Targets

1. A target is a project plan you can compare to the

current schedule to measure progress.
2. use targets to pinpoint variances between actual
work accomplished and the originally planned
schedule.
3. use the target plan to create what-if scenarios for
planning the remaining work.
4. Once a project is underway, update the schedule and
costs at regular intervals.
5. After you update the current plan, you can compare
it to the target to analyze schedule and cost
performance.
 Targets
Before you update a schedule the first time, it is
suggested that you create a target plan. The simplest
target plan is a complete copy of the original schedule.
As the project progresses, use the target as a
benchmark or baseline for comparing the target dates,
resources, and costs to those for the current schedule.
You can also use the target to measure project status
and performance.
Targets
Updating a Project
Which activities should be updated.
You should update any activity on which work has been
performedstarted, progressed, or finishedsince the
last update or since the start date of the project.
Update activities that
Start and finish during the current update period
Start during a previous update period but finish during
the current update period
Start during a previous update period and continue
during the current update period, but are not finished
Start during the current update period but are not
finished
Updating a Project
Understanding the data date
P3 uses the data date, or as-of date, when
calculating the schedule. Before the first update, the
project start date is the data date. As the project
proceeds, move the data date forward. If youre
working with a daily schedule, the data date is always
in the morning. To update a project as of Tuesday
night, make Wednesday morning the data date. P3
accepts progress up to that timebut not including it.
Updating a Project
You can record progress at any time. P3 records
progress up to the current data date. For example,
suppose the current data date is Friday, November 5.
A week passes and it is now November 12. Update
progress through November 11, then advance the data
date to November 12; P3 revises the schedule based
on the actual dates, updated remaining durations,
delays, and other changes you just recorded.
Updating a Project
 Updating a Project

You can also record progress directly on an activity bar.

To assign an actual date, point to the beginning or end of
an activity bar and press the Shift key. When the mouse
pointer changes to , drag the end of the bar to change
the actual start or finish date.
Updating a Project
 Comparing Schedules

After updating a project, you can quickly evaluate

progress and performance onscreen. Use a layout that
shows current and target bars to identify tasks that start
or finish later than planned.
Comparing Schedules
Comparing Schedules
Analyzing Schedules

In the list of activities, include columns for the planned

value, actual costs to date, and earned value to identify
tasks that are behind schedule or over budget.