The following section describes the organizational roles as they typically apply to P6 EPPM. Roles can vary or overlap, depending on the organization and industry.
Network administrators (on-premises only)
Network administrators configure an organization’s network environment (local and wide area networks) for optimal performance with P6 EPPM. They install and maintain the server and client modules in P6 EPPM. They manage user access to project data and develop and maintain a comprehensive security policy to ensure that project data is protected from unauthorized access, theft, or damage.
Network administrators ensure that the hardware and software supporting P6 EPPM function reliably by:
- Setting up and maintaining the network to ensure reliable connections and the fastest possible data transfer;
- Creating and maintaining accurate lists of network resources and users so that each has a unique network identity.
Database administrators (on-premises only)
Database administrators (DBAs) are responsible for setting up, managing, and assigning access rights for the P6 EPPM databases. They set and oversee rules governing the use of corporate databases, maintain data integrity, and set interoperability standards.
Database administrators ensure reliable access to the databases by:
- Installing, configuring, and upgrading database server software and related products as required;
- Creating and implementing the databases;
- Monitoring database performance and tuning as needed;
- Planning for growth and changes and establishing and maintaining backup and recovery policies and procedures.
Program managers
Program managers are responsible for strategic planning and ongoing performance analysis. They use P6 to identify and monitor problem areas in current projects and analyze past projects to apply lessons learned when planning future projects.
Program managers might be responsible for:
- Initiating, prioritizing, and budgeting projects;
- The profit/loss for a specific business unit;
- Funding and go/no-go decisions about projects.
Project managers and schedulers
Project managers and/or project schedulers are responsible for managing multiple small, repetitive projects or a single, complex project.They use P6 Professional and/or P6 to:
- Add projects to the database;
- Determine resource requirements for a project;
- Perform cross-project analysis;
- Perform baseline analysis;
- Manage projects to on-time and on-budget completion;
- Plan projects before they are funded.
They might also perform detailed financial analysis of projects, handle project billing, and integrate financial information within the company.
Crew foreman
Crew foremen manage the work for a project that might be a portion of a larger project. They are managers who produce work and manage a team, and they often use P6 and P6 Progress Reporter to prioritize short-term tasks or objectives, typically when the duration is less than the planning period of the project.
Crew members
Crews are trained in a specific skill required on a project. They work with their manager to develop activities and durations for incorporation into the schedule. Once activities are added to the schedule, crew members update them using P6 or P6 Progress Reporter to indicate the work they performed during designated accounting periods.