Most companies have recognized, that Project Management is not only a very important management task, but also embody considerable advantages regarding the competitive situation on the market. Nevertheless it is difficult to find the one and only software which supports Project Management perfectly.
It would be advantageous to use a software which is already installed company wide and handles the Project Management with it as well. Why not add further features of other systems to the already existing software? The only problem herewith is the fact, that different systems are almost never compatible.
Starting from the above described situation we took hold of this challenge to simplify it for you. We asked ourselves which are the most common and most efficient systems used in companies and enterprises. The answers were the following: SAP for a company wide solution, which visualizes not only cost accounting, purchase, production, material and personnel administration, but also other areas. Parallel to that many project managers are used to work with Microsoft Project.
So far interface which allows a compatibility of these two systems existed. We closed this gap with SAMi 1.0, the interactive interface between SAP R/3 and Microsoft Project, which allows you to access the data and functions of both systems.
You may handle data individually in both programs. Afterwards you just transfer the changes via SAMi 1.0 into the other system. This means, that you may
- call data from the SAP R/3 PS-module and transfer them via SAMi 1.0 into "your" Microsoft Project, where you are used to plan, visualize and handle your projects.
- call data from the SAP R/3 PS-module and transfer them via SAMi 1.0 onto your laptop and are able to work at home or at your customer's place without being directly connected to R/3.
- upload your data after having handled projects in Microsoft Project via SAMi 1.0 to R/3 later.
- start from the scratch directly in Microsoft Project and transfer the data into SAP R/3 later.
You might ask how this can work from the technical point of view. Before we explain it, we would like to point out the different structures of Microsoft Project and the SAP-PS module:
SAMi 1.0 is an interface, based on the BAPI technology (Business Application Programming Interface) which transfers data between SAP R/3 and Microsoft Project. One of the great challenges of this development were the two different philosophies of SAP and Microsoft Project.
SAP uses two fundamental procedures: Work breakdown structure WBS (costs) and networks (cost and time)
Microsoft Project works strictly hierarchical, i.e. projects, embedded projects, activities, dependencies where costs and resources are directly related to a task. The basis for Microsoft Project is network planning, mostly visualized as a Gantt Chart.
With SAMi 1.0 we offer two possible views in Microsoft Project:
- The WBS-elements together with the hierarchy, are visualized in Microsoft Project as summary tasks. The corresponding network activities are listed below their assigned WBS-element which means, that the project itself will be visualized with respect to the WBS-hierarchy.
- As a second alternative SAMi 1.0 offers the Project Managers the possibility to handle their project as usual in Microsoft Project. They can create summary tasks to structure their projects. This structure does not have to correspond to the structure of the WBS-elements, although the WBS-elements are assigned automatically to the different tasks. This means, that the project structure can be completely independent of the WBS-element.
To make things more easy to understand, one could say that there are two systems speaking "a different language". We thought about this fact and created a "translator" - SAMi 1.0. Additionally the interface offers the possibility to transfer parts of a certain project into Microsoft Project.
SAMi 1.0 - The first world-wide BAPI certified product.
Below please find several good reasons to decide in favor of SAMi 1.0 - it means
Simplicity
Being fully integrated into Microsoft Project, SAMi 1.0 can be easily started by one click. Just indicate which data you need and you will receive it right away in Microsoft Project.
Another advantage is, that while starting SAMi 1.0 the last user-profile used will appear (Server-ID, client, etc.). The only thing you have to add is your personal password. This solution saves your time without being less secure.
Using SAMi 1.0 you have structure, process and project data of Microsoft Project available. Additionally SAP R/3 PS-module delivers the indication of the corresponding Plant, Workcenter, Controlling Area etc.
Security
SAMi 1.0 transports all necessary information like project name, tasks, dependencies etc.
SAMi 1.0 embodies total security because it contains the total SAP security system and therefore prevents unauthorized usage at all levels.
Flexibility
The database repository (Microsoft Access) of SAMi 1.0 offers the possibility to transport data to other systems, not only to Microsoft Project.
Due to its modular structure, SAMi 1.0 is open and can be adapted to your individual requirements.
SAMi uses the repository as an intermediate database and enables an interaction between SAP R/3 and Microsoft Project. At the same time the possibility to interact as an interface for other systems, like Microsoft Excel, ASCII etc. exists.
Additionally you have the choice to load a complete project or just part(s) of a project, and you have the option to switch between SAP PS-module and Microsoft Project. This means, that you can have both systems open at the same time or just work in one after downloading the data.
As SAMi 1.0 is a local and individual installation, scalability is no problem.
SAMi 1.0 can be used for SAP 4.0b, 4.5b and further development and can be adapted to 3.1g, 3.1h and 3.1i on customer's request. For more information please contact us via our homepage.
Mobility
Work on your laptop anywhere and transfer data back into R/3 later.
The freedom to take Project Management decisions anywhere is now possible using SAMi 1.0. Download your data from SAP to your laptop, work at home or at site, do project planning, scheduling, resource planning etc. in Microsoft Project and upload your data back into SAP later. This means, that you can work on your projects without direct connectivity to SAP R/3.
Money
With SAMi 1.0 downloading and uploading of project details from the central SAP system to multiple project sites or remote project sites via mpp files is possible. In this case you do not only save money with regard to an external SAP access but also simplify your work.
All standardized Microsoft Project reports and filter possibilities can be used instead of an expensive, customer specific ABAP/4 programming in SAP of the above mentioned.
SAMi 1.0 will be continuously upgraded to take care of the future software releases (both SAP R/3 and Microsoft Project), incorporating as many features as possible. The money once spent will be well invested as SAMi 1.0 is going to accompany you, offering all its features, for a long period.
Continuity
Project managers who are used to work with Microsoft Project are able to continue in this way. They may still work with their familiar tool and use the controlling and financial features of SAP at the same time.
Certification
Being certified by SAP AG, the quality of the product is assured. Extended testing of the interface by specialists of our two companies assures its reliability.
Version SAMi 1.0E
This version transports additionally WBS milestones, network activity milestones and calendar data, capacity categories in work centers like machines & personnel, cost elements, materials, personnel attached to the WBS etc. (download only).
You require more information? Don't hesitate to contact us.