The SAP PS (Project System) module is a component of SAP ERP offering comprehensive functionality for project management: planning, execution, monitoring and closing. It integrates all project data with other SAP modules such as FI (Finance), CO (Controlling), MM (Materials Management) and HR (Human Resources).
This module provides an integrated overview of all company projects, enabling :
Effective planning : Define objectives, phases, tasks, resources and costs.
Track progress : monitor deadlines, costs, performance and variances.
Optimize resource utilization : Assign and manage resources to maximize productivity.
Control costs : rigorously manage budgets and expenses.
Integrate data : facilitate collaboration between teams and departments.
You can also find a list of other SAP modules here.
The SAP PS module provides a robust structure and planning tools for managing complex projects, enabling integrated management of capacities, schedules, costs and budgets.
Project structuring in SAP PS is based on two key components: the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Project Networks.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) :
• Break down a project into hierarchical levels of work items to facilitate management and control.
• Represents specific phases, activities or deliverables.
• Assign responsibilities, costs, resources and dates to each element.
• Provides a structured overview of progress and performance.
Project Networks :
• Define sequential relationships between project activities.
• Model dependencies, overlaps and time constraints.
• Linked to WBS elements for complete integration.
• Enable precise planning of deadlines and efficient coordination of tasks.
Capacity and schedule planning ensures that deadlines are met and resources are optimally utilized.
Capacity planning :
• Plan and manage the human and material resources required for each activity.
• Analysis of available and required capacities to identify over- or under-utilization.
• Use simulation tools to evaluate alternative scenarios and optimize resource allocation.
Calendar planning :
• Define detailed schedules, including start and end dates for each activity.
• Manages dependencies to ensure correct task sequence.
• Provides milestone management functionalities).
• Allows you to monitor deviations between planned and actual dates, facilitating any necessary adjustments.
Monitoring costs and budgets keeps projects on track.
Budgeting :
• Details cost estimates for each WBS element and network activity.
• Approves and monitors budgets to avoid overspending.
• Adjust budgets in response to changes in scope or requirements.
Cost tracking :
• Tracks actual costs incurred for each activity and WBS element.
• Compare actual costs with planned costs to identify variances.
• Provides detailed reports for an overview of expenses.
Deviation control :
• Analyze variances between actual and budgeted costs to understand the causes.
• Implements corrective actions to align expenses and budgets.
• Use projection tools to forecast future costs and adjust plans accordingly.
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The SAP PS module integrates seamlessly with other SAP modules, providing a complete and consistent project management solution. This integration improves process coordination, optimizes resources and increases visibility across the entire enterprise.
Project structuring in SAP PS is based on two key components: the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Project Networks.
CO (Controlling) :
• Monitor and control project costs, with automatic updates in CO.
• Generates management reports and profitability analyses.
PP (Production Planning)
• Creates production orders from project elements.
• Plans and monitors production activities in SAP PS.
MM (Materials Management) :
• Manages supplies and inventories required for projects.
• Generates purchase requisitions and purchase orders from project elements.
SD (Sales and Distribution) :
• Lie contracts and sales orders to projects.
• Plan and execute deliveries according to project requirements.
• Monitors revenues generated by project-related sales.
Currency management is crucial for international companies or those managing projects with stakeholders from different regions, ensuring financial transparency and consistent reporting.
The controlling area groups together projects and associated costs, with a base currency used for all financial transactions.
Projects may involve transactions in several currencies, depending on the stakeholders and resources involved.
Object currency :
Each project or WBS element can have a specific currency, useful for global projects.
Transaction currency :
Individual transactions can be recorded in currencies other than the object or controlling area currency. SAP PS automatically converts transaction currencies into object or controlling area currencies, ensuring accurate tracking of costs and revenues.
The ETO process involves the design and manufacture of products to unique customer specifications, often for complex projects such as machine or building construction.
The MTO process manufactures products only after receipt of a customer order, offering flexibility and customization without maintaining large inventories.
The ATO process stores components and sub-assemblies, but assembles the final product after receiving an order, enabling rapid response to customers thanks to the availability of components.
The MTS process manufactures and stocks products before orders are received, enabling us to respond rapidly to demand thanks to the availability of finished products.
Project management in SAP PS is based on several key business objects: the work breakdown structure (WBS), networks and activities, and components and BOMs.
The WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) is the backbone of project management, enabling a hierarchical breakdown into several levels, facilitating the management of tasks and deliverables.
Networks and activities enable detailed planning and efficient execution of projects, representing sequential relationships and planning task dates and durations.
Components and BOMs manage the materials and resources required for project execution, ensuring availability and optimization of resources, and facilitating materials management in integration with the MM module.
Whether you're a company looking to optimize your project management or a consultant specializing in SAP PS, FocusTribes is here to help. We support companies in implementing and managing the SAP PS module for efficient, integrated management of all aspects of projects, including project planning, execution, tracking and closure. In addition, we help SAP consultants find assignments that match their skills, enabling them to maximize their impact and contribute to the success of our customers' projects.
To deepen your knowledge of various SAP modules and optimize your business processes, discover our detailed guides :
SAP FICO (Financial Accounting) and CO (Controlling)
SAP SD (Sales and Distribution)
