Primavera P6 EPPM vs P6 PPM – What Are the Differences?
Introduction
Organizations considering Oracle Primavera for project planning and execution face the challenge of choosing between Primavera P6 PPM (Primavera Client/Primavera P6 Professional Project Management) and Primavera EPPM (P6 Web/Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management). Understanding the differences between these two options is crucial for informed decision-making.
Architectural Differences and Database Capabilities
Primavera P6 PPM operates as a stand-alone Windows client application, while Primavera EPPM is a web browser-based enterprise system. P6 PPM uses locally installed databases like Oracle XE or Microsoft SQL Server, while EPPM relies on Oracle or SQL databases. EPPM’s Java dependency can pose challenges with version uniformity among users.
Installation
Installing Primavera P6 PPM is relatively simple but can be time-consuming for multiple users. EPPM installation is quicker, with all users set up simultaneously, often remotely.
Licenses and Operating Systems
P6 PPM requires individual licenses and operates solely on users’ workstations, while EPPM, being web-based, offers mobility but depends on internet connectivity.
Deployment and Preferences of Use
EPPM is favored for deployments requiring access across global teams but can suffer from speed issues with large schedules. P6 PPM, preferred by power users, offers stability and quick reaction time.
Integration
P6 PPM supports integration with third-party tools, while EPPM integrates with systems like SharePoint and Oracle-based software.
Project Views and Visual Graphic Appeal
EPPM offers interactive graphs and colorful dashboards, enhancing data visualization compared to P6 PPM’s basic graphics.
Add-Ons, Dashboards, and Reporting Features
EPPM includes advanced add-ons like P6 Analytics and P6 Mobile/Apps, while P6 PPM relies on third-party tools for enhanced reporting.
Portfolio Management
EPPM supports portfolio management, offering a powerful platform for planning and managing project portfolios, which P6 PPM lacks.
Advanced Features – Collaboration
EPPM offers collaboration tools like P6 Team Member Web, facilitating remote updates and communication. P6 PPM can achieve collaboration with third-party solutions like ScheduleReader.
Advanced Features – What-If Analysis
P6 PPM supports ‘what-if’ schedule analyses, allowing users to explore multiple scenarios. EPPM does not provide this feature.
Advanced Features – Schedule Comparison
P6 PPM includes Schedule Comparison, enabling users to compare revised schedules against originals, which EPPM lacks.
Organizational Traits and Preferences
P6 PPM suits small to medium organizations with functional structures, while EPPM is favored by larger organizations with global teams.