We got an email from a client who struggles (as we all do), with the 30-character field limit imposed by the strict specification mandated by the Army Corps of Engineers. USACE specifies that limit in order to comply with their SDEF import into QCS. Some fields in P6 can be limited by the P6 Administrator, but these are only actual Code ID limits, not their accompanying text descriptions. Here’s a method I’ve used in the past to identify and fix this problem:
- Build the schedule, being mindful of the limit, but otherwise as you would normally do
- When all activities are entered, export the schedule to XL
- Add a column in the XL file, with the formula next to each Activity Description cell, example “=LEN(C3)”, In this example, C3 is the first description field
- Copy that formula down the entire spreadsheet
- Turn on Filtering, and set a “>30” filter for the column containing the LEN formula
- Shorten the id’s >30 until none remain
- either copy the (hopefully few) activities manually, or re-import the XL file to P6. (after deleting the extra column in which you built the formula)
Scheduling for the Army Corps of Engineers is always demanding, but with practice and attention to detail, a good schedule will get you paid on time, and earn the respect of USACE, simplifying future IPS and Pay App approvals. Happy scheduling!
