--- title: Variance Analysis Reporting Using Empower & Other Training Courses description: Pinnacle Management Systems, Inc. offers several training courses for your organization's needs, including the Variance Analysis Reporting Using Empower. --- ## Pinnacle Management Systems, Inc. [(888) 975-1119](tel:(888)%20975-1119) [![CONTACT US](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2535991/0fe718eb-e8a6-4f64-a542-28b1292c75a3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2535991/0fe718eb-e8a6-4f64-a542-28b1292c75a3) [![Pinnacle](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/pinnacle-logo.png?width=107&height=24&name=pinnacle-logo.png) ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/) [** ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/variance-analysis-reporting-using-empower#right-menu) - [Home](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/) - [Solutions](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/management-solutions/) > - [Technology](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/technology/) > - [Training](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/) > - [Industries](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/industries/) > - [Why Pinnacle](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/why-pinnacle/) > - [Resources](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/resources/) > - [Contracting](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/contracting) > - [Blog](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/blog/) > - [Contact Us](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/contact-us/) - **Call Us** [*(888) 975-1119* ](tel:(888)%20975-1119) # variance analysis Reporting using Encore analytics empower ### Why Take This Course? Designed specifically for Control Account Managers (CAMs), this course will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to master root-cause analysis and craft clear, impactful VARs. Learn to identify cost and schedule variances, perform thorough impact assessments, and propose effective corrective actions - all while adhering to the IPMR Format 5 or IPMDAR narrative summary required for government contractors. Through engaging real-world examples, hands-on exercises, and expert feedback, you'll gain the confidence to deliver precise and actionable reports that keep your programs on track.  This course is for organizations that use Empower software as part of their Earned Value management system. ## Who Will Benefit? Control Account Managers who are responsible for producing Variance Analysis Reports. Others who may participate in the process, including Program Managers, Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads, Program Controls/EV Analysts, or Program Financial Analysts. ## What Will I Learn? - Explain the significance of Variance Analysis Report (VARs) in managing cost and schedule performance - Describe the IPMR Format 5 or IPMDAR narrative summary and why it's used in government contracts - Define what constitutes a variance and how to calculate it - Describe methods for identifying the underlying causes of variances - Assess the effect of variances on the overall program - Identify actions to address the root causes of variances - Avoid common mistakes when writing VARs  - Use Empower to prepare VARs: - Enter narratives directly into the Empower editor - Submit, review, approve/reject narratives using the Empower workflow engine, integrated with your email system - Collect and track Corrective Actions as part of the VAR workflow - Use narrative templates or pull prior period narrative submissions forward, automatically updating the performance numbers within the text to the new period's values [Click here ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Docs/Course%20Descriptions/2024/2024%20Course%20Offerings/Pinnacle%20Course%20Offering-%20Variance%20Analysis%20Reporting%20Using%20Empower_Aug%202024.pdf)for a PDF version of this course description.  This course is also available through our GSA MAS Contract. View the GSA Advantage brochure [here](https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/ref_text/47QTCA21D004G/0X4TCL.3SV6BA_47QTCA21D004G_PINNACLEFSS.PDF).    ![Training & Education](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=207&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Training & Education") Get more information on our course offerings. ### Course Logistics **Duration** 4 Hours   **Delivery** Instructor-led (in-person or online)   Student PCs are required for hands-on participation and student exercises   **Class Size** Up to 15 students   **Prerequisites** A basic familiarity with Encore Analytics Empower recommended but not required ## ADDITIONAL COURSE OFFERINGS [![Earned Value Analysis Using Empower™](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Earned Value Analysis Using Empower™")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/earned-value-analysis-using-empower) ### [Earned Value Analysis Using Empower](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/earned-value-analysis-using-empower) This course is an introduction to Earned Value Analysis using [Encore Analytics Empower](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/technology/encore-analytics-empower). It covers how to access the tool and use the various features and functions within to support analysis of program performance. [![Introduction to CPM Scheduling](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Introduction to CPM Scheduling")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/introduction-to-cpm-scheduling) ### [Introduction to CPM Scheduling](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/introduction-to-cpm-scheduling) This course introduces to the fundamental concepts of the Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling technique.  [![Control Account Scheduling Using Microsoft Project ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Control Account Scheduling Using Microsoft Project ")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/control-account-scheduling-using-microsoft-project) ### [Control Account Scheduling Using Microsoft Project ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/control-account-scheduling-using-microsoft-project) This course introduces students to building a control account schedule in [Microsoft Project](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/technology/microsoft-epm) or Project Online  that will be part of an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS). [![Introduction to Earned Value Management (EVM)](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Introduction to Earned Value Management (EVM)")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/introduction-to-earned-value-management) ### [Introduction to Earned Value Management (EVM)](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/introduction-to-earned-value-management) During this interactive course, a member of our expert staff will introduce students to the concepts underlying Earned Value Management (EVM). [![Principles of Earned Value Management (EVM) ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Principles of Earned Value Management (EVM) ")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/principles-of-earned-value-management-evm) ### [Principles of Earned Value Management (EVM) ](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/principles-of-earned-value-management-evm) This course introduces students to the basic components of managing projects using earned value management principles. [![The DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "The DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/the-dcma-14-point-schedule-assessment) ### [The DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/the-dcma-14-point-schedule-assessment) This course introduces students to the DCMA 14-Point Schedule Analysis metrics, including an explanation of each of the metrics and how they apply to scheduling best practices.    [![Training & Education](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Training & Education")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/integrated-master-scheduling-using-microsoft-project) ### [Integrated Master Scheduling Using Microsoft Project](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/integrated-master-scheduling-using-microsoft-project) This course introduces students to building an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) in Microsoft Project that conforms to federal contract reporting standards and industry best-practices.   [![The Earned Value Management EIA 748 Validation Process](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "The Earned Value Management EIA 748 Validation Process")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/earned-value-management-eia-748-and-the-evms-validation-process) ### [The Earned Value Management EIA 748 Validation Process](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/earned-value-management-eia-748-and-the-evms-validation-process) For organizations that are bidding on a contract with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) validation requirements (FAR 52.234-4, DFAR 252.234-7001, or equivalent), or that are planning to bid on such a contract in the near future, this executive-level course will help you understand the requirements for proposal submission, pre-award preparations, and the post-award validation process.    [![Training & Education](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Training & Education")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/earned-value-analysis-using-proteus-envision) ### [Earned Value Analysis Using Proteus Envision](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/earned-value-analysis-using-proteus-envision) Master the skills to analyze cost and schedule performance, empowering you to make informed business decisions that drive program and project success.   [![Training & Education](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pinnacle%20Approved%20Images/Services%20Icons/Training%20%26%20Education.png?width=100&name=Training%20%26%20Education.png "Training & Education")](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/variance-analysis-reporting-using-proteus-envision) ### [Variance Analysis Reporting Using Proteus Envision](https://www.pinnaclemanagement.com/training/variance-analysis-reporting-using-proteus-envision) Designed specifically for Control Account Managers (CAMs), this course will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to master root-cause analysis and craft clear, impactful VARs.         ![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/832713459/?guid=ON&script=0) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=584484438599080&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=744116&fmt=gif)