Using Resource Leveling in Primavera P6

When it comes to situations within a project schedule that may look to be overloaded, in addition to the possibility of scarce resources, the Primavera P6 Resource Leveler function can be of the utmost importance.

What Is The Leveler Tool?

The Leveler tool helps do just what it says it can—it helps level out the scheduled activities in a way that reduces and/or eliminates any overloaded issues. The Leveler tool can be an asset within a single project or across a variety of projects.

The Leveler makes its “leveling” effect based on the parameters and priorities that have been defined at the activity or project level. When used effectively, the Leveler can be an indispensable tool for capacity planning, running “what if” scenarios, or helping make decisions related to the impact of resource over-allocation.

When you have over-allocated resources or supplies, this over-allocation will be visible as red bars above the line of limit.

Setting Up Priorities

When starting the leveling process, the first item on the agenda is to determine what the priorities are. These priorities can be set in stone at the project level, at the activity level, or on both, depending on the situation at hand.

In the Projects view of P6 Professional, you will find a column beneath the category of Columns dialog named “Project Leveling Priority.”

This is the area where you will be able to adjust and set a number against the projects indicating their priority. The lower the number, the higher the priority.

Activity Leveling Priority

Within the Activities view, Primavera P6 Professional provides an “Activity Leveling Priority” in the General category of the Columns dialog.

Again, here the priority rankings range from Top Priority to Lowest Priority.

If the presets are not appropriate for your project or activity, leveling the presets to your discretion is appropriate.