Risky Business – Managing Risks and Issues in Primavera P6

When managing projects, things don’t always go as planned. Risks and issues are inevitable, but Primavera P6 gives you the tools to handle them like a pro. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to create, track, and manage risks and issues so you can keep your projects on track.

What’s the Difference Between a Risk and an Issue?

Before diving into the tool, let’s clarify some basics:

• Risk: A potential event that might happen and could impact the project (positively or negatively).
• Issue: Something that has already happened and is impacting the project now.

By managing both effectively, you can mitigate problems before they escalate and keep your project moving forward.

How to Add a Risk in Primavera P6

1. Open Your Project

• Go to the Projects window.
• Select the project you want to add risks to.

2. Navigate to the Risks Window

• Click Project, then Risks from the top menu.
• The Risks window will open, showing any existing risks.

3. Add a New Risk

• Click Add (plus sign icon).
• Enter a Risk ID and Risk Name.
• Select a Risk Category (e.g., Cost, Schedule, Technical, etc.).

4. Define the Risk Details

• Set the Probability (Low, Medium, High).
• Define the Impact (Low, Medium, High) on Cost, Schedule, or Performance.
• Choose a Risk Score (automatically calculated based on Probability and Impact).
• Assign a Responsible Party to own the risk.

5. Define Risk Response Plan

• Choose a Response Type (Avoid, Mitigate, Transfer, Accept).
• Enter any mitigation steps in the Response Description.
• Save your risk.

How to Assign a Risk to an Activity

To connect risks to specific tasks:

1. Go to the Activities window.
2. Select the activity at risk.
3. Click the Risks tab in the bottom details pane.
4. Click Assign and select the risk you created.
5. Click OK to link the risk to the activity.

Now, when reviewing your activity, you’ll see associated risks, making it easier to manage them proactively.

How to Track Issues in Primavera P6

1. Open the Issues Window

• Click Project, then Issues from the top menu.
• This window will display all issues related to the project.

2. Add a New Issue

• Click Add (plus sign icon).
• Enter an Issue ID and Issue Name.
• Set a Priority (Low, Medium, High).
• Assign a Responsible Party.

3. Describe the Issue

• Add details in the Description field.
• Specify an Action Plan for resolution.
• Set a Due Date for resolution.

4. Assign an Issue to an Activity

• Go to the Activities window.
• Select the affected activity.
• Click the Issues tab.
• Click Assign and select the issue from the list.

How to Monitor Risks and Issues

To stay on top of risks and issues, use these tracking tools:

• Risk Register: View and update risk statuses.
• Issue Tracker: Review all open issues and track resolution progress.
• Reports: Generate risk and issue reports to share with stakeholders.

Best Practices for Managing Risks and Issues in P6

✅ Log risks and issues as soon as they arise.
✅ Assign clear responsibility for risk and issue resolution.
✅ Regularly review and update risks and issues.
✅ Communicate risks and issues to stakeholders proactively.
✅ Use filters and reports to keep an eye on critical risks.

By following these best practices, you’ll minimize project disruptions and keep your team prepared for whatever challenges arise.