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Through their software, SAP develops solutions that aid in data processing and information flow for various types of organizations.
SAP implementation is a set of processes that define the methods to fully implement the SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software in an organization. SAP implementation processes are a generic set of steps that are based on the best practices and experiences of industry professionals, derived from various literary sources and studies about website development services. These methods are supposed to help an organization plan and execute the implementation of SAP software. With ASAP methodology, it is possible to prescribe the correct ways to implement the SAP software.
This article discusses, in some detail, the importance and uses of SAP and ASAP pathways and the methodology involved for developing good project solutions for businesses.
What Is The ASAP Methodology?
ASAP is the abbreviated form of Accelerated Systems, Applications, and Products methodology. It is one of the most important methodologies for many business organizations. Website development services need to use a process called the Software Development Life Cycles (SLDC) while developing or implementing software. This process is needed for SAP implementation projects as well. In order to implement an SAP ERP system, the Software Development Life Cycles process that is used is called the ASAP or Accelerated SAP.
Since SAP projects are usually long and take a lot of effort from many people, the ASAP methodology becomes very important in dealing with it. Through the ASAP methodology, it is possible to provide a proper framework for the whole process of implementing SAP. Since SAP projects can turn very tricky without proper planning, ASAP methodology can help an organization avoid a great deal of hassle while implementing the ERP system.
Composition Of The ASAP Methodology
SAP leverages the use of a set of methods and tools to deliver a software solution to its users. Its users are businesses that can benefit from such methodologies. The two important components of the SAP implementation process are the ASAP methodology framework and the SAP Solution Manager. The ASAP 8 Methodology is a framework that delivers a structured method to the content. It contains processes, procedures, accelerators, checklists, links to standard SAP documents, and so on. These are necessary for a mobile application development company that works with SAP to make the best of the software.
The ASAP 8 methodology is built on a strong framework derived from ASAP 7, having improved upon its shortcomings. The methodology includes transparency in the value delivery system through a consistent reflection of the business processes. It also provides guidance for SOA, BPM, and other more traditional implementation projects throughout the life cycle of the project. The ASAP methodology delivers content that is needed for project management, solution management, organizing change management, training, blueprint, testing, configuration, cutover planning, and so on. Further, this methodology also provides detailed descriptions for each task and accountability for the completion of these tasks.
How Does The ASAP Methodology Work?
As we have seen, the ASAP methodology is very important to implement the SAP ERP software in an organization. This implementation process consists of many phases or steps in which the Software Development Life Cycles (SLDC) of SAP is completed.
Under Accelerated SAP methodology, a web development service provider can divide the long process of implementing SAP into various important and shorter steps. Each of these steps is very important and is considered a milestone in the whole process. These steps are essentially a road map that lets the project management team plan out each step while working on the previous one. This way, the ASAP methodology provides a structure to the SAP implementation projects. It also helps in the enhancements and for the customizations required for any production support.
ASAP Methodology: SAP Implementation Phases
The success of the SAP solution that you implement is determined largely by the speed and effective nature of the software implementation process. This is why SAP has introduced what is known as the Accelerated Systems, Applications, and Products (ASAP) methodology for quick implementation of SAP software. This allows us to explore the solution capabilities of SAP, select the needed features and resources for the project, and implement the needed SAP software solutions for your business. This is done through the ASAP methodology.
There are six general phases in which an SAP implementation project is carried out in ASAP methodology. These are: 1) project preparation, 2) scope validation/business blueprint, 3) realization, 4) final preparation, 5) go-live support, and 6) operate. These phases have been explained in detail below.
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Project Preparation
This is the first step in the ASAP 8 methodology of SAP implementation processes. For each implementation project, there has to be a specific set of objectives, scope, and important factors and priorities. In this phase, these factors are described in detail to assist in the initial stages of planning the whole project out. Things such as setting up project governance, planning the project, and its schedule are implemented in this step.
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Scope Validation
Scope validation is the second phase of the ASAP 8 methodology in implementing SAP. This phase is meant to help the company explore how they would want to run SAP to support its business processes. In this phase, a company can focus on the rapid setup of an environment that is available for a validation workshop with the users of the business. This will then help the company confirm the scope and determine the delta requirements of the business. Once this is done, the company can proceed to the next phase where they can enhance the baseline that is provided by the pre-assembled RDS.
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Realization
Realization is the third phase of the implementation process. This step is used to bring into effect all the data on business processes that were collected in the previous step of scope validation. The project management and implementation team collaborate with the web development service provider to configure, develop, test, and document the many solutions that are provided by the series of time-boxed iterations. Before this phase is completed and the next phase is started, the software solution has to be tested to see if it has been fully integrated end-to-end. Also, it needs to be tested to see if it is fully acceptable to the end-users.
Generally, this phase is divided into configuration testing and knowledge transfer. In configuration testing, you can seek the help of a consulting team and divide the process into various types of business flows. These cycles are then called independent units that can be used to test the business processes. In knowledge transfer, the transfer of knowledge is done through training and other knowledge transfer methods.
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Final Preparation
The fourth phase of implementing SAP software in a business organization includes a lot of cutover activities. Some of these activities are technical and load testing, training the end-users, system management processes being set up, and cutover rehearsal activities being put in place. This process helps businesses assess how ready they are to go live with their projects. Also, in the final preparation process, a company can resolve any remaining issues with the software. Once this phase is successfully completed, the project is ready to go live in the next step.
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Go-live Support
The fifth step is meant to help businesses move from a project-oriented and pre-production style approach to the software and move towards a live production operation. This step helps them provide sustained support to the project so that it can be guided into the final phase and a new environment.
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Operate
The final phase of the implementation process of the ASAP 8 methodology is very important. This is because it lets companies fine-tune their software lifecycle standards and processes that have been established in the previous phases. Through this final phase, the companies can align the project and its needs with the needs of the companies. The central operation platform for this phase is the SAP Solution Manager that helps leverage the solutions for system operations.
Types Of ASAP Methodology
There are specific forms of the Accelerated SAP methodology that are provided by SAP to implement their software. The general phases of these methodologies are almost the same. The standard ASAP methodology is the most basic format of this methodology. The six phases of the ASAP methodology, as described in this article, are part of this methodology. ASAP methodology is provided to all end-users, and they can select the variants of the methodology to support the software implementation process.
There are some new and improved versions of the standard ASAP methodology, such as ASAP 8 and Agile ASAP 8 methodologies. These are variations that users can access on the SAP Service Marketplace or the SAP Solution Manager, starting with the ST-ICO SP37 content package level. We will take a look at these various kinds of ASAP methodology that are provided by SAP.
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Standard ASAP 8 Methodology
The Standard ASAP 8 methodology is a disciplined way of managing projects, organizing change management, solution management, managing application life cycles, and other such business processes. This ASAP 8 Methodology is created with SAP's Advanced Delivery Management model in view. It supports project management by providing templates, tools, questionnaires, checklists, and so on. It also provides guidebooks and accelerators. With this methodology, companies can be empowered to make the best out of the accelerated tools and features that are already silt into SAP solutions. This methodology contains the following phases - project preparation, business blueprint, realization, final preparation, go-live support, and operation.
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ASAP 8 Methodology
This methodology is a part of the Simplified Rapid Deployment Solution, also known as the Assemble to Order Project. Because it is important for an SAP implementation process to be fast and effective, SAP felt the need to release this Rapid Deployment Solution (RDS) for its software. In this methodology, the companies are given the ability to explore the various SAP solutions, select the needed RDS for the project, and then implement the SAP solutions with the help of a proper structure. The ASAP 8 Methodology and the Simplified Rapid Deployment Solution is an integration operation that is supported by the SAP Solution Manager.
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Agile ASAP 8 Methodology
For the success of your SAP project, there is another ASAP methodology that can be used. This was introduced by SAP as a new practical implementation methodology for SAP software. It allows a company to implement operating functionality in short, iterative cycles. In each of these cycles, the project management team can implement the important functionalities first. This way, the company can get faster results and see the value of the implementation immediately. It can also improve the flexibility and progress monitoring of the SAP software solutions implementation project. The six phases in this methodology are - project preparation, lean blueprint, realization, final preparation, go-live support, and operation.
Advantages Of Using ASAP 8 Methodology
There are many benefits to using the ASAP 8 methodology. These are listed below.
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Reduced Cost
The total cost of implementing the SAP software is reduced by using the ASAP 8 methodology. This is done by embedding the principles of SAP Advanced Delivery Management into a prescriptive and streamlined roadmap. Also, the modular implementation of this road map helps in the process.
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Content Rich Implementation
The ASAP 8 methodology has content-rich implementation accelerators. It also has templates and guides that are equally rich in content. These help in the implementation of a strategy and turning it into a full project.
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Transparency In Value Delivery
This methodology is great for delivering value through a transparent process. This is possible as a result of a regular and consistent reflection on the various business processes that are involved in the methodology and its steps. This way, a mobile app development service that uses SAP can benefit from its transparent delivery methods.
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User-Centric Design
The ASAP 8 methodology is known for its user-centric approach to all project implementation processes. This is evident from the fact that all business processes and IT structures are designed using this methodology. So, implementing SAP software becomes a more streamlined process.
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Project Efficiency
Using the ASAP methodology can ensure the efficiency of the project implementation process. This is because the methodology provides an efficient way of governing the project, managing its quality, and so on. It also provides good guides that help businesses implement the projects and take care of business process management.
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Complete Coverage
The ASAP methodology provides complete coverage for all business processes. The entire lifecycle of the project, starting from evaluation to delivery and post-production is covered by this methodology. It also helps post-production solution management and operations.
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Consistency In Content
The methodology provides consistency to the content through various factors such as value maps, the configuration of business process monitoring, and so on.
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Latest Versions
The ASAP methodology comes equipped with the latest forms of technology to implement software provided by an SAP development company. These include the latest versions of the Solution Explorer and Solution Configuration that work to explore SAP solution capabilities. Further, it also helps to select the correct pathway for the project and determine the best Rapid Deployment Solution or RDS for your project.
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Proven And Scalable Implementation
This methodology has been proven to have a scalable implementation process for SAP software. It guides the project management team through the agile implementation process and ensures that it sets up a seamless operation of software solutions.
- Seamless Integration Processes
The ASAP methodology is seamlessly integrated with SAP Solution Manager. This means that it is very easy to go through the process of implementing the software and taking care of Solution operations.
- Simplifies Implementation Processes
It makes the whole process very simplified. This is done by starting with the best practices for the content based on whatever RDS has been chosen for the process.
- Sensible Risk Management
The ASAP methodology is also known for providing sensible risk management for the implementation of SAP software solutions. This is very beneficial for the end-users.
- Better Resource Management
ASAP methodology can provide tools to manage the project and organize it. Also, it helps manage the whole process of implementing the software and meet business requirements.
- Based On User Experience
Most importantly, the whole ASAP methodology is based on the user experience of businesses that use SAP implementation processes. This means that it is constantly updated to suit the needs of end-users. The roadmap needs end-users to have soft skills and hard facts. So, since it is based on user experience, we can be sure that it will be very efficient.
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Why Do We Need The ASAP Methodology?
It is important to follow the ASAP methodology for a number of reasons. These methodologies are written by senior officials and tech industry experts based on user experiences. This bundle of tasks has a very specific purpose, without which it may become hard to implement an SAP software successfully.
An SAP development company provides the ASAP methodology for its software when an end-user company buys it from them. This process guides the company through the implementation process. If this process is not followed, there are great chances of the project failing. A lot of times, without this methodology, the bulk of the load gets put on the project manager or the IT department but with this methodology, each department is given a specific job. Thus, the absence of any section will result in the project not being completed. This way, it brings together the whole company to work in unison. Therefore, it is important to deploy the ASAP methodology for implementing the SAP software.
Problems Associated With The ASAP Methodology
Like any system or policy, the use of ASAP methodology is not without any issues. The biggest problem with this methodology is that sometimes it may be designed more as a business sales tool rather than a guide for the implementation process. Sometimes, a company that sells SAP solutions for a mobile application development company designs the ASAP methodology as a tool that is exclusive to its products and therefore, forces a company to choose between the competitive companies rather than software solutions. Ethical companies, however, are more mindful of this and strive to provide a good solution to your software needs. Additionally, you can also be more careful about the vendors you choose for your company.
Another issue is that a lot of times when senior officials write the methodology, they do not keep in mind the practical process that an IT official below them would have to go through during the implementation process. Again, this is a problem that can be easily resolved by choosing a good vendor, with good user reviews and references. This way, you can be sure that the methodology will be practical.
A Few Final Words
ASAP methodology is being increasingly used by various businesses around the world to manage their business processes and projects. SAP also provides ample technologies that are beneficial for mobile app development services, such as the SAP Cloud Platform Services for iOS and Android, the Mobile Development Kit, the SAP Mobile Cards, the Mobile Back-end Tools, and so on. In order to implement such tools and processes, the ASAP methodology can prescribe a correct and efficient pathway for SAP.
As is mentioned in this article, the use of ASAP methodology, as opposed to not using it, has been revealed to be more beneficial. Further, these advantages have been derived based on user experiences and expert knowledge of the entire system, its tools, and the business processes involved. Additionally, this methodology brings structure and accountability into the whole process of setting up SAP software processes. Therefore, there is no doubt that despite some flaws that the system may seem to have, it is very beneficial to use the Accelerated SAP methodology in project management practices.
