Actara
XER in Excel — View, Navigate, Visualize, and more.
Why Actara
Schedules don’t fail because the data is missing, they fail because the logic is hard to see.
Actara turns XER schedules into something you can read, trace, and discuss in minutes, directly in Excel.
What Actara does
- XER View in Excel: open XER files and work in a familiar spreadsheet format
- Navigate fast: predecessors, successors, resources, and codes in one place
- Visualize the network: draw logic so dependencies are obvious
- Identify the core network: focus on the chain that truly drives outcomes
- Quick Risk: fast, lightweight risk signals to support decisions early
- Compare two XERs: understand what changed between versions (logic/dates/structure) and why it matters
How planners & PMs use it
- Baseline reviews (logic checks, missing links, odd lags, float behavior)
- Update reviews (what changed since last cut, what it impacts)
- Planning sessions (workshops where everyone can see the logic)
- Schedule storytelling (explain the plan clearly to non-schedulers)
- Quick risk conversations (early signals, not heavy simulations)
- Shareable analysis (easy to send screenshots/exports to the team)
How to Install:
1. Download the ZIP (recommended).
2. Unzip it to a normal folder (e.g., Documents\Actara).
3. Right-click the add-in file (.xlam) → Properties → check Unblock → Apply.
(If you don’t see “Unblock”, it’s already fine.)
4. Open Excel → File → Options → Add-ins → Manage: Excel Add-ins → Go… → Browse…
5. Select the .xlam file → OK (enable it).
6. If prompted, Enable Macros / allow the add-in.
About me
I’m Abbas Shakourifar, a project controls professional focused on schedule analysis, risk, and planning clarity. I work with teams to make complex schedules understandable, testable, and defensible, especially when decisions are high-stakes.
If you’d like to connect, here’s my LinkedIn:
My Main Offerings:
If you need support on a complex project, I provide specialist services in:
-ESAR : Estimate and Schedule Assurance Review (baseline and update reviews, logic and constructability checks, schedule quality)
- CSRA / QRA : Cost and Schedule Risk Analysis (risk-informed planning, uncertainty drivers, scenario testing)
- Claims & Disputes : Forensic schedule analysis, delay evaluation, and schedule-based support for negotiations and dispute resolution.
If something is genuinely complicated or high-stakes, you’ll know when to reach out.
Feedback & updates
Actara is a contribution to the Project Management community. You don’t need to follow , subscribe, or give anything back. If you want to share feedback or report an issue, please use the Actara Network LinkedIn page.
I read feedback. I appreciate it. I don’t promise a feature roadmap, Actara is meant to stay simple, useful, and lightweight.
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