Explain the type of version in SAP Project Systems.

By: Venkat

Basically, there are different kinds of versions in PS. They are:

1. Project versions - these are basically snapshots of a project at different stages of a project. Based on how the system is set up, a version could be created everytime the system status of a project object is changed, for example. Or, you could manually create a project version in transaction CNS41 or the like. You could create a version with a key and then you could compare the different snapshots of a project against each other or against version 0 (operative project).

2. Simulation versions - these are essentially "play around with" versions. Meaning that you could use them to try "what if" kind of scenario by changing dates, structure, milestones, etc... and compare results with the operative version. For example, you may want to determine what the impact is going to be of a certain change to the project before making the actual change to the operative project. Then, you could create a simulation version, play around with it to make sure it does what you want it to do, then make the actual change to the operative change or you could convert the simulation version to the operative version also. I am not sure if they are hidden issues in doing this, but to make the point here, the simulation version is a "play ground" for "what if" scenarii for the project. The main difference, I believe, between the project and simulation versions is that project versions cannot be changed/modified once they are copied, while simulation versions can be. Also, you cannot copy a project version to an operative version, but you can copy a simulation version to an operative version.

3. Planning/Controlling versions - these are the versions used for storing different kinds of planning details for the project. Essentially, these versions are also "operational" and can be changed as needed. For example, you may want to keep the operative version (version 0) always for actual costs, while you will use planning version P1 to store planned values from ECP, then version P2 for Unit Costing values, etc... Unlike simulation versions however, you cannot copy a planned version to the operational 
project (I don't think). You can however, copy one plan version to the other.

4. Progress Versions - These versions are used for carrying out Earned Value Analysis and other measurements against project progress based on POC, etc.  Progress version is controlling area specific and defines the control data for POC and earned values. It is mandatory to maintain progress version along with method of calculation. The system records progress analysis data in the progress version. That is why you can get the result only if you maintain it in the progress tab of WBS.

SPRO -> Project System -> Progress-> Progress Analysis -> Define Measurement Method as Default.

Here you define the Version, Object Type, Plan/Actual, Default Measurement Method.

After that Version would be defaulted for the object in the hierarchy.

Get help for your SAP PS problems
SAP PS Forum - Do you have a SAP PS Question?

SAP Project System Books
SAP PS Books - Certification, Interview Questions and Configuration

SAP Project System Tips
SAP PS Tips and Project System Discussion Forum

Best regards,
SAP Basis, ABAP Programming and Other IMG Stuff
http://www.erpgreat.com