How SAP Solution Manager Can Smooth Your Next Upgrade Project

by Doreen Baseler, SAP AG

An upgrade project always begins with great expectations of improved efficiencies. And done right - with well-crafted project planning and analysis, clearly defined processes, a comprehensive picture of the current environment, and proper testing and training for your end users - an upgrade can meet those expectations and reap the full benefits of the new solution. Done poorly, with missed steps or ill-planned requirements, an upgrade can be unnecessarily costly and whittle away at expected returns.

SAP customers will be moving to mySAP ERP over the next months and years, and although there is still significant mainstream maintenance for both mySAP ERP predecessors, every SAP customer must start considering their upgrade strategy. So whether you have a project on the boards, are looking forward to upgrading to mySAP ERP or other mySAP Business Suite solutions (including CRM, SRM, and SCM), or are about to start replacing a component or two in your current application landscape, SAP Solution Manager can help. The same platform used for implementation and operation can also help you plan and execute your upgrade ventures.

SAP Solution Manager connects to all components in your system landscape allowing business processes to be upgraded, implemented, tested, and even monitored in an integrated manner - avoiding duplication of effort and information, and streamlining your upgrade activities. At the same time, it directly addresses certain upgradespecific cost drivers, such as project management, test management, implementation of new functionality, and end-user training. Other known cost drivers, like modification adjustments or technical upgrades, can also be attacked by SAP services available through SAP Solution Manager.

What’s more, SAP Solution Manager ships with an Upgrade Roadmap; by using these in tandem, your upgrade process is streamlined, more organized, and highly efficient, to prevent missing critical steps and avoid duplicated effort at each phase of your project.This article focuses on those areas where the Upgrade Roadmap and SAP Solution Manager directly support your upgrade activities, for greater ease and efficiency in the upgrade process.