The Oracle | Primavera Risk (Pertmaster) user interface is designed to feel like many of the popular commercial scheduling tools on the market. The origins of the Pertmaster tool were as a scheduling tool. This section will highlight key features for navigation, shortcuts, and usability.
Video Walkthrough of the Oracle | Primavera Risk (Pertmaster) User Interface (Duration: 2 min: 55 sec)
Menu Ribbon
The Primavera Risk Menu Ribbon is similar to most computer applications. It is worth noting that looking at the menu items that almost all menu items are related to plan setup, options, or scheduling. There is only one menu item for risk. After a schedule import has been validated most users will not need to use options outside of the risk and report menus. The Pertmaster tool has an intimidating amount of buttons and menus, however sticking to the risk and reports menu will accomplish 90% of the functions a new or most advanced users will need.
Shortcut Icons
The Oracle | Primavera Risk (Pertmaster) shortcut icons are located directly below the menu ribbon at the top of the user interface. Almost all menu items in the product will have a corresponding icon. Right-clicking in any blank area by the menu ribbon or toolbar icons will launch a list of predesigned toolbars that can be shown or hidden. By default most of the toolbars will be viewable. The large number of toolbars and icons will sometimes intimidate new users or cause confusion even with experienced users. After right-clicking on the blank area by the menu or icons, users can uncheck and hide any toolbars which they will probably not be using. This is not critical but may save some navigation time.
Gantt Chart & Timescale
The Pertmaster Gantt chart is interactive. It will have a familiar feel to users of Microsoft Project and is even closer to Primavera P6. A separate module will detail the Gantt chart functionality; however in this training module we will list some of the key features. Hovering over the activity bars will change the pointer to either a double arrow to nudge the activity date, a single arrow to change the duration via dragging, or either an F (finish link) or an S (start link) symbol which allows users to create a link by dragging the connection between the finish (F) or start (S) of one activity to another activity.
The Gantt chart size and timeline can be adjusted left or right-clicking on the red timeline at the top of the Gantt chart. Left-click and holding the button will allow users to pinch and pull, or zoom in and out. Right-clicking the red timescale will give users the option to format the timescale periods, etc.
Data Columns
Data can manually be typed into the Pertmaster columns much like using Microsoft Excel. One of the most convenient features of Primavera Risk is the ability to copy and paste data directly to and from the columns. Data can be copied to Microsoft Excel, manipulated, and copied back. Cost estimates can be directly pasted into a blank template. Moving data back and forth to Excel can have pitfalls as it is easy to make errors, however if users are careful, they can save large amounts of time. Certain fields will have a list functionality and users will only be able to paste items that are listed in the drop-down box such as calendar name, constraint type, etc.
Task Details Navigation Pane
Microsoft Project and Primavera users will be familiar with using a navigation pane for data entry. At the bottom of the screen a tabbed area exists to organize all columns into sections. Data can be entered directly into the navigation pane instead of in the data columns. A thumbtack icon toward the top right corner of the navigation pane allows users to minimize the section. The navigation window can be completely hidden be removing the check by task details located under view in the menu bar.
