SAP S/4 HANA: An Opportunity to Modernise - Part 1
Per a recent Basis Technologies survey, 59% of SAP teams still manage their SAP change process using spreadsheets. It is hard to believe in an era of reduced skilled SAP resource availability, low tolerance to human error, and an always ticking time clock.
However, managing SAP systems while meeting overwhelming business expectations means no time or headspace to look for alternatives. This is the reason why so few SAP teams have ventured into the area of task automation.
The good news is that an S/4 HANA transformation presents an opportunity to modernise many of the systems and processes undergirding the transformation.
An opportunity to modernise.
When considering your approach to your S/4 HANA transformation, the opportunity to review several related areas for automation presents. Many SAP teams also use their S/4 HANA transformation project to include transforming several existing manual, time-consuming, and error-prone processes.
These include SAP change and release management, another SAP systems management, and SAP incident management.
Today, we focus on SAP change and release management automation.
SAP change management automation
Managing changes to SAP systems, configuration changes, and ABAP changes is a manual process for most SAP teams. It is time-consuming, error-prone, and increases time from concept to delivery. An S/4 HANA transformation is an ideal time to investigate automating your SAP change and release management tasks and processes.
Suppose you automatically track and manage every change from the beginning of your SAP S/4 HANA transformation. Nothing would get lost, and nothing would be left undone.
Every step of your ABAP code adaption process is automated. Enforced approval processes and simplified basis transport coordination result in a faster, higher quality transformation.
Then, a modernised SAP change and release process is in place for ongoing BAU and enhancements as S/4 functionality is activated and the new system is supported.
For example, managing changes across dual landscapes will no longer be a challenge - it may be many months to several years before the ECC system is decommissioned. With every BAU change automatically tracked and marked for importing into the new S/4 system, both systems are in sync until then.
The automation investment
Implementing automation solutions requires investment; however, it is pretty small compared to the overall investment required for a transformation project.
Automated change and release management has a quantifiable ROI across metrics based on a reduced need for skilled resources, quicker delivery, and higher quality.
Unlike other tools that may be helpful during your S/4 HANA transformation, this one returns well beyond going live and adding value to the newly updated systems.
To get a feel for some of the challenges associated with a Brownfield transformation and how automation can help, this guide to a Brownfield S/4 HANA Transformation will help.
Access your copy here: Access the free guide.
We can help.
Leg Up Software is an expert in SAP IT operational and infrastructure software automation solutions, including those to support an enterprise’s transformation journey.
We know the SAP operations and infrastructure automation solutions landscape and have already done the legwork to identify the best solutions.
We have excellent relationships with many software vendors, including the ones mentioned here. We can negotiate an evaluation process that best suits your circumstances and budget.
Why not set up a time to start the conversation by putting something on our calendar?
