Content area
Full Text
CSC. 10
The selection of SAP as the information collection tool for a company is based on a number of important criteria. The most important reasons for selecting SAP are information management and anticipated cost savings. A part: of the selection process is the decision as to which SAP modules to include. The inclusion of the project systems (PS) module recognizes management's understanding as to the importance and value to be realized from the utilization of this tool in managing project costs. In order to maximize the benefit, the PS module must be implemented in such a way as to ensure timely and accurate information is available on the projects in a useful format that is accessible to the right audience. Utilizing the cost tracking functionality of the PS module by organizations for other than strictly capital will increase the benefits derived from SAP.
CONFIGURATION
Roles and Transactions
The initial step in implementing the PS module is to determine what information will be collected and in what format, who will be responsible for its input and maintenance, and how the information will be utilized. This important first step should be the result of input from a wide varierty of interested parties comprised of representatives from the project managers, project cost engineers, accountants, IT organization, management, and operational personnel. Inclusion of the project controls people in the configuration process is critical to the success of the implementation. Getting a consensus as to what will accommodate everyone's wants and needs may be extremely difficult based on the limited knowledge these representatives may have of the software. The focus of this group should be to map the current project delivery process covering all activities associated with a project from conception to completion. As a part of the mapping process, improvements to current procedures as identified by the group should be incorporated. This flowchart, with its accompanying data requirements and responsibility information, will be the basis of the configuration of the system.
Within each SAP module are transactions that allow certain information to be input (created), changed, displayed, or reported. These transactions are assigned to various roles created by the company to reflect its philosophy as to system security, access to information, and data input responsibility. The...