Introduction Techniques

SAP AG firm has developed a standardised process of introduction - Accelerated SAP, which allows for the fast and effective implementation of advantages given by the SAP solutions. Accelerated SAP includes a route map, which gives step-by-step guidance on the introduction process, from project planning to placing the system into industrial operation.

This approach:

minimises the time gap between installation and productive start-up;
allows the most effective use of resources of the SAP-partner (LLP “ERP-Service”) and the client;
adds a process-oriented approach to training;
leads to and supports the earlier recognition of the system by users;
ensures step-by-step approach to the introduction: from planning to placing into operation.

The following phases are used in the Accelerated SAP route map:

Phase 1 – Project preparation:

The purpose of this phase is to ensure the initial planning and preparation for the SAP project.

During preparations for the SAP introduction, one should take into account the following issues which are important at the first stages of the project:

Development of targets and perspectives of the project;
The maximum possible accurate assessment of the introduction volumes;
Introduction strategy development;
Development of the general schedule of works within the project and sequence of the introduction;
Development of the organizational structure of the project and committees;
Distribution of resources;

Addressing these issues in the beginning of the introduction allows to ensure the effective project implementation and is a key in the successful SAP introduction.

Phase 1 consists of the following work packages:

Initial project planning;
Project procedures;
Training at the project planing stage;
Project launch;
Technical requirements planning;
Quality control at the stage of project preparation;

Phase 2 - Business Blueprint:

The purpose of this phase is in creating a Business Blueprint which represents detailed documented outcomes received during workshops on the analysis of the company’s business processes and their implementation choices in the SAP ERP system to achieve the system performing the required tasks. This is the basis for the full understanding of the Company’s intentions regarding business activity within the SAP system.

Other tasks tackled within this phase:

Clarification of initial targets and tasks of the project;
Baseline scope determination;
Clarification of the project’s general schedule and the introduction sequence;

Phase 3 – Implementation:

The purpose of this phase is customisation of the system in accordance with the business and process requirements on the basis of the Business Blueprint. Targets include completion of the system customisation and full testing. The project group is obtaining relevant knowledge.

Phase 4 – Final preparation:

The purpose of this phase is conduction of the final preparation including testing, training of users, system management operations and preparation to the productive launch, to ensure the full readiness for the start-up of the productive operation. The final preparation phase also serves to solve all critically important outstanding problems. Upon successful completion of this phase you will be ready to start the productive operation of your SAP system.

Phase 5 - Move to the productive operation and support

The purpose of this phase is the move from the pre-productive environment to the productive operation. You have to arrange a support service for end users not only for several first days of the productive operation, but also on a long-term basis.

During this phase the SAP system users usually put forward many questions. All users should have an easy access to the end users support service. This phase is also used to monitor the system transactions and to optimise the system productivity. Upon the completion of works the implemented project is closed.

Interaction with the Client

The Contractor prefers more to introduce the integrated system on a “turnkey” basis with its own resources but fully involving the Client’s specialists for sharing the experience and training the Client’s group for further maintenance tasks.

The vital factor for the project success and Contractor’s fulfilment of its obligations is an active participation of the Client’s company staff in the project.

The main areas of the Company’s responsibility are:

Allocation of highly qualified and responsible staff members for the work in the project in compliance with the Contractor’s requirements and the project plan;
Prompt provision of the required information (maximum within a week);
Prompt decision-making (maximum within a week);
Setting up of the project technical background;
Timely acceptance of and payment for the works;

The main areas of the Contractor’s responsibility are:

Allocation of highly qualified and responsible staff members for the work in the project;
Performance of all works required for accomplishing the objective - Introduction of the integrated management system:
1. Project documentation writing;
2. System administration (maintenance of roles, users, productivity, etc.);
3. System customisation;
4. Data transfer programme writing;
5. Reports writing;
6. Testing;
7. Writing of user manuals;
8. Transfer of main data from the existing systems;
9. Training of end users.

Below you can see the principal structure of personnel organisation for the SAP ERP system introduction, which consists of managerial and executive bodies.

Managing Committee

Project Sponsor

Company’s Project Manager

Contractor’s project manager

FI, FI-AA, FI-FM module working group

ММ module working group

SD module working group

Basis working group

СО module working group