How to Create an S-Curve with BCWP and BCWS in Microsoft Project
Question details
The user needs to create a progress S-curve in Microsoft Project that plots BCWP (Earned Value) and BCWS (Planned Value) over time.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Tracking project progress and visualizing earned value over time using native Microsoft Project fields.
- Observed behavior
- Needs to appropriately configure time-phased data to include planned values (BCWS) extending past the status date, and correctly plot it alongside earned value (BCWP).
Ensure you have established a project baseline and updated your project status date before attempting to generate earned value charts.
Generate an S-Curve Using Visual Reports
Export time-phased earned value data to a PivotChart using Microsoft Project's built-in Visual Reports feature.
The most effective way to plot BCWP and BCWS is by leveraging Visual Reports, which export your time-phased project data directly into a spreadsheet environment where a line chart can be easily manipulated into an S-curve.
Navigate to the 'Report' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Visual Reports' in the Export group.
In the Visual Reports dialog box, click on the 'Assignment Usage' tab and select the 'Earned Value Over Time Report'.
At the bottom of the dialog, select the level of time-phased data you want to view from the drop-down menu (e.g., 'Weeks' or 'Months'), then click 'View' to generate the report.
In the generated spreadsheet PivotChart, ensure both the 'BCWS' (Planned Value) and 'BCWP' (Earned Value) fields are checked in the Values area of the PivotTable Fields pane.
Right-click the chart, select 'Change Chart Type', and choose 'Line with Markers' to visualize the classic S-curve shape for your project.
Configure Project Dates for Accurate BCWS Forecasting
Verify and adjust your project's baseline and status dates to ensure the planned value (BCWS) calculates accurately into the future.
Visualize Earned Value with WPS Spreadsheet
Easily open your exported Microsoft Project data in WPS Spreadsheet to create highly customizable BCWP and BCWS S-curves without requiring expensive spreadsheet software.
- 1. Open Exported Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the time-phased project data file (CSV or XLSX) exported from Microsoft Project.
- 2. Insert a PivotTable: Highlight your data range, navigate to the 'Insert' tab, and click 'PivotTable' to organize your time and earned value fields.
- 3. Add BCWP and BCWS Fields: Drag your Time field (e.g., Weeks/Months) into the Rows area, and place the BCWS and BCWP fields into the Values area.
- 4. Insert a Line Chart: Select a cell within your PivotTable, go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Chart', and choose a 'Line' chart to automatically generate your project S-curve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my BCWP line flat after the status date?
BCWP (Budgeted Cost of Work Performed, or Earned Value) only calculates up to the project's current status date because it represents work that has actually been completed. It is normal for it to stop or flatline for future dates, whereas BCWS (Planned Value) will continue to plot until the end of the project.
How do I fix missing BCWS data in my MS Project S-curve?
Missing BCWS (Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled) usually occurs because the project lacks a baseline. Navigate to the 'Project' tab, click 'Set Baseline', and save the baseline for your entire project. BCWS relies on this snapshot to calculate planned progress.
Can I plot ACWP alongside BCWS and BCWP?
Yes. ACWP (Actual Cost of Work Performed) represents your actual spend. When generating your Earned Value Over Time report, simply check the 'ACWP' field in your PivotTable's Values area to add the actual cost line to your S-curve for a complete three-point earned value analysis.
