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Free Primavera P6 tool

P6 Critical Path Finder

Open a Primavera P6 XER file to find the ten lowest total float paths. Each path is traced back to the activity where it starts and forward to the completion milestone, with Excel and PDF reports.

1

Open the XER file

The current update or the baseline, exported from Primavera P6.

The file is read on your own computer. It is never sent to a server or stored.

2

Trace the lowest float paths

Up to ten paths, ranked from the lowest total float.

  • Uses the P6 float path numbers when the XER has them, otherwise traces each total float band through the logic.
  • Each path runs from its origin activity to the completion milestone.
  • Excel workbook with a sheet per path, and a PDF report.

Choose an XER file to begin.

Critical path report

0Activities
0Zero or negative float
0dLowest total float
0Relationships
DerivedPath source

Path summary

RankPath floatOrigin activity IDOrigin activity nameOrigin WBSActivitiesCompletion

Paths

Negative floatZero floatPositive floatActivity in the ranked float band
Primavera P6 critical path review

Find the paths that drive completion

A single critical filter in P6 shows the activities at the lowest float, but not where each chain starts or how the next float bands behave. This tool lists the ten lowest float paths from an XER file, from the origin activity to the completion milestone. The file is read in your browser and is not uploaded.

How to use it

  1. Export the XERIn P6 use File, Export, Primavera PM (XER) for the current update or the baseline.
  2. Open it hereDrop the file on the box above. If it holds more than one project, pick the project.
  3. Find the pathsClick Find critical paths. Large programmes take a few seconds.
  4. Review each pathCheck the origin activity, the float band and the logic that drives the next activity.
  5. Export the reportDownload the Excel workbook or the PDF for the progress meeting or a delay review.

What the report shows

Critical path review is stronger when you can see more than one filtered path. The report sets out the low float chains that drive completion or could become critical.

  • The critical path and the next nine float bands
  • The origin activity and WBS of each path
  • Remaining duration and float along each chain
  • The relationship type and lag that drives each next activity
  • The completion milestone each path reaches

Terms used in the report

Critical path
The controlling sequence of activities that determines the earliest possible completion of a project or milestone.
Total float
The available time an activity can slip before affecting the project finish or a constrained milestone.
Near critical path
An activity chain with low remaining float that could become critical if further delay occurs.
XER file
A Primavera P6 export containing activities, dates, relationships, calendars, WBS and project settings.
Questions

P6 Critical Path Finder FAQ

Short answers for planners, project managers and anyone using the tool for the first time.

Is my Primavera P6 XER file uploaded?

No. The XER file is read in your browser. Planix Engineering does not receive or store your schedule.

Does this replace critical path analysis in Primavera P6?

No. P6 remains the scheduling system. This tool gives a focused view of the low float paths in an exported XER so they are easier to review and report.

How are the paths found?

If the XER holds float path numbers from a P6 multiple float path calculation, the tool reports those paths in their P6 order. Otherwise it groups incomplete activities by total float, traces each of the ten lowest bands back to its origin activity and follows the logic forward to the completion milestone.

Can it read an XER with more than one project?

Yes. When the file holds several projects, choose the project from the list under the drop box before running the analysis.

Who is this tool for?

Planners, project controls engineers, delay analysts and project managers who review schedule risk or prepare progress reports.

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Built by Sajeeshkumar Sivan

Planning and project controls professional with 15 years on GCC building and infrastructure projects, working daily with Primavera P6 baselines, monthly updates and extension of time claims. Each Planix tool comes from that work.

About Planix Engineering

Want this for every update, across every project?

Root Cause Intelligence tracks each P6 update against the baseline and traces every delay to the activity where it started.

See Root Cause Intelligence Request a demoadmin@planixengineering.com