Data Import Using Scheduling Tools

In an integrated cost/schedule environment, activities in a schedule are identified with their control account points (that is, control accounts or work packages) in an earned value management system. This integration allows budgets and forecasts to accurately reflect the most current actual and estimated scheduling information.

You can create an integrated cost/schedule system between Cobra and the following scheduling software tools:

• Deltek Open Plan
• Microsoft Project
• Primavera

By linking a Cobra projects with a scheduling tool, you can have a system that provides for single data entry. This avoids both the extra effort and the increased risk of error associated with having to enter the data in both the schedule and Cobra. The detailed resource-loaded schedule provides the time-phasing of the budget in Cobra while status data from the schedule generates earned value in Cobra. In addition, if you use Open Plan as your scheduling tool, you can also use the integration features of Cobra to provide for bidirectional data transfer.

The Integration Wizard also allows you to load code files from your schedule. You may save only the settings you have made for your configuration, or you may synchronize Cobra with your schedule as well.