What is SAP? Definition of SAP ECP Software

What is SAP?

SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products in Data Processing.

SAP by definition is also named of the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software as well the name of the company. Now they handle ECP ( Easy Cost Planning)

SAP Software was Founded in 1972 by Wellenreuther, Hopp, Hector, Plattner and Tschira.

SAP system consists of a number of fully integrated modules, which covers virtually every aspect of the business management.

What is ECP ?

Easy Cost Planning (or simply ECP) represents one of the planning methods available in SAP PS module.  In reality ECP is a cross-functional environment being also available for other objects outside of PS module.  It is probably the most user-friendly planning environment available in standard SAP ECC and quite often neglected by the project implementation teams.

Customizing for Easy Cost Planning (ECP)

Below I will summarize some of the business benefits around the use of ECP:

1. ECP is a standard SAP ECC functionality (no interfaces, instant data update, no additional user licenses, standard reporting);
2. Business users can execute the planning operating with their own terminology and dimensions, while GL accounts mapping can be preconfigured in the background;
3. Previous point can enforce consistent planning across organization, because users are not entering GL accounts directly, but the system does it in the background;
4. Possibility to include non-financial data into the planning (comments, quantities, physical characteristics, etc) and save it together with financial data;
5. Possibility to execute calculations with predefined formulas in background (example daily rate x number of days or 10% surcharge on total cost);
6. Highly customizable end-user interface to design the planning screen layouts according to the planning subject and geography for example;
7. WBS and Network Activity integrated planning on the same screen;
8. Possibility to lock/unlock planning data with specific authorization;
9. Possibility for manual cost phasing with value dates;
10. Visibility of the business user behind latest data changes (some auditing).