Improving SAP IT outcomes
Automation solutions have been available for SAP teams for a decade, yet very few teams have progressed as far down the automation path as expected. It continues to puzzle me, especially considering the value automation provides.
However, for those who have ventured down the automation path, here is why:
- The need for consistency.
- The need to reduce reliance on skilled resources.
- The need to lower costs.
As someone said to me recently,
"You have hit a great point - as we are required to do more with fewer people, and with less skilled people, we depend on tools to automate the work and ensure consistent results. I always loved the consistency of automation, and you will always get exactly what you programmed the tool to do!"
Consistency
It’s been said that when two or more are tasked with the same activity, the outcomes will be different, and the more complex the task, the greater the difference.
This is particularly true for infrequent but repetitive complex tasks. Even if the same person completes the task, the time between the most recent and the previous task completion ensures it is most likely to be completed differently.
SAP system refresh is a great example. A successful refresh depends on skilled resources familiar with the SAP systems and landscape understanding of the process.
Automating the process ensures all the pre-copy and post-copy tasks are completed consistently, and each outcome is identical.
Reduced Reliance
Continuing with the SAP system refresh example. Availability of skilled and knowledgeable SAP basis resources for each refresh is no longer guaranteed. The next refresh may rely on a third-party resource unfamiliar with the systems they are working on.
Automating the process ensures the refresh completes as expected, regardless of who is available.
The same applies to many repetitive SAP IT tasks, from workflow processing to job scheduling. These activities rely on knowledgeable, skilled people who may not always be available.
Automating the processes ensures the tasks are completed as expected.
Lower costs
Costs accumulate in several ways, e.g., time, personnel, system downtime, delays, inefficiency, etc. Automation minimises accumulated costs.
Using the system refresh example again. Automated system refresh enables the task to be completed faster with lower-salaried professionals. However, there is more. Although delaying a refresh can be seen as a cost-saving, system downtime due to testing on old data soon makes up for it.
SAP iDoc monitoring and management is another example. Manual monitoring takes time, often it’s a full-time role, and if iDoc errors go unnoticed, invoicing can be delayed or essential components unordered. These have a much greater business cost. Automated iDoc management ensures minimal manual effort, fewer errors and less business disruption.
Final word
Introducing IT operational automation to manage repetitive SAP maintenance and management tasks ensures consistent task outcomes, regardless of complexity or the individuals involved. It reduces dependence on skilled personnel and enables successful execution every time. Costs are minimised.
To learn more about IT automation for SAP teams, see www.legupsoftware.com/solutions
