities identify during a Forensic Analysis. On
the Forensics tab use the Create Smart Gantt Filter icon to create a filter for the listed activities. For additional
information on Forensic Analysis refer to chapter 12.
Browse back to the S1 // Projects tab and select the Filtering option under Activities View. The newly created
filter will be listed. Once selected, the filter will remove the activities from the list as well as the Smart Gantt.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 38
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 39
Update activity status by inputting the activity Actual Start and/or Actual Finish. The status of the activity, and
remaining duration will be updated. You can additionally choose to suspend the activity or resume an already
suspended activity.
Add/Remove Constraints
Add or remove Primary and Secondary constraints on the Status tab of the Activity details pane. Choose from the
provided list of constraints and input any required dates.
Modify Relationships
Change the relationship type of any activity or add/remove a relationship on the Relationships tab of the Activity
Details Pane. Select any activity from the activities view. In the Activity Details Pane you will see predecessor
activities on the left and any successor activities on the right.
This opens a new cost estimate which will automatically be populated with a single activity called New Activity.
Edit the activity name and details directly in this view or by using the fields in the Activity Details Pane.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 40
Any number of hierarchical levels or groups can be created in the cost estimate. In Figure 3-19 New Activity 5
has been turned into a parent activity by adding a new activity (New Activity 6) and dragging it onto the New
Activity 5 row.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 41
Any time an activity, or group of activities, is dragged onto another row it becomes a child of that row.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 42
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 43
Visualization of activities based on common criteria (e.g., activity attribute or network path)
Easy reporting giving a fast means of slicing and dicing project data
Figure 4-3 shows a sample project created in MS Project that contains four activities and two parallel paths.
Activities A, C and D all lie on the critical path. Activity B contains float and is not on the critical path.
In Acumen Fuse, at the summary level, you can create a single ribbon that contains all activities within the project.
Figure 4-4 shows a ribbon view of the same sample project where a single ribbon is created for the entire sample
project.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 44
Now consider a scenario where you want to ribbonize based on whether an activity falls on the critical path or not.
Figure 4-5 shows the same sample project this time ribbonized by Critical Path. By separating critical and noncritical activities, you are able to get a clearer insight into your project.
Figure 4-5 Sample Project Showing Critical Path Ribbons in Acumen Fuse
Taking this a step further, now consider creating by work breakdown structures (WBS).
By ribbonizing by various activity attributes and network paths, you can run Acumen Fuse analytics in multiple
dimensions providing insight that is not easily available in traditional Gantt chart type reports.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 45
Intersection Analyzer
Ribbon Analyzer
Phase Analyzer
As well as calculating metrics, Acumen Fuse analysis also determines whether or not defined tripwire thresholds
have been triggered. Figure 4-7 shows an example of the metric Missing Logic metrics being applied to a
project. Note: the ribbon analyzer tells you which group of activities (Critical or Non- Critical) has missing logic; the
phase analyzer tells you which time period contains the activities with missing logic, and the intersection analyzer
pinpoints the path and phase.
To pinpoint which activity(s) are causing the metric tripwire to trigger, use the Activity Browser. The Activity
Browser shows activities based on which ribbon, phase or intersection you click on.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 46
One of the unique capabilities of Acumen Fuse is the way the analysis engine is able to analyze across multiple
phases as well as segment data by ribbon. The analysis engine automatically calculates duration, cost and work
across phase boundaries and spreads values accordingly.
For example, a 60-day activity starting on January 1 will be automatically segmented into 31 days in January, 28
days in February (assuming a non-leap year), and 1 day in March. The costs and work for this activity also get
spread accordingly so that when the metric engine is run, results are not only analyzed for the ribbon as a whole
but also within each individual phase.
Similarly, the engine determines, for example, which phase an activity starts within. This in turn enables metrics
such as the number of activities starting within a particular fiscal reporting period to be created.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 47
Figure 4-11 shows a simple sample project with three activities spanning over a four-week period. When we
analyze the data in Acumen Fuse (Figure 4-12) and calculate two basic metrics, cost and schedule, we can see
that the Acumen Fuse engine prorates both duration and cost based on how the activities span across the four
periods. This makes phase-based analysis very powerful because you can analyze both within and across
defined phases, accounting for the amount of cost, duration and work that falls into each phase.
Figure 4-14 shows the same two activities within Acumen Fuse being analyzed using two metrics original
duration and Total Cost. It can be seen that for each intersection, the assigned metric (Total Cost) is being
calculated separately.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 48
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 49
Analysis Type
Ribbon Analysis
Summary
Cross ribbon comparison
Phase Analysis
Intersection Analysis
Trend Analysis
Details
Metric analysis by ribbon
enabling cross-ribbon
comparisons to be drawn.
Metric analysis by phase
enabling cross-phase
comparisons to be drawn.
Trending can also be carried out.
Metric analysis for a specific
ribbon/phase intersection
enabling pinpointing of project hot
spots and problem areas.
Metric analysis for multiple
project snapshots across ribbons.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 50
5.1 Navigation
The analysis view consists of four panels:
Ribbon Browser: flattened project data showing ribbons, activities and phases
Intersection
Analysis
Phases
Ribbons
Ribbon
Analyzer
Ribbon
Browser
Metrics
Activity
Browser
Phase
Analyzer
A single workbook can contain multiple analysis views. For example, you may have an analysis view designed for
cost analysis and a second analysis view for the same workbook setup for risk exposure analysis.
Ribbon Browser
The ribbon browser is the core of the analysis view. Within the ribbon browser, you create ribbons, segment by
phases and apply metrics. The ribbon browser is highly customizable.
Ribbons
Ribbons are groupings of activities based on a given criteria. By default, ribbons are grouped by project, but can
be grouped in multiple ways including activity attribute, resource and path. If a workbook contains multiple
projects, then a separate ribbon for each of these projects will be shown. Ribbons also contain activities. These
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 51
activities can be hidden from within a ribbon if desired. Critical activities are shaded in red; non-critical in blue.
Normal activities sit beneath summaries and milestones within a ribbon. Ribbons are segmented by phases.
Ribbons can be sorted by metric results (by right clicking on the metric header and selecting the sort option).
Phases
Phases are user definable segments of time against which the Acumen Fuse analysis is run. Phases can be
weeks, days, months, quarters, years, custom periods or the entire project duration.
Phase Analyzer
The phase analyzer shows the results from an Acumen Fuse analysis for each phase. Multiple metrics can be
added to the phase analyzer. The phase analyzer can be displayed as either a table or chart.
Ribbon Analyzer
The ribbon analyzer shows the results from an Acumen Fuse analysis for each ribbon. Multiple metrics can be
added to the ribbon analyzer. The ribbon analyzer can be displayed as either a table or chart.
Intersection Analyzer
In addition to running an analysis against a ribbon or phase, Acumen Fuse also enables metric reporting against a
single segment within the ribbon browser (i.e., for a specific ribbon within a specific phase).
Activity Browser
The Activity Browser shows individual activities. The activities shown depend on which segment of the ribbon or
analyzer windows are clicked. There are six modes in which the Activity Browser can be used for reporting. These
are described in detail later in this chapter.
Select desired pre-defined analysis view through tabs at the bottom of the screen
Click on any metric result, ribbon, or phase to view the included activities in the Activity Browser
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 52
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 53
Critical path: compare analysis results between critical and non-critical activities.
In addition to basing ribbons by field, a field-based ribbon can be further defined using one of three modes:
Interval size: a variable number of ribbons each defined by a user selected size (e.g., cost broken out
into multiple ribbons in $50,000 intervals).
Number of Intervals: a fixed number of ribbons are created based on the selected number of intervals.
This is useful if creating ribbons by a field that returns, for example, a percentage. Creating ten intervals
would result in ten ribbons representing 0 10%, 10 20%, 20-30% etc. all the way to 90-100%.
Delimiter: Ribbons are created based on period delimiters. This is useful when needing to create ribbons
from the likes of a WBS or a hierarchical code field that uses delimiters to designate separation of
sections (and level) within a hierarchy.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 54
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 55
Navigation back up through the created hierarchy is straightforward using the vertical navigation strip on the left
hand side of the screen. Clicking on the home button takes you back to the unfiltered set of data.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 56
By default, Acumen Fuse will create an analysis view that encapsulates the entire project. Phase definition is fully
customizable. The start and end of the analysis view can be defined either by a specific date or event (e.g., start
of project or Time Now).
Phase intervals can be set to days, weeks, months, quarters, years or single (representing the entire date range
as a single phase).
In addition, custom phases can be created through the use of the Add Phase menu item.
Phases can also be merged. For example, two adjacent quarters can be merged into a single half-year segment.
This is achieved by deleting a phase boundary. To do so, hover over the phase header until the delete icon
appears. Click on this to remove the boundary and merge the two phases.
The entire analysis view can be reset to include all activities by clicking on the Reset Dates menu item.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 57
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 58
An unlimited number of metrics can be added to the ribbon and phase analyzers. Only a single metric at a time
can be viewed in the intersection analyzer.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 59
Because only one metric at a time can be viewed in the intersection analyzer, it is not possible to add a metric
library to the intersection analyzer. Instead assign individual metrics as described above.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 60
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 61
A ribbon (cutting across multiple phases): all activities for a given ribbon.
A phase (cutting across multiple ribbons): all activities for a given phase.
Ribbon metric results: activities for a given metric segment within the ribbon analyzer.
Phase metric results: activities for a given metric segment within the phase analyzer.
Intersection metric results: activities for a given metric segment within the intersection analyzer.
In order to report activities irrespective of tripwire threshold, simply click on the ribbon or phase or intersection
header. To report activities that make up the score in the analyzer cells, click on the cell in question. If a metric
does not have a tripwire formula defined, the Activity Browser cannot be used to view activities.
Action
Analysis View
Click on a
ribbon
description
Click on a
Phase
Header
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 62
Click on a
ribbon/phase
intersection
Click on a
intersection
metric
Click on a
ribbon
analyzer cell
Click on a
phase
analyzer cell
A snapshot of the Activity Browser can also be displayed as a popup window. This is useful when reporting large
quantities of data. Click on the Undock icon to show the results in a separate window.
Results from the Activity Browser can be printed in a tabular or scorecard report by clicking on the Publish icon.
Tabular
Gantt
Heat map
Detailed
Scorecard
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 63
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 64
Figure 5-24 shows an example heat map with size of box showing duration, color showing Total Cost, grouped by
Critical/Non Critical.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 65
Click the Print icon in the Activity Browser to print the report
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 66
Smart filtering
of activities
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 67
To zoom out of a phase, hover over the Timeline header and click on the magnifying glass icon to zoom out.
Check to exclude
activities
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 68
Multiple annotations can be added to the activities by re-clicking the notepad icon.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 69
In addition to these four types of logic analysis, a further override known as Driving Logic can also be applied.
When driving logic analysis is conducted, only those path(s) that are driving the schedule through to completion
are shown. This is a very powerful means of pinpointing the key activities in a schedule.
When a logic analysis is conducted, the Fuse analysis engine and resultant metric results only reflect those
activities that are returned in the path analysis.
Logic analysis is trigger either through the Logic menu or by using the three logic trace icons in the Activity
Browser. Note: by default, the logic trace runs in driving logic only mode. This can be changed to show all logic
through the logic menu.
Figure 6-1 shows the three logic trace buttons in the activity browser that can be used as a fast-track means of
running a logic trace. Simply select the activity in question and click on one of the three icons to trace forwards,
backwards or in both directions.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 70
Figure 6-3 shows an example of a Driving Logic analysis looking at all driving activities leading into and stemming
from an activity called EPC Design. The activities in this path analysis are also shown in the ribbon browser and
the results in the ribbon/phase analyzer are reflective of this driving path.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 71
Compare the same metric across two different time periods within either the same ribbon or even
between different ribbons.
Compare differences-report activities that have changed between the two scenarios.
Ribbon analyzer cell: selects all activities that trigger the tripwire for the selected metric within the
selected ribbon (across multiple phases).
Phase analyzer cell: selects all activities that trigger the tripwire for the selected metric within the
selected phase (across multiple ribbons).
Intersection analyzer cell: selects all activities that trigger the tripwire for the selected metric within
the selected phase within the selected ribbon.
Phase header: selects all activities across all ribbons for the selected phase.*
Ribbon header: selects all activities across all phases for the selected ribbon.*
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 72
Within the Comparison Analyzer results window, there are three filters that can be applied. This enables you to do
further analysis comparing similarities and differences within the two scenarios. By default, all three filters are
enabled resulting in three sets of data to be shown:
Present in both: shows those activities that are present in both scenarios. In the case of comparing two
scenarios against the same metric, this indicates those activities that trigger a metric tripwire in both
instances i.e., activities that have not changed between the two scenarios.
Only present in scenario A: shows those activities that are present in the first scenario but not in the
second. In the case of comparing two scenarios against the same metric, this reports those activities that
triggered the metric tripwire in the first scenario but not in the second. Typically, this is used to show those
activities that were an issue in scenario A that then got addressed and fixed in scenario B.
Only present in scenario B: shows those activities that are present in the second scenario but not in the
first. In the case of comparing two scenarios against the same metric, this reports those activities that
triggered the metric tripwire in the second scenario but not in the first. Typically, this is used to show those
activities that werent an issue in scenario A that then became an issue in scenario B.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 73
To enable benchmark comparison, select Benchmark Comparison button found in the Other Settings menu.
Once enabled, click on any of the analyzer cells to run a comparison with the selected ribbon/phase/intersection
and the other ribbons/phases/intersections.
Benchmark comparison results are shown through the use of up/down triangular icons. Red shading indicates a
negative comparison, green shading indicates a positive comparison (for the respective cell in question).
Figure 8-1 shows an example of benchmark comparison with the Northern Region ribbon being the selected
base scenario against the comparison analysis is being carried out.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 74
9 Managing Metrics
The Acumen Fuse analysis engine uses libraries of metrics to run project analytics. These metrics are defined
using either basic filters or more advanced formulas that are of the same syntax as those found in MS Excel.
Acumen Fuse includes various libraries of metrics. Metrics can be edited using the metric editor. Each metric
contains three formulas:
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 75
Each metric contains three formulas (primary, secondary and tripwire). Each of these three formulas are built
using a three-level hierarchy:
Inclusions: a top-level set of filters to exclude specific activities based on type, status and time period
Inclusions
Activity Status
(planned, in-progress, complete)
Activity type
(normal, milestones, summary)
Time period
(starts or finishes in current time period)
Filters
Simple filters based on fields
(e.g. Actual Start Date > Baseline Start Date)
Multiple filters can be added - treated as AND compounds
Formulas
User-defined formulas. Useful when needing OR statements ,
divisions or other advanced functions.
Basic: essentially a filter-based set of metrics that dont require detailed formula definition
Acumen Fuse metric formulas use what is known as array-based formulas in their calculations. These are
explained in detail below. The formulas enable us to group and aggregate multiple activities together so that
results for a ribbon or phase or intersection can be calculated.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 76
Relating this back to Acumen Fuse, a ribbon, phase and intersection all contain one or more activities. In the case
of phases and intersections, the activities may span across more than one phase or intersection. So, certain data
(duration, work and cost field types) gets prorated. When metric functions are applied during an Acumen Fuse
analysis, they are applied to the ribbon, phase or intersection indirectly being applied to all activities within that
segment through the use of an array formula.
Array
Formula
Remaining
Duration =
2+3=5
1. Define inclusions. These are overarching filters that limit which activities get included in the
search by type/status/phase.
2. Define Filters. These are the next level of filters further filtering out specific activities. Many metric
definitions can be completed by just using inclusions and filters (e.g., Critical activities).
3. Optional formula. If additional advanced criteria definition is needed, then select the advanced
mode and define the function using the advanced metric editor.
Basic Formula
Definition
Advanced Formula
Definition
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 77
For both basic and advanced Primary formula definition, formatting of primary formula results is achieved using
the Formula Format drop down list.
Auto Percentage
Mode
Manually Defined
Mode
Figure 9-5 Simple Percentage of Primary Formula and Advanced Secondary Formula
9.4 Tripwires
Tripwires are a very useful means of graphically depicting when a particular metric threshold is reached. Acumen
Fuse tripwires are flexible with regards to the number of thresholds per metric that can be defined, the type of
thresholds (absolute and gradient) and the formulas against which they can be based (primary and secondary).
Tripwire formulas get applied to each activity separately whereas primary and secondary formulas get applied to
groupings of activities (depending on the ribbon, phase or intersection context).
Tripwire formulas can be created in one of two ways:
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 78
Auto Calculated by Primary Formula: if the primary formula was created using the basic mode, you can
opt to automatically create the tripwire formula without defining any inclusions, filters or formulas for the
tripwire definition. Instead, Fuse will automatically create a tripwire formula based on the inclusions and
filters defined in the primary formula. This mode cannot be used if the primary formula was created in
advanced mode. In Auto Calculated by Primary Formula mode, the tripwire inclusions and filters options
are disabled because they are automatically inherited from the primary inclusions and filters.
Advanced: This mode enables you to manually create inclusions, filters and advanced functions that
together return the required set of activities.
Auto-calculated
Mode
Advanced Mode
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 79
Lowest is better: creates a scale where the lowest values are preferable
Highest is better: creates a scale where the highest values are preferable
Ideal Value: creates a scale where the middle values are preferable
For each of the three scale types, varying numbers of interval can be created.
In addition to using the standard scale types, additional intervals can be added through the Color Scales menu.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 80
9.6.1 IF Function
The IF function returns one value if the specified condition is TRUE and returns another value if the specified
condition is FALSE.
IF(logical_test, value_if_true, [value_if_false])
Logical_test Required - Any value or expression that can be evaluated to TRUE or FALSE
Value_if_true - Required -The value to be returned if the logical_test argument evaluates to TRUE
Value_if_false Optional - The value to be returned if the logical_test argument evaluates to FALSE. If
omitted then zero is returned
number2, number3, number4, ... Optional - The remaining items that you want to add
Returns TRUE if all its arguments evaluate to TRUE; returns FALSE if one or more arguments evaluate to
FALSE. Most commonly used in the Tripwire formula.
logical1 Required - The first condition that you want to test that can evaluate to either TRUE or FALSE.
logical2, ... - Optional - Additional conditions that you want to test that can evaluate to either TRUE or
FALSE
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 81
Number1, number2, ... - are 1 to 255 numbers for which you want to find the maximum value.
number1 Required - The first number for which you want the average.
number2, ... - Optional - Additional numbers for which you want the average, up to a maximum of 255
Criteria - Required - A number, expression, or text string that defines which records to be counted. For
example, criteria can be expressed as 3, ">3","Normal", or "3".
Example: COUNTIF(TotalFloat,">5") counts the number of activities who have a Total Float value greater
than 5.
Project Finish[ProjectFinish]
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 82
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 83
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 84
Overall scores: (e.g., project scores): based on the number of activities within the dataset that fail one or
more of the metric tests (irrespective of weighting). This method can be modified through the Options
window to use weighted scores based not just on the number of activities that fail a test but the total
number of metrics that fail a test
Individual Activity scores: based on the weighted results of all metrics being applied to the activity
In order to calculate these activity scores, the relative weighting for each metric is required. Weightings can be
viewed and edited by clicking on the respective metric library folder in the metric editor view.
Weightings are based on a +/- 10-point sliding scale. The higher the weighting, the more impact the metric in
question has on the scorecard score. By default, metric weightings have been set to the midpoint in the weighting
scale (i.e., +/- 5 depending on whether a high score is a positive or negative result).
Newly created metrics inherit a neutral score until edited by the user. Weightings only apply to activity scores and
not project/dataset scores.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 85
Variable Values: when defining a metric, instead of setting criteria based on a defined value, you can
describe a metric in terms of a variable. An example is a custom metric called high cost. At the time of
the metric being created, you do not know what this value should be. Instead you can create a variable
called say High Cost Value and use this in the metric definition. Then at run-time, when a Fuse analysis
is run, the user will be prompted to enter a value for this variable and Fuse will subsequently use the
value in its calculations.
Variable Fields: when defining a metric, if a field to be used in a metric definition is unknown, then a
variable field can be created. In a similar manner to the variable value concept, when a Fuse analysis is
run, the user is prompted for the actual field to be assigned. This is useful when a metric refers to say a
user defined or code field that is not known at the time of creation of the metric.
A metric can be defined using variable values, variable fields or even both!
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 86
Variable
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 87
In our example, we have created a variable called My Unknown Cost and referenced it in a custom metric called
High Cost. When a Fuse analysis is run, if the variable value has not been set, the user is prompted to set a
value. Figure 9-16 shows an example of the user entering a value of $1,000,000 as the variable value at run-time.
The result is shown in Figure 9-17.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 88
To change the value of the variable, either go back to the variable definition in the metric editor or instead, within
the Analysis view, click on the little expand icon in the bottom-right corner of the Analyze menu.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 89
Figure 9-21 shows the binding of Fuse variable field Owner to a user-defined field in Primavera called
Contractor. This means that the metric can be run against any project irrespective of the actual field name used
to represent Owner.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 90
Figure 9-22 shows the results from our Fuse analysis using the metric called Owner Activities, a count of the
number of activities whose user-defined field Contractor has a value of InHouse.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 91
Once the variable field and variable value have been created, the metric can be defined as shown in Figure 9-24.
Figure 9-24 Creating a Metric Referencing a Variable Field and Variable Value
Upon run-time, the user is then prompted to define both the Variable field as well as the variable value.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 92
Figure 9-26 Results from the Owner Activity Metric using a Variable Field and Value
Multiple variables against a variable field can be created. An example of this is creating a variable field called
Acceptable Cost that contains two variables Low Value and High Value.
A metric is then defined based on two criteria: the Total Cost being greater than Low Value and less than or
equal to High Value.
At run-time, Fuse then prompts the user for not only the field that is being used in the calculation but also the two
variable costs being used in the metric calculation.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 93
Figure 9-29 Results from Analysis Using a Variable Field and Multiple Variable Values
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 94
Ribbons
Ribbon Analyzer
Phase Analyzer
All ribbon data can be published to MS Excel through the publish menu. These editable reports subsequently can
be used in other applications such as MS PowerPoint.
Workbook: summary of the overall analysis including cost and schedule characteristics
An executive report can be created as either an editable MS Word document or a ready to publish Adobe PDF
file. The executive briefing is generated from the publish menu icon in the ribbon view.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 95
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 96
11.1 Overview
Fuse logic analysis provides multiple advanced logic checks on a project(s) including:
Redundant logic
Circular logic
Open ends
Relationships on summaries
Reverse Logic
Logic Sensitivity
To run a Fuse logic analysis, select the workbook, project or snapshot you want to run the analysis against (in the
projects view) and then click on Logic Analyzer to run the logic analysis.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 97
Nudge Activity: Select any activity or milestone from your project. This activity will be the starting point
of the test. A simulation will be run where a delay is added to this activity to see if it impacts an activity or
milestone later in the project.
Nudge Duration: Input the number of days you would like to nudge, or delay, the Nudge Activity by. By
default this number is set at 600 days.
Target Activity: Finally, select the target activity you would like to test the impact on.
Figure 11-4 shows the result of a Logic Sensitivity test where the Nudge Activity, was delayed by 600 days. The
test found that 30 days of delay could be added to the Nudge Activity before any impact was seen on the target
activity.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 98
This interactive view can also be used to determine the impact on the Target Activity at any given amount of
nudge. Roll your mouse along the blue line to see the intersecting points.
A useful feature in the logic analysis module is the ability to sort and group results. Group results by dragging the
column header above the table to create a grouped list of results. Click on a column header to sort.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 100
Added/removed activities
Added/changed constraints
An unlimited number of forensic checks can be run in the analysis including changes to code and user defined
fields. You can add, sort and group results and then seamlessly publish to the likes of pdf and MS Excel.
Forensic analysis can be used for:
Claims Avoidance/Evaluation
Add a primary project to the workbook (click one of the Get External Data icons)
Add a snapshot(s) to the primary project (select the primary project and then click one of the Get External
Data icons to add a snapshot(s) to the parent primary project)
Import all data (click on the Import All button to complete the import)
Figure 12-1 shows an example workbook containing a single primary project with two snapshot projects (last
month and last year snapshots) assigned. This hierarchy will then provide the basis for running a forensic
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 101
analysis. There is no limit to the number of snapshots than can be assigned to a parent project and subsequently
analyzed using the forensic analyzer.
The forensic analysis provides multiple criteria against which to analyze changes. The following insights are
available:
Project level changes (e.g., changes to status, data dates, cost, duration)
Added/removed activities
Added/removed/modified relationships
Added/removed/modified resources
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 102
Unlimited number of added/removed/modified activity attributes (e.g., activity type, status, % complete,
actual duration, remaining cost, risk, etc.)
The results are shown in a tabular format, which can be modified (sorts, groupings and custom columns).
1. Data can be sorted by clicking on the required field header
2. Data can be grouped by drag-dropping the required grouping field from the table header to the top of the
table to create a grouping
3. Absolute and percentage variances are shown for each of the comparison snapshots (compared to the
base schedule being compared against).
4. Refer to section 11.4 for details regarding creating new forensic reports/criteria.
Acumen Forensic Analysis reports can be published to MS Excel by clicking the Publish to Excel button in the
projects tab.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 103
Additional criteria (and columns) can be added to the Forensic analysis. This is achieved through the Fields tab.
To modify criteria and/or columns, either:
1. Click on the Fields tab
2. Click on the More button under the Activity Variances menu in the forensics tab
Figure 12-6 Selecting the Modify Fields Option in the Forensic Report
Once in the fields view, use the two columns on the right hand side to customize the Forensic report (see Figure
12-7):
Compare in Forensic Report: creates a new Forensic view that compares differences between the
snapshots for the given field
Show in Forensic Report: adds the selected column to all activity-based forensic reports (which can
then be used for sorting and grouping)
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 105
Figure 12-8 Customizing Columns and Criteria for the Forensic Analyzer
Figure 12-8 shows an example of a forensic comparison (percent complete) with an additional column added
(remaining cost). There is no limit to the number of additional comparisons and/or fields that can be added. Even
custom fields and Code fields can be included in the Forensic analysis.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 106
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 107
General Widgets
Project Status
Activity Status
Forensics
Logic Quality
Status Overview
All widgets within the dashboard can be directly copied to the clipboard using the copy icon in the top right corner
of the view.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 108
customized using the Configuration menu items in the dashboard menu, once a widget has been selected.
Options include:
View mode: group by ribbons or metrics and display in horizontal or vertical mode
Auto Fit: automatically fits the data within the Widget to fit the window, eliminating scrolling
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 109
14 Schedule Cleanser
Acumen Fuse can not only analyze a schedule but also cleanse and resolve flaws in a schedule.
14.2 Scenarios
Rather than updating the source schedule file upon running a schedule cleanse, a scenario is created. A scenario
is very similar to the previously described snapshot in Fuse. A scenario is a schedule created directly within Fuse.
Scenarios can be compared to their respective parent projects using the forensic analyzer and Fuse analysis
views.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 110
Custom reporting
All of these custom reports/applications can be added into Fuse and launched through custom Publish menu
items.
More information about the Acumen API can be found in the Acumen API guide.
http://www.projectacumen.com/resource/acumen-fuse-api-user-guide/
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 111
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 112
17 Risk Inputs
17.1 Uncertainty
Assigning uncertainty is the first in two steps when developing a risk model. Uncertainty is typically driven by
unknown scope or complexity of work. Uncertainty can be assigned using one of two modes in Deltek Acumen
Risk:
It is recommended that the Uncertainty Factor approach is used for developing risk models. It provides a fast,
consistent and validated means of risk loading a model avoiding potential errors in data entry.
The template can be configured to model varying number of uncertainty categories. Use the Size slider to set the
desired number of categories.
Once the number of categories has been defined, set the name, type and min, most likely and max percentages.
These percentages are then used when applying the template to the risk model.
It is recommended that the standard 5-point scale using the default Acumen Risk Workshop categories and
associated percentage values are used.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 113
Templates can be saved and re-applied to other risk models or applied during different phases of the project
lifecycle.
If a new template is loaded or changes made to the template, you must hit the Apply button in the template editor
for the changes to be reflected in the risk model.
Set the level based on the level at which you want to risk load your risk model. The next section describes how,
irrespective of the level that you set, the risk loading process actually applies risk and uncertainty to the entire
schedule. Setting the risk loading level is simply a means of making the risk loading process practical avoiding the
need to manually risk load every single activity within your potentially large schedule.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 114
Figure 17-4 shows an example of a project that is using the standard Acumen 5-point scale. (refer to Figure 17-1
for the standard scale). The project as a whole has been set to Very Aggressive and thus all activities within the
entire project inherited a Very Aggressive ranking. However, Early Design has been overridden as Very
Conservative - hence all Early Design activities are set to Very Conservative.
Likewise, the FEED group has been set to Conservative and so all FEED activities inherited the same
categorization. However, within the FEED group, EPC Design has been singled out as being Aggressive. Any
subsequent changes to the FEED group (at the group level) wont impact the EPC Design activity until that activity
has its padlock icon released.
This hierarchical approach to uncertainty loading is unique to Acumen Risk and represents a huge step forward in
building risk models in a timely manner.
Manual uncertainty loading can also be adopted by entering three-point estimates and associated distribution
types (triangular, normal, uniform). If an activity is manually loaded, the Uncertainty Factor slider turns grey and
is locked until the slider is re-activated by trying to re-slide the slider.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 115
Schedule Quality: This option presents uncertainty assignments based on the Fuse Schedule Index
score for each activity and activity grouping. By default a score of lower than 10% will warrant a Very
Aggressive assignment. Conversely a score of greater than 75% will lead to a conservative uncertainty
assignment.
Historical Performance: This mode compares the baseline plan to the current schedule and looks for
discrepancies. The greater the variance between the two the more aggressive that activity will be
flagged.
Metric: Select any metric from Fuse to use as the basis for uncertainty assignments.
Field: Select any field from the project to use as the basis for uncertainty assignments.
Once the Risk Adviser has calculated the advice, the recommendations will be shown in the activities view.
Select the icon next to any activity or activity grouping to implement the recommended uncertainties.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 116
Acumen Risk provides a means of modeling what is known as Task Existence. If you are not 100% certain that a
task is going to happen in your schedule, you can assign a probability to the task to reflect this confidence level
(e.g. Re-work).
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 117
window will appear where the driven activities can be selected. Add any activities that should be correlated to
the driver using this window. The uncertainty of the driving activity will then be correlated with any other activity it
has been linked to.
Add Correlation
This activity has been included in a set of driven activities linked to a driving activity.
This activity is a driving activity linked to other activities and has also been selected as a
driven activity by another driver.
Figure 17-8 Activity Correlation Settings
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 118
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 119
18 Risk Register
Risk events are discrete events (threats or opportunities) that carry both a probability and a potential
cost/schedule impact that may have a potential impact on the schedule/cost of the project. Risk events are
typically captured and modeled in a risk register. Deltek Acumen Risk includes a comprehensive risk register.
The risk register can be viewed by selecting Risk Register from either the Left or Right Panel View menu.
In addition, the values for each of the probability and impact categories can be defined by manually entering
values into the template.
Acumen Risk provides automatic calibration for both scoring and ranging:
Ranging: used to automatically set the impact values based on the duration and the cost of the project
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 120
User defined fields can be added to the risk register and risk register templates can be saved and re-applied to
different project/snapshots.
Click on the risk matrix icon from within the main spreadsheet view: this will automatically create a new
risk event as well as link it to the activity from which you clicked.
Risk events contain multiple attributes. For a risk analysis, at a minimum, you need to define the following:
Risk ID
Further, a risk event can carry both a Current State and Mitigated State. This allows a comparison to be made
between the current risk exposure state and a target state assuming mitigation is carried out.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 121
Threats
A threat is any event that may negatively impact the project. This risk can carry a probability of occurrence, the
likely impact on schedule and/or cost.
Opportunities
An opportunity is any event that may positively impact the project. This risk can carry a probability of occurrence,
a schedule impact and a cost impact.
Calendar Event
A calendar event is a discrete risk event that is tied to a certain period of time. This risk carries a time period
(months of the year in which it could occur) as well as a probability of occurrence for each month. Additionally the
minimum/most likely/ and maximum impacts can be included.
Risk Window
A risk window is a time period that may cause a delay for the project. This risk carries a minimum/most
likely/maximum time period of occurrence.
18.3 Mitigation
As part of defining a mitigated state for a risk, Acumen Risk can also calculate the cost/benefit of executing a
mitigation plan. In order for this to be calculated, a duration and cost overhead of mitigation needs to be defined
against the risk event. Subsequently, when running a risk analysis, alternate scenarios can be generated either
accounting for or ignoring both the impact and/or overhead of executing mitigation.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 122
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 123
Once mapping has been applied, you can optionally override the default mapped impacts through the mapping
table beneath the risk register.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 124
Uncertainty only the risk model only takes into account uncertainty and ignores any risk event impact
Uncertainty and Risk Events (No mitigation) the risk model accounts for uncertainty and risk events but
excludes any mitigating impacts
Uncertainty and Risk Events (mitigated excluding overhead) the risk model accounts for uncertainty and
risk events in their mitigated state but ignores the cost/schedule overhead of achieving this mitigation.
Uncertainty and Risk Events (mitigated including overhead) the risk model accounts for uncertainty and
risk events in their mitigated state and takes into account the cost/schedule overhead of achieving this
mitigation.
All four scenarios can be applied to the base risk model or used in conjunction with creating alternate scenarios.
To create multiple scenario risk models, click on the Create Scenario menu option. Acumen Risk will then create
a copy of the currently selected risk model enabling you to subsequently run a what if analysis on the newly
created scenario using potentially different settings such as different scenarios analysis options.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 125
19.3 Interaction
Acumen Risk can run a risk analysis in three modes:
Automatic: runs the analysis without screen interaction. Benefits from multi threading (very fast)
19.4 Repeatability
Acumen Risk has provision for repeated risk analysis giving the exact same results. This is achieved through
what is known as fixed seed. This option is on by default.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 126
20 Risk Reporting
Reports from a risk analysis can be shown directly in the software by utilizing the view options under Left Panel
and Right Panel.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 127
The histogram can be configured (under the configuration options) to adjust the percentage increments as well as
the cost and duration units. Risk histograms can be exported to other tools either as a chart or as raw data
through the publish menu option.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 128
Schedule Contribution tornado shows which activities are the biggest risk drivers on the selected activity and
more importantly, it reports in terms of duration. Being able to report not just the biggest drivers or hot spots but
also being able to quantify their impact is a huge leap forward in risk reporting.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 129
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 130
Summarized report
20.3.1 Configuration
The X-axis and Y-axis must be defined in order to use the Risk Sensitivity report. Select the activities and
values for each activity to view their relationship. Once the set up is complete hit the Analyze button to create the
Risk Sensitivity report.
20.3.3 Quadrants
Add quadrants to the risk sensitivity view for further insight into the probability of meeting deterministic durations
and/or costs. Figure 20-6 shows a Risk Sensitivity report where the X-axis is Finish Date and the Y-Axis is Cost.
The top left quadrant, for example, shows that during the analysis, 51% of the time Cost was greater than
deterministic while the Finish Date was earlier.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 131
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 132
Figure 20-7 Risk Sensitivity Report showing Joint Confidence Level (JCL)
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 133
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 134
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 135
Any number of hierarchical levels or groups can be created in the cost estimate. In Figure 21-3 New Activity 5
has been turned into a parent activity by adding a new activity (New Activity 6) and dragging it onto the New
Activity 5 row.
Any time an activity, or group of activities, is dragged onto another row it becomes a child of that row.
Once imported into Acumen Risk, follow the normal procedure for building your cost model with uncertainty and
risk events (same procedure as building a schedule risk model). Reports such as Risk Exposure, Risk Drivers and
Comparison Analyzer can all be run against cost models.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 136
The Cost Contribution Metric in the Risk Driver report shows the biggest cost risk drivers in terms of cost rather
than percentages. This is unique to Acumen Risk and provides more useful executive reporting than reporting
abstract relative cost risk drivers.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 137
By using the Risk Comparison Report you can then analyze the additional impact of schedule risk exposure on
your cost risk estimate.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 138
PERT uses the PERT algorithm ((max +4*most likely+min)/6 to re-calibrate the schedule/cost model.
Median mode takes the median value between min, most likely and max to re-calibrate the schedule/cost model.
Once created, a risk-adjusted schedule can be published back to the scheduling tool or if desired, used as the
basis for building a new risk model.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 139
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 140
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 141
Automatic, Goal-Based: Define the acceleration target and let Acumen 360 automatically generate the
schedule scenario that meets that goal.
Targeted: Define the acceleration goal and the criteria for acceleration (i.e. accelerate construction
activities by 50%)
Interactive: Accelerate or decelerate individual activities or groups of activities using the duration
calibration sliders.
Project Goal
To define a goal relative to the end of the project, use the Accelerate Schedule tab in the Acumen 360 window
shown in Figure 24-1. Use the goal options (date field or sliding scale) to set the target goal for the acceleration.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 142
Activity Goal
To define an acceleration goal for a specific activity, use the Accelerate Activity tab in the Acumen 360 window
shown in Figure 24-2. Select the activity against which the acceleration needs to be conducted (e.g., accelerate
completion of construction) by using the activity selector. Use the goal options (date field or sliding scale) to set
the target goal for the activity acceleration.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 143
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 144
Optionally select schedule cleanse options prior to running an analysis. This will enable the simulation to
create a more naturally flowing and realistic schedule
Scripts can be exported from a workbook and re-used within other workbooks. Additionally, the default script can
be set in the 360 options window. Scripts can also be merged with other script libraries using the merge feature.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 145
Reduce duration
Change calendar
Remove constraints
A step also defines the priority for applying the acceleration action. This can be defined as:
Easiest: Fuse can use an advanced technique for determining the activities with the least amount of
resistance during the acceleration simulation.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 146
Steps are applied to a script by drag-dropping the steps from the step library into the script timeline. The timeline
defines the order in which the steps are applied during the simulation. Drag the steps in the timeline to rearrange
them.
Figure 24-7 shows an example of the results from an Acumen 360 targeted acceleration. The results show:
Number of iterations run: either the maximum number of runs or the number needed to reach the goal or
the number of runs before the criteria in the script were exhausted
Schedule Compression efficiency: an index showing how efficient the acceleration is (see white paper
on Acumen website for further explanation of this metric)
The results window also shows whether or not the target has been completely or partially achieved
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 147
Once an analysis has been run, opt to: add the scenario; add the scenario and try another script; add the scenario
and view the changes in forensics or add the scenario and compare in the Fuse analysis view.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 148
2 Activities within
Commissioning have been set
to Requires Less Time
You can calibrate each individual activity or use the grouping options (See Chapter 3 for setting up the Project
View) to calibrate groups of activities.
Calibration applied to a parent row automatically cascades down to the children of that row. If you want to set
exceptions, or activities that do not follow their parent, simply re-set the calibration slider on that activity. You will
notice that the lock icon next to that activity is enacted. Now, if you were to adjust the calibration of the parent, all
activities would follow except for the locked activity.
Manufacturing and
all of its children
have been set to
Requires More
Time
Schedule Quality: This option presents uncertainty assignments based on the Fuse Schedule Index
score for each activity and activity grouping. By default an activity with a score of lower than 10% will be
flagged as needing more time than planned. Conversely an activity with a score of greater than 75% will
be flagged as needing less time than planned.
Historical Performance: This mode compares the baseline plan to the current schedule and looks for
discrepancies in order to suggest which activities should be accelerated.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 149
Metric: Select any metric from Fuse to use as the basis for acceleration suggestions.
Field: Select any field from the project to use as the basis for acceleration suggestions.
View and
implement Adviser
suggestions for
calibration.
Once the Schedule Realism Adviser has calculated the advice, the recommendations will be shown in the
activities view. Select the icon next to any activity or activity grouping to implement the recommended calibration
settings.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 150
Benchmarking against other projects across the world using Acumen Cloud
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 151
Scoring: a standardized score in the form of an index is generated. This score is based on a standard set
of metrics that cannot be editing or re-weighted by an end-user. By adopting this standardization, projects
can be anonymously compared using the same scoring system. As a target, you should aim for 75 and
above with any Fuse Index score.
Benchmarking: while Fuse Indices give good insight into the quality of a plan, being able to compare
how your project ranks with other similar projects is even more valuable. Acumen Cloud automatically
calculates where in the population your project lies. This is presented in the form of a percentile e.g. you
rank in the top 60 percentile.
Forecasting: based on years of project benchmarking, Acumen is now able to deliver true benchmarking
in the form of forecasting project success. This is achieved by comparing your project score to other
completed projects with a similar score and examining how they fared with regards to on-time completion.
Based on an established correlation between quality of plan and chance of execution success, Acumen
Cloud is able to provide a forecast as to the probability of your project having an on-time completion.
Figure 25-3 shows an example of a project that scores 74 against the Fuse Schedule Index, ranking in the top
88th percentile of the population resulting in a 75% chance of completion on time.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 152
Missing Logic
In theory, all activities should have at least one predecessor and one successor associated with them. Failure to
do so will impact the quality of results derived from a time analysis as well as a risk analysis. This number should
not exceed more than 5%.
Logic Density
This metric calculates the average number of logic links per activity. An average of less than 2 indicates that there
is logic missing within the schedule. An average greater than 4 indicates overly complex logic, with a high
likelihood of redundant links. Therefore, Logic Density should be between 2 and 4.
Critical
While a highly critical schedule is not necessarily a sign of poor scheduling, it can indicate a highly risky schedule.
Use this metric as a point of reference.
Hard Constraints
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 153
Hard, or two-way constraints, such as Must Start On or Must Finish On should be avoided. Use of such
constraints can lead to inaccurate finish dates and a lack of insight into the impact of schedule changes, risk
events, and earlier delays.
Negative Float
Negative float is a result of an artificially accelerated or constrained schedule, and is an indication that a schedule
is not possible based on the current completion dates.
Insufficient Detail
Activities with a high duration relative to the life of the project are an indication of poor schedule definition. Detail
should be added to the schedule.
Number of Lags
A lag is a duration applied to a logic link often used to represent non-working time between activities such as
concrete curing. Lags tend to hide detail within the schedule and cannot be statused like normal activities;
therefore, lags should be converted to actual activities with durations.
Number of Leads
A lead, also known as a negative lag, is often used to adjust the successor start or end date relative to the logic
link applied. This is a poor practice as it can result in the successor starting before the start of the predecessor.
Merge Hotspot
Also known as merge bias, a merge hotspot is an indication as to how complex the start of an activity is. If the
number of links is greater than two, there is a high probability that the activity in question will be delayed due to
the cumulative effect of all links having to complete on-time in order for the activity to start on time.
Redundancy Index
A redundant, or unnecessary logic link, is a link between two activities made redundant by an additional, often
more complex, logic link between the same two activities. A high Redundancy Index is a sign of an overly
complex schedule, which should be simplified.
Open Ends
A high number of activities missing either a predecessor, a successor, or both signals a poorly developed plan.
This number should be less than 5% of the schedule.
Open Starts
If the start of the successor activity is left open, with the predecessor activity tied to the finish of the successor, the
result is an open start or 'dangling activity.'
Open Finishes
If the finish of the predecessor activity is left open, with the predecessor tied by its start to the successor, the
result is an open finish or 'dangling activity.'
Leads
A lead, also known as a negative lag, is often used to adjust the successor start or end date relative to the logic
link applied. This is a poor practice as it can result in the successor starting before the start of the predecessor.
Lags
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 154
A lag is a duration applied to a logic link often used to represent non-working time between activities such as
concrete curing. Lags tend to hide detail within the schedule and cannot be statused like normal activities;
therefore, lags should be converted to actual activities with durations.
SF Links
A high number of SF links is indicative of a well-developed plan.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 155
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 156
List A
Source
Fields for
Project A
Project
A
Project
B
Mapped
Mapped
Fields
Fields
Project
C
Project
D
Mapped
Mapped
Fields
Acumen Fields
Fields
Figure 26-1 shows an example of the field mapping view. The example shows two projects within a workbook
(Project A and Project B). Project A is a Primavera P6 project and Project B is a MS Project project. The Fields
view is best explained by examining the columns from right to left.
The right hand side column contains a list of Acumen fields. These fields are available during an analysis and can
be referenced by metric formulas. The names of the fields can be edited by clicking on the field name. The bold
field names cannot be edited, but can have customized mappings assigned to them. The center columns are the
currently mapped fields. There is a separate column shown for each of the projects/snapshots within a workbook.
When linking to a data source, default mappings are assigned based on the platform type. If we examine the
Acumen field called Baseline Work in Figure 26-1, we can see that the corresponding default field for Project A
(Primavera file) is known as Budgeted Labor Units whereas in Project B, the same field is known as
BaselineWork. Based on the default mappings, Acumen normalizes these fields even though the field names
are actually different. Within your workbook, this field is then referred to as Baseline Work.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 157
Acumen field mapping provides the flexibility to have different custom mappings from each of your data sources
to a common fieldin effect, standardizing data from multiple platforms that may have very different data
schemas.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 158
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 159
ID
Description
Activity Type
Critical
Original Duration
Remaining Duration
Percent Complete
MS Project
Primavera P6
ID
Activity ID
Name
Activity Name
Calculated
Primavera Risk
Analysis
Open
UN/CEFACT
Plan
ID
Activity ID
ProjectScheduleTas
k.Name
Description
Description
Activity Desc.
ProjectScheduleTas
k.Description
Activity Type
Task Type
Calculated
Activity Type
ProjectScheduleTas
k.TypeCode
Critical
Critical
Critical
NA
Critical_Activity
ProjectScheduleTas
k.CriticalPathIndicat
or
Duration
Original Duration
Original Duration
NA
Original Duration
TotalDurationMeasur
e
NA
Computed
Remaining Dur.
ProjectScheduleTas
k.RemainingDuration
Measure
Remaining Duration
Remaining
Duration
ID
Deltek Cobra
Remaining
Duration
% Complete
Calculated
Percent Complete
NA
Calculated
ProjectScheduleTas
k.CalculatedComplet
ionPercent
Start
Start
Start
Start
Start
Early Start
CurrentScheduledBa
sePeriod.Start
Finish
Finish
Finish
Finish
Calculated
Early Finish
CurrentScheduledBa
sePeriod.Finish
Actual Start
Actual Start
Actual Start
Actual Start
NA
Actual Start
ActualScheduledBas
ePeriod.Start
Actual Finish
Actual Finish
Actual Finish
Actual Finish
NA
Actual Finish
ActualScheduledBas
ePeriod.Finish
Baseline Start
Baseline Start
Planned Start
Baseline Start
NA
Baseline Start
TargetScheduledBas
ePeriod.Start
Baseline Finish
Baseline Finish
Planned Finish
Baseline Finish
NA
Baseline Finish
TargetScheduledBas
ePeriod.Finish
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 160
Early Start
Early Start
Early Start
Early Start
NA
Early Start
EarliestScheduledBa
sePeriod.Start
Early Finish
Early Finish
Early Finish
Early Finish
NA
Early Finish
EarliestScheduledBa
sePeriod.Finish
Total Float
Total Slack
Total Float
TotalFinshFloat
NA
Total Float
ProjectScheduleTas
k.TotalFloatDuration
Measure
Baseline Work
Budgeted Labor
Units
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
Actual Cost
Actual Cost
Calculated
Cost[Actual]
NA
Calculated
NA
Budget Cost
Baseline Cost
Calculated
Cost[Budget]
NA
Calculated
NA
Remaining Cost
Calculated
Cost[Remaining]
NA
ETC
NA
Cost
Calculated
Cost[Total]
NA
Calculated
NA
Number of Predecessors
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
Calculated
Number of Successors
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
Calculated
Number of FF
Predecessors
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
Calculated
Number of SF
Predecessors
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
Calculated
Number of SS
Predecessors
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
Calculated
Number of Lags
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
ProjectScheduleTas
kRelationship.LagTi
meMeasure
Number of Leads
Calculated
Calculated
Calculated
NA
Calculated
Calculated
Project Start
Start Date
Start
Start
NA
Project Start
NA
Project Finish
Finish Date
Finish
Data Date
NA
Scheduled Finish
NA
Status Date
Data Date
Finish
NA
Time Now
NA
Status
Activity Status
Calculated
NA
Progress Type
Calculated
Activity Constraint
Constraint Type
Primary Constraint
Constraint Type
NA
Calculated
NA
WBS Code
Outline Number
WBS
Work Breakdown
Structure
WBS Code
NA
NA
WBS Name
Outline Number
WBS Name
Work Breakdown
Structure
WBS Name
NA
NA
ACWP (AC)
ACWP
ACWP
ACWP (AC)
NA
NA
BCWP (EV)
BCWP
BCWP(EV)
Calculated
BCWP (EV)
Calculated
NA
BCWS (PV)
BCWS
Calculated
NA
BCWS (PV)
NA
NA
EAC
EAC
NA
EAC
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
LIKELY
NA
NA
Baseline Work
Remaining Cost
Total Cost
Activity Status
EAC
LIKELY
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 161
CAM-EAC
NA
NA
NA
CAM-EAC
NA
NA
PLAN_ACC
NA
NA
NA
PLAN_ACC
NA
NA
ETC
NA
NA
NA
ETC
NA
NA
MOD
NA
NA
NA
MOD
NA
NA
OTB
NA
NA
NA
OTB
NA
NA
REPLAN
NA
NA
NA
REPLAN
NA
NA
WORST
NA
NA
NA
WORST
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 162
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Calculated
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
P50 Start
NA
NA
P50 Start
NA
NA
NA
P80 Finish
NA
NA
P80 Finish
NA
NA
NA
P50 Finish
NA
NA
P50 Finish
NA
NA
NA
P50 Cost
NA
NA
P50 Cost
NA
NA
NA
P80 Cost
NA
NA
P80 Cost
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Risk Output
CriticalityIndex
NA
NA
Risk Output
CriticalityIndex
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Cruciality
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Cruciality
Risk Output DurationStdDeviation
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Risk Output
DurationSensitivity
NA
NA
Risk Output
DurationSensitivity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Risk Output
MeanCost
NA
NA
NA
Risk Output
MeanDuration
NA
NA
Risk Output
MeanDuration
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Risk Output
MeanStart
NA
NA
NA
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 163
NA
NA
Risk Output - %
Iterations Existed
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 164
27 System Requirements
Acumen is a Windows application. It requires no backend database installation. System requirements are as
follows:
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 165
28 Installation
The Acumen installer uses Microsoft ClickOnce technology which provides a seamless means of installing and
maintaining updates to Acumen without the need for complex and often prohibitive administrative rights to your
computer.
To install Acumen, simply point your web browser to http://projectacumen.com and navigate to the install page.
Upon installation, you will be asked to review the license agreement. Upon acceptance, you will be prompted for a
valid Acumen license key. Upon successful validation, you will be ready to run Acumen.
Acumen includes sample files and documentation. These can be found in the Acumen Fuse folder within your
Documents folder on your PC.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 166
29 Automatic Updates
Deltek Acumen checks for both required and recommended updates each time the application runs. Using
ClickOnce, this is a quick and easy means of ensuring you have the latest compatible version of Acumen
installed. An Internet connection is required in order to receive these updates. Automatic updates can be disabled
in the Options menu of Acumen.
Deltek Acumen Software User Guide V5.0 | Deltek 2013, All Rights Reserved 167