In a perfect world, projects would go exactly as planned. But if you’ve worked on even one real construction site, you know that things never go perfectly.
That’s why setting a baseline in Primavera P6 isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning. Once your schedule is approved and work begins, change is inevitable. The question is: how do you deal with those changes while still staying in control?
That’s where updating and managing your baseline comes in.
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
- When it’s necessary to revise your baseline
- How to create updated versions in Primavera P6
- Tips to keep things organized (and avoid mistakes that lead to project chaos)
First, What Is a Baseline Really?
If you’re reading this, you probably already know that a baseline is your approved project plan—a snapshot of your schedule before any actual work starts.
But here’s the catch: once work begins, almost every project will face delays, changes in scope, or resource challenges. And when that happens, your original baseline might no longer reflect reality.
Still, that doesn’t mean you just delete it and start over. You need to manage your baselines carefully so that you can track what changed, when it changed, and why.
So… When Should You Revise a Baseline?
Not every small update requires a new baseline. But there are situations where it absolutely makes sense. Here are a few:
1. Client Adds or Removes Work
This is one of the most common reasons. If the scope changes significantly, your original schedule won’t match what’s actually being built.
2. You Get Approval for a Time Extension
Delays happen—weather, design approvals, permits. If they’re officially approved and affect key dates, it’s time for a new baseline.
3. Resources Aren’t Available
If labor or equipment shortages push activities out, your original logic may need rethinking.
4. You’re Doing a Recovery Plan
When you fall behind and the team creates a new plan to catch up, tracking progress against the old baseline won’t be helpful.
5. It’s Required by Contract
Some clients require you to re-baseline every year, quarter, or after major changes. Always check your contract terms.
Step-by-Step: How to Update a Baseline in Primavera P6
Let’s walk through how to actually manage revised baselines in P6.
✅ Step 1: Update the Project Schedule
Make all your approved changes:
- Adjust activity durations
- Resequence activities if needed
- Add any new scope
This is your new working schedule—the version you’ll use going forward.
✅ Step 2: Save This Version as a New Baseline
Go to:
Project > Maintain Baselines > Add
Choose “Save a copy of the current project as a new baseline.”
Name it something clear like:
Rev1_Scope_Change_June2025Updated_Baseline_WeatherDelay
Avoid generic names like “Baseline 1” or “New Baseline”—you’ll thank yourself later.
✅ Step 3: Assign the New Baseline
Now head to:
Project > Assign Baselines
Set your new version as the Primary Baseline (this is what P6 will use for comparisons).
If you still want to compare against the original plan, assign it as a Secondary Baseline.
✅ Step 4: Document Everything
Make sure you record:
- Why the new baseline was needed
- Who approved the changes
- The date the update was made
You don’t want to be scrambling for this info later—especially during reviews or claims.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Baselines
Here are a few tips I’ve learned the hard way:
🔹 Don’t Delete Old Baselines
Even if they’re outdated, they’re still part of the project history. Keep them for records and claims.
🔹 Use Clear Names
Include the reason and the date in the name. Example: Rev2_RecoveryPlan_Sep2025
🔹 Don’t Overdo It
Only create new baselines when it really matters. Too many versions can create confusion.
🔹 Communicate with Your Team
Make sure everyone knows which baseline is being used for reporting. Miscommunication here can lead to a lot of headaches.
Real Example: Upgrading a Highway Under Pressure
Let’s say you’re managing a highway upgrade. Halfway through, the client decides to add a pedestrian underpass.
You revise your schedule, adjust your resources, and shift a few major milestones.
This is a clear case where you’d:
- Create a revised baseline
- Assign it as your new Primary Baseline
- Keep the original as Secondary to show how things changed
- Use both for client meetings and internal tracking
Without doing this, your reports will be comparing apples to oranges—and that never goes well.
How Primavera P6 Helps with This
Primavera doesn’t just store baselines. It also helps you compare them with your current schedule.
You can track:
- Start and finish variances
- Baseline durations vs. actual durations
- Earned Value using baseline cost and schedule
Use the Gantt chart, columns, and filters to visualize the differences—and keep your reports honest and clear.