SAP Project System (PS) is a powerful module designed to help organizations plan, manage, and control projects effectively within the SAP ERP environment. A fundamental concept within SAP PS is the use of Networks and Activities, which form the backbone of project scheduling, execution, and monitoring.
Understanding how networks and activities work is essential for efficient project management, enabling project managers to structure work logically, allocate resources, and track progress accurately.
A Network in SAP PS represents a detailed project schedule that shows the sequence of tasks and their interdependencies. Think of it as a project roadmap that outlines what needs to be done, in which order, and how tasks relate to each other.
Networks provide the framework for managing complex project activities, allowing project managers to:
Networks are created within the context of a Project Definition and linked to work breakdown structures (WBS) to facilitate detailed planning and control.
Activities are the individual tasks or work packages within a network. They represent the actual work to be performed and can vary in type, such as:
Each activity can be assigned start and finish dates, durations, resources (like personnel or equipment), costs, and dependencies on other activities.
Networks and activities together create a comprehensive project schedule:
Activities are linked through relationships (such as finish-to-start or start-to-start), establishing dependencies that help manage the sequence and timing of work. This enables project managers to identify critical paths and potential bottlenecks.
Networks and activities form the core of project scheduling and execution in SAP Project System. By effectively using networks to map out project workflows and activities to define the work tasks, organizations can gain better control over complex projects. This structured approach supports timely delivery, cost management, and successful project outcomes within the SAP environment.