sap ps and microsoft project integration

[former_member855380]

Hello All,

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having Microsoft project integrated with SAP PS.

Out client insisting to get it implemented, but we are not very keen to do the same.

How can we convince them for not using Microsoft project, as SAP offers them all the facilities which they are looking for.

Thanks

Mandar S

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hello Mandar,

You can get this Information clearly in the Website.

MSP is used for planning and scheduling there is no other linkage with other functions of an industry unlike SAP PS which integrates to the core process of other modules as well.

If you integrate you will be transferring the dates,timeline and Project structures only to SAP PS, still you will Need to work on costs,logistics tracking and other activities along with comprehensive reporting in SAP itslef so why increase costs of two licenses in MSP and SAP when it can be realized in one System only

For more Information on SAP PS please refer to the wiki

http://wiki.scn.sap.com/wiki/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=35769

You can draw a SWOT Analysis for comparison also

Regards

Vittal

[former_member855380]

Hello Guys,

Thx for the information.

1. What SAP Transactions are possible in MSP? Cost Planning, Revenue Planning, Adding/Modifying/Deleting an Activity, Adding/Modifying/Deleting WBSs, Creating new Projects, Releasing Projects, Milestones Scheduling. An example below

	Sync possible with SAP?			Visible in MSP
Adding Activity in MSP	Yes/No		Adding Activity in SAP	Yes/No
Modifying Activity			Modifying Activity
Deleting Activity			Deleting Activity
Adding/modifying/Deleting Networks			Adding/modifying/Deleting Networks
Milestones			Milestones
WBSs			WBSs
Projects			Projects
Cost Planning			Cost Planning
Revenue Planning			Revenue Planning
Setting Project Type			Project Type
Maintaining Partner Function			Partner Function
Releasing Activity/WBS/Network			Releasing Activity/WBS/Network
Maintaining User Fields			Maintaining User Fields

Also

2. What happens if multiple people modify the same object in MSP and then sync it? Hypothetically, could it create problems?

Kindly hep !

[sammar81]

Hi Mandar,

MSP is a user friendly tool with limitation that it is not an integrated solution which gets or impacts other areas. It is primarily used for maintaining the schedules and resources for the project..

as you correctly said the same can be achieved in SAP PS. But if your client is insisting on using SAP PS and MSP.. you can do that.. I don't see a reason why someone shouldn't use both..

Only reason i can think of is expense of maintaining data in two systems.. Users forgetting to update the details  in MSP or SAP..  System Integration issues..

Regards

Sammar

[sunil_yadav2]

Hi Mandar,

Please check advantages of MSP:

Widely Used tool for project management

Easy Integration with other Microsoft Products

Desktop application

integration with SAP PS using Open PS

Integration:

Open PS is used for integration with SAP:

Open Project System - Interfaces to the Project System - SAP Library

check SAP Note-505734 for OpenPS

also check Microsoft Project Server 2010 Integration with SAP which is released by Microsoft

major use of MSP is to schedule and planning.

Thanks

Sunil

[Former Member]

Hi.

This actually depends on the needs of the client.

If they want to do detailed scheduling easily, and have s-curve etc.. it is actually easier and faster to to do it in MSP.  The MSP also has the advantage that no need for SAP user license for all persons making changes to the MSP (but you need a SAP user to connect the MSP to SAP).

The disadvantage of MSP is that there are more uncontrolled source of data.  The data updates are not real time since you still need to trigger the update of the projects.  The MSP data is not integrated witht the rest of the SAP modules unlike if you perform the functions direct in SAP standard.

[Shubham1]

Hi Mandar,

MSP is a widely used Project Management tool across globe.Through OPENPS4MSP you can easily integrate SAP PS with MSP.I suggest you explore OpenPS4MSP 4.0 and support your client in implementing this integration.

In my current implementation project also client has asked for MSP integration and we are doing it successfully.

Shubham

[narenderkumar_singh]

HI Shubham,

Are the PS projects gets updated synchronously? Which means, if the MSP is saved, with RFC connection or other way, the WBS data also get updated successfully? if so, what is the backend technology you are using?

Thanks in advance for your response.

regards,

Narender

[audreystevenson]

Hi Narender,

Please note that this thread is rather old, so you might be better off asking a new question here: https://answers.sap.com/tags/653310048283475313268757797580946