Reason why SAP generated the concept "network"?

[Former Member]

Dear Experts,

In MS Project, there are only 2 concepts: WBS and activity (or task), but it still control the project structure and scheduling well.

That's a reason why I want to ask about the reason why SAP generated the new concept "Network"?

Because in my opinion, I think WBS element and activity concept are enough (together with relationship, we can

control the scheduling).

Please help to explain more.

Thanks and best regards,

Khoa Huynh

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi khoa,

SAP is meant for handling big projects with taking care of financials and materials.

In Ms project no material management is there. This is one of the reason behind the concept of network.

Sap manages requisitions and reservations here. If we handle it at activity level then it will be a very long list. If it do this at WBS level then it will be too condense. Segregation may become tough. So here generates a need of middle path i.e. network where we can summaries requisitions and reservations if one wish.

Along this It is clear that activity is basic unit for categorizing work. SAP is supposed to support a larger number of activity so we need network here. Network represent sequence of activity.

I agree to you we may use WBS instead of networks but in that case we may not reply to these questions clearly-

• Where are we unclear on the processes in the project and what are the possible consequences?
• Where are the scheduling uncertainties and how significant are they?
• When and in what amount do we incur costs and make expenditures for this project?
• When and in what quantity do resources have to be available so that we can keep to the schedule?

If you want some more reference then pls visit-

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_470/helpdata/en/4c/225be446e611d189470000e829fbbd/content.htm

Regards,

Pranav

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Pranav,

Thanks a lot for your explanation. It is very clear!

Best regards,

Khoa Huynh

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Khoa,

SAP has not invented scheduling concepts and network and activities rather those were prevalent from the ages. SAP has used those concepts in proper way and popularised as ERP package.

As Abdul stated these concepts are very clearly elaborated in project management tools and are available before SAP come into existence.

@Pranav- Very big projects are executed using CPM & PERT charts till now and they are not using SAP scheduling. for example, Space programs, ship construction etc.

Regards,

Sudhakar

[former_member230675]

WBS and Network is not an Invention of SAP. These are core Project Management Tools, which SAP also uses to handle project management.

If you analyse the project management tools and methodologies you could find SAP is more proper than other products.

Please refer PMP documents / lessons to know more about Core Project Management Tools.

[Former Member]

Hi Abdul and Sudhakar,

Thanks for your helpful info.

It's really useful for me.

Best regards,

Khoa Huynh