Using DPCU

Opening DPCU

To open DPCU from the Menu Manager:

  1. Select the Utilities tab.

  2. Choose the Distributed Project Conversion Utility icon.

The Main Menu appears.

Main Menu Options

XFR File Path

Using the Drive drop down list and the Directory drop down list, identify the Drive and Subdirectory that contains the Transfer Files (.XFR).

It is recommended that the Transfer Files to be converted be placed in a dedicated directory. Otherwise, all Transfer Files (.XFR) residing in the directory selected will be converted.

XFR File Count

This indicates the number of Transfer Files that DPCU found in the Drive/Directory selected.

Include in Conversion

Click inside the box and place a check for the data you wish to be extracted from the Transfer Files (.XFR) and converted into data import files.

Lookup Resource Using

DPCU must use a Resource Code for the import file(s) it will create (except for BCWP). You instruct DPCU where to find that Resource Code by indicating the appropriate field. The five fields from which to choose are all located in the Work Breakdown Structure screen within MPM. Only the Target WBS(s) that will be receiving the data need to have the Resource Code identified.

Note: Be sure that the Resource Code value entered in the selected field does not exceed 10 characters in length and that the value entered is a valid Resource Code in the Targeted Project’s Resource Library.

Process Status

After selecting the Main Menu Options and clicking the OK button, DPCU displays a Process Status window similar to below. Details of this Status window can be found below.

The status window indicates the Status of the conversion process for each Transfer File. Once completed, the following files will be created in the same directory as your Transfer Files.

For example, when the “Subcontractor” or other “Division” creates the Transfer Files, they must identify a Target Project name (for example, the Prime Contractor’s Project). Assume the project name is DIST (as shown in the status above). When the Prime Contractor initiates the DPCU, and selects all four data categories to be converted, the following files would be created:

When multiple Transfer Files exist for the same project, DPCU will convert and combine all like data types into the same import file, such that the Prime Contractor will never have to import more than four files into one project. An example of this would be if the Prime Contractor had multiple Subcontractors on the same contract, each required to create and submit a Distributed Project Transfer file(s) to the Prime Contractor. Rather than converting and creating a separate BCWS Import file for each Transfer File, DPCU simply appends the converted BCWS data records into the same “filename.S”.

Make sure the “Target WBS(s)” exist in the Target Project or you will the import file will fail during the import process.

Related Topics

Distributed Project Conversion Utility (DPCU)

DPCU Log File

Importing Converted DPCU Data