Project Functionality of - SAP-PS (Project System)

The Project System module of SAP (PS) is specifically designed to provide comprehensive and fully integrated project management functionality for SAP customers. When it was originally designed and developed its core functionality was borrowed from and shared with the PP and CO modules. So most of the PS objects (WBS elements, networks, activities, activity elements) are cost objects similar to cost centers in CO, while networks have scheduling and resource management capabilities that are very similar to PP. Whenever you need flexibility and frequent user interaction for resource loaded scheduling activities, you still feel the remnants of an architecture and user interface that was originally designed for the more static context of PP. Shortcomings include user-friendliness since SAP did not manage to satisfactorily put the end user in control to easily manipulate the data. In that respect, SAP's unsurpassed enterprise functionality often is perceived as an issue by end-users. Also, and somewhat ironically, PS and PP are not seamlessly integrated. This means that costs or dates do not roll up or cannot be pushed down between PS &PP.

What is SAP PS? Projects are generally part of the internal processes of a company. To be able to control all tasks in project execution, you need an organizational form that is specific to the project and which is shared by all departments involved. Before you can carry out a project in its entirety, the project goals must be precisely described and the project activities to be carried out must be structured. A clear, unambiguous project structure is the basis for successful project planning, monitoring, and control. The high degree of integration between the Project System (PS) and other R/3 application components means that you can plan, execute, and account for projects as part of your normal commercial procedures. This means the Project System has constant access to data in all the departments involved in the project. The R/3 PS guarantees close and constant monitoring of all aspects of your project including both technical and commercial aspects of the project.

Versions in Project Systems

Explain the type of version in SAP Project Systems. Basically, there are different kinds of versions in PS. They are: 1. Project versions - these are basically snapshots of a project at different stages of a project. Based on how the system is set up, a version could be created everytime the system status of a project object is changed, for example. Or, you could manually create a project version in transaction CNS41 or the like. You could create a version with a key and then you could compare the different snapshots of a project against each other or against version 0 (operative project).

2. Simulation versions - these are essentially "play around with" versions. Meaning that you could use them to try "what if" kind of scenario by changing dates, structure, milestones, etc... and compare results with the operative version. For example, you may want to determine what