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Daves Tips 19: Include the WBS ID in the Activity ID

(Primavera P6 Clie
ent / Server)
INTRODUCTION
Within the P6 client / server application, it is possible to create and run a global change to modify
the Activity Id to include the assigned WBS ID. This guide provides information on how to create
and apply this Global Change.

HOW
The first time this functionality is carried out it is paramount the user follows a specific process.
The following diagram provides a high-level
high
process guide to assist during the planning and
execution of this functionality.

The Process

Create UDF's

Create Global
Change

Create Bar

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Create Activity ID Prefix - Text

Create Activity ID String - Text

Create Global Change

Apply the Global Change

View the Column in the

Activity Table

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The Actions
In this example, Fig 1 identifies the starting position within the application .

Fig 1: Starting position

1.
2.

From the tool bar select ENTERPRISE > USER DEFINED FIELDS, please note these steps
successfully followed in release 8.
From the User Defined Fields dialogue box select ADD and create two UDFs within the
ACTIVITIES subject area as per Fig 2

Fig 2: Creating two UDFs

3.
Once the UDFs are created as per Fig 2 navigate to the Global Change dialogue box by
selecting TOOL > GLOBAL CHANGE from the tool bar.
4.
Within the Global Change dialogue box select NEW/ADD, this is dependent upon version.

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Using Fig 3 create the Global Change to be implemented

Fig 3: Global Change

6.
Please note, that this global change will only modify activities assigned to the WBS
contained within the filter section of the dialogue box. If this change is to be assigned to other, or
all, sections of the schedule then modifications to the filter are required.
7.
Please note, in this example the first line of the Then statement will populate the UDF
called Activity ID Number with 4 characters beginning in position 3 of the Activity ID.
e.g : If the Activity ID is EC1390, then Activity ID Number will contain 1390
8.
Please note, the second line of the Then statement will populate the UDF called Activity
ID String with the 2nd characters of the WBS starting at the 9th position.
9.
Please note: the final part if the Then statement concatenates the 2 UDFs into the
Activity ID data field.
10.
Once the global change is created apply, or run it. Fig 4 provides an example of the
resulting log file.

Fig 4: Log File

12.
Assuming the result is as planned then the user can Commit the changes and view the
results on the screen. Fig 5 provides an example of the result of committing the change.

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Fig 5
Please note, it is recommended to test all global changes on a sample project before applying in
any live organisations environment as the commitment of any global change can NOT be undone.

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