CPI and SPI answer different questions. Reading them together gives you a more useful view of project performance than either index on its own.
| CPI | SPI | What the combination indicates | What to investigate |
|---|---|---|---|
| > 1.00 | > 1.00 | Earned value exceeds both actual cost and planned value. | Check whether the performance is sustainable and whether unnecessary cost is being introduced. |
| > 1.00 | < 1.00 | Cost efficiency is favourable, but achieved progress is below the planned position. | Look at remaining work, resource capacity and schedule recovery options. |
| < 1.00 | > 1.00 | Progress exceeds the planned position, but actual cost is high relative to earned value. | Investigate whether acceleration is costing more than the value it creates. |
| < 1.00 | < 1.00 | Actual cost is high relative to earned value and progress is below the planned position. | Review both productivity and cost drivers before adding further cost. |
🎮 Your decision still matters
EVM tells you what the numbers are saying. It does not make the management decision for you. Use the indicators together with the project's remaining work, resource options, overtime cost and performance trend.
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