What is SAP PS (Project System)?

What SAP PS (Project System) is used for, its two structures — the WBS and the network — and how it connects to the other modules.

PS (Project System) supports projects from planning through execution to completion: one-off activities with a defined purpose and deadline that involve several departments and resources.

Where it is used

Typical applications

Area	Content	Emphasis
Engineer to order	Plant construction, large machinery	Cost, schedule, progress billing
Capital investment	New plants, equipment replacement	Budget control, capitalisation
R&D	Research by theme	Cost collection by theme
Major maintenance	Turnarounds and overhauls	Cost and outage management
Internal projects	System implementation, improvement work	Effort and budget

Two structures

Structure	Represents	Used for
WBS	A hierarchical breakdown of deliverables	Cost collection, budget, responsibility
Network	Activities and their dependencies	Scheduling, requirements, capacity

The WBS says what is being produced; the network says in what order the work happens. Cost management alone needs only a WBS; scheduling needs a network too.

Objects in PS

Object	Content
Project definition	The overall frame; one per project
WBS element	A node in the hierarchy that collects cost
Network	A set of activities assigned to WBS elements
Activity	A unit of work within a network
Milestone	A significant point, which can also trigger billing

Connections to other modules

Module	Interaction
MM	Requisitions and orders against WBS elements; materials assigned to the project
CO	Cost collected on WBS elements and settled onwards
FI	Direct expense postings and capitalisation
SD	Sales orders linked to WBS elements; milestone billing
PP	Production orders linked to the project in make-to-order
HR	Time posted to the project
FI-AA	Completed assets settled to fixed assets