NexPlan Linear vs TILOS

TILOS is the established dedicated tool for linear scheduling: desktop software for roads, railways, pipelines and power lines that plots work on a time-distance diagram. NexPlan Linear is a newer, browser-based tool that reads the Primavera P6 programme you already have and draws it on the route. This page says where each one is the better choice, including where TILOS is stronger today.

At a glance

• TILOS: desktop software built around linear projects. Its vendor describes it as in use since 1999, and users describe linking it with P6 and MS Project.
• NexPlan Linear: runs in the browser with nothing to install. Imports a P6 XER (and Excel), schedules with CPM, and opens the same activities as a Gantt, a time-location chart, a crew planner and a what-if scenario. Free today.

Choose TILOS if

• You need a long-established product with a vendor, support and a track record on large corridors.
• Your organisation already licenses it and your team is trained on it.

Choose NexPlan Linear if

• You already plan in Primavera P6 and want to see the same programme on a time-location chart without re-keying it.
• You use P6 and want something easy to pick up. NexPlan Linear works the way P6 does (WBS, calendars, relationships, baselines, the same columns), so if you use P6 you will find your way around.
• You want it free. NexPlan Linear costs nothing today.
• You want the Gantt and the time-location view in one project, with P6-style baselines and a vector PDF print of the Gantt.
• You want to test crews and what-if: add a second crew and see what it does to the finish.

Using both

They do not exclude each other. The programme stays in P6, and both tools can read it. Open it in NexPlan Linear to check how it looks on the route, then use whichever tool fits the job.

How far the P6 match goes

NexPlan Linear is compared with Primavera P6 in rounds. In two baseline tests, about 85,000 cells were compared with P6 and none differed. Scheduling rules are checked in further rounds, and each one is listed in the changelog. It is a young product and it is still being checked.

Price

NexPlan Linear is free to use today. Paid plans are planned for later, with no date yet. Whatever changes, the price will be stated on this site.

Try NexPlan Linear free · Questions and answers · What is a time-location diagram?

TILOS is a trademark of its owner. NexPlan Linear is an independent project and is not affiliated with TILOS or Oracle.