Draft Instructions for Importing MS Project Schedule Data Into Empower

1. Overview of Process

1.1. Initial Setup

1.1.1. Download and install the free Steelray Project Exporter.

1.1.2. Locate task level field in MS Project that identifies link to the EVM WBS/OBS.

1.1.3. Review LinkVal in Empower to ensure it matches MS Project coding.

1.2. Recurring

1.2.1. Import the EVM data into Empower and note the period end date.

1.2.2. Note MS Project schedule status date. Ensure the Empower EVM period end date and MS Project status dates match.

1.2.3. Start the Steelray IMS Exporter add-in in MS Project. It is slow to load, so be patient. Enter the required data and export the file.

1.2.4. Import the schedule XML file into Empower and recalculate the contract.

2. Initial Setup

2.1. Download and Install Steelray Schedule Exporter.
Visit http://www.steelray.com/uncefactexporter.php and follow the instructions for download and installation.

2.2. Locate task level field in MS Project that identifies the link to the EVM WBS/OBS. This is typically the control account or work package ID. It is normally stored in one of MS Project’s text fields. Note the MS Project field name used to store this information for future reference.

2.3. Review LinkVal in Empower to ensure it matches MS Project cost/schedule linking field. The LinkVal field in Empower is defaulted to the WBS/OBS number, so if that field is used at the lowest level as the linking field between cost and schedule data, no change is required. If a change is required, use Empower’s Admin > Download Data File command to adjust the LinkVal field. Choose the appropriate contract/structure, select “Elements,” and click Download (see Figure 1) . A spreadsheet similar to Figure 2 will be generated. Adjust the LinkVal field as required to match the schedule data.

Figure 1 – Download Data File

Figure 2 – Elements Table with LinkVal

3. Recurring

3.1. Import the EVM data into Empower and recalculate.
Note the exact period end date (YYYY-MM-DD) for the newly imported EVM data. You can determine the exact period end date by generating an IPMR/CPR report or reviewing the “Periods” export from the Download Data File for the selected contract.

3.2. Open the desired MS Project schedule and note the schedule status date. Ensure the Empower EVM period end date and MS Project status date match down to the day.

3.3. Start the Steelray IMS Exporter add-in in MS Project
Loading the add-in may be slow; be patient.

3.4. Enter the required data in the Steelray Project Exporter (Name, Period End Date & WBS linking field). We do not require any other fields to be populated.




3.5. Select “Export IMS” from Steelray Project Exporter.

3.6. Import the generated XML file into Empower using the Admin>Import EDI File menu,

3.7. Recalculate the contract. Make sure “Process Schedule” is selected.