How to assign resource / resource loading / make resource plan in Primavera P6

After creating your project schedule in Primavera P6, the next step is to assign resources to activities in order to develop a comprehensive resource plan.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare Your Schedule

Let’s assume you already have a schedule created, as shown in the image below:

Step 2: Create Resources

Before assigning resources, you need to create them.

1. Go to Enterprise → Resources.
2. Click the Plus (+) icon to add a new resource.

In this example, I’ve created four Material-type resources.

Set Unit of Measure

If the unit of measure you need isn’t available:

1. Go to Admin → Admin Categories.
2. Navigate to the Units of Measure tab.
3. Click Add to create a new unit.

 

 

Step 3: Assign Resources to Activities

1. Go to Project → Activities.
2. Select the activity you want to assign resources to.
3. Open the Resources tab and click Add Resource.

 

4. Click Display → Filter By → All Active Resources to view your list.
5. Select the desired resources and click Assign.

 

 

6. In the Budgeted Units column, enter the required quantity.

 

By default, Primavera distributes the resource usage linearly. For example, assigning 80 m³ over a 10-day activity results in 8 m³ per day.

Step 4: Customize Resource Distribution (Optional)

If you prefer a non-linear distribution:

1. Right-click in the Resources tab and select Customize Resource Columns.
2. Add the Curve column.

 

 

3. In the Curve column, choose a distribution type (e.g., Back Loaded).

 

Now, the resource is distributed more heavily toward the end of the activity:

 

Step 5: Review Resource Assignments

1. Go to Project → Resource Assignments.
2. Customize the layout to view your resource plan clearly.

 

(You can download the Primavera layout here)

You can now easily view the Quantity Plan:

Step 6: Generate a Concrete Plan Chart

1. In the Activities window, open the Resource Usage Profile.
2. Select the Concrete resource.
3. Right-click on the chart area and choose Resource Usage Profile Options.
4. Adjust the settings as shown in the picture below:

 

 

 

You’ll now see a chart like this:

(You can download the Primavera layout here)

Later, when you update the project with actual progress, the report will reflect the updated data: