Creating Operative Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to create operative work breakdown structures

Creation of Project Definition and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Project Definition

In this lesson you will learn about the structure and fundamental characteristics of the objects in a work breakdown structure.

You create a project definition automatically when you create a work breakdown structure. A project definition defines an objective to be achieved within a project. The project definition sets the frame and type of project work to be carried out.

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements are used to structure the work and responsibilities, whereas networks and network activities are used to map the process of the project work. When you create the project definition, you do not yet need to create WBS elements or individual activities. The project definition is the framework for all objects within a project in later planning phases.

The project definition contains default values and profile data for WBS elements, such as assignments to particular organizational units in the SAP system. Default data is transferred to new WBS elements you create for this project. The basic dates for the entire project and the planning parameters for costs, budget, and dates are stored at the project definition level.

The figure below shows the structure of a project consisting of project definition and WBS elements.

The image shows the project definition and the assigned Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements.

Caution

A project definition is not an account assignment object (that is, you cannot post to it).

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Creating Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)

Note

See the following video to learn more about creating a work breakdown structure:

In the quotation phase of a project, you can simulate projects using simulation versions, even if an operative project does not yet exist. It is possible to plan several simulation versions. You can then decide which version is the most suitable to transfer to an operative project.

Note

Simulation versions are discussed in the lesson Create and Transfer Simulation Versions.

Direct methods of WBS creation are as follows:

  • Create Network

  • Project Builder

WBS Structure

Note

See the following video to learn more about operative indicators:

Derivation of the WBS Hierarchy Structure

If you want to edit large projects and you need to create numerous WBS elements with complex project numbers, the system can help you to derive the project hierarchy. To derive the hierarchy from the keys defined for the WBS elements, you must have defined an appropriate project coding mask in Customizing. After you have defined a project coding mask, you can create WBS elements in a project, one after the other, without worrying about the correct hierarchy level. You can enter all WBS elements in level 1. The system then derives the individual levels of the WBS elements from the project coding mask.

The WBS element with the shortest number is created on level 1. The remaining WBS elements are arranged in the lower hierarchy levels depending on their numbers and the number of special characters.

The hierarchy graphic enables you to display a work breakdown structure and change the individual WBS elements. Automatic derivation of the WBS hierarchy structure is explained. The WBS elements are arranged in the lower hierarchy levels depending on their numbers and the number of special characters.

If you do not want to derive the hierarchy structure, enter the required level in the project hierarchy when you create the WBS elements. You can change the hierarchy level of WBS elements later. The hierarchy graphic enables you to display a work breakdown structure and change the individual WBS elements in detail, or add additional WBS elements.

WBS Detailing Options

You can assign objects to WBS elements to carry out additional functions that may be in other applications of the SAP system. Examples include the following:

  • Milestones, which you can use, for example, to plan and follow the progress of a project

  • Billing plans to plan and schedule revenues.
  • Documents and texts to give more precise specifications for a WBS element.
  • Project teams: you can use persons from such a team when distributing work at the activity level.
  • Investment program items to manage and distribute a budget at a level higher than the project.

Milestones in the WBS

Note

See the following video to learn more about milestones:

Create Operative WBS

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