What is the best practice process for moving to SAP S/4HANA?
The methodology for implementing SAP S/4HANA is called SAP Activate. This approach, developed specifically for SAP's ERP solution, is designed to facilitate and simplify the implementation and operation of SAP S/4HANA. SAP Activate therefore includes
- Best practices for business processes, but also
- implementation methodology (Methodology) and guided configuration (Guided Configuration).
- Guided Configuration.
SAP Activate is a unified approach for different operating models (on-premise, cloud or hybrid) and different scenarios (greenfield, brownfield or selective migration). The methodology can be used by small companies as well as by corporations, by new SAP customers as well as by existing customers.
The Activate methodology is a framework that is divided into phases. These phases must be worked through one after the other. The phases, in turn, are divided into further steps and activities. SAP Activate is - despite this sequence - a hybrid project method, i.e. a mixture of a classic waterfall model and agile methods.
The framework is divided into six phases:
- Discover,
- Prepare,
- Explore (Analyze),
- Realize,
- Deploy, and
- Run.
The basis of the Activate methodology are the so-called Accelerators. They are available for every phase and every work area of an implementation and include checklists, templates, instructions, and tools. With the help of these tools, the implementation of SAP S/4HANA can be accelerated and simplified.
With the so-called Model Company, SAP provides a preconfigured test system in the cloud. It is based on SAP Best Practices and includes predefined structures and sample data. Companies can get to know the software suite and the HANA in-memory database "in practice" under these conditions.
With the SAP S/4HANA Fully-Activated Appliance - a fully activated test version - SAP S/4HANA can be tried and tested in an even more differentiated manner. Thus, different scenarios can be tested - in the cloud or on-premise - which contain more or less SAP Best Practices in terms of scope. In addition, companies can also use the appliance as a proof-of-concept and development system.
The SAP S/4HANA Fully-Activated Appliance can be hosted or installed - as a personal instance - within a few hours in the cloud or within a few days on an on-premise system.
What is the role of SAP Activate?
SAP Activate is the foundation for the implementation of SAP S/4HANA - a methodology that includes best practices, methods for implementation, and tools for guided configuration. SAP Activate is the successor to the ASAP (formerly for on-premise implementations) and SAP Launch (formerly for cloud implementations) methodologies.
Why does it pay to consistently rely on best practice processes?
Using best practices has many advantages:
- ready-to-use, preconfigured solutions
- proven business processes as a basis
- more simplicity, flexibility and speed
- faster and easier implementation
- lower risk during the implementation of SAP S/4HANA
- structured guidance for further improvements
- foundation to realize innovations faster
- easier maintenance and service
What is the SAP Best Practice Explorer?
The SAP Best Practice Explorer is a web-based tool. The Explorer can be used to search the available best practices for SAP S/4HANA and other SAP products.
The Explorer can be accessed on the Internet at http://rapid.sap.com/bp. The visitor first reaches a Fiori overview page and from there selects the desired product, for example SAP S/4HANA.
In a drop-down menu, various packages of this solution are then available for further selection. On the overview pages for the individual solutions, visitors will find general information on the function of the respective scope items, SAP notes or demos.
In order to download the Best Practices, registration and a corresponding S-User user account are required.
Is there an overview of "SAP Best Practices documents" from SAP?
If you are interested in a specific Best Practice solution and its features, you can find all the information about it in the SAP Best Practice Explorer.
The Best Practice Explorer contains all information on the individual Best Practices and scope items, presentations, notes on availability in individual countries, or documentation and SAP notes.
The complete scope of information is available after registration via an S-User access.
As an expert in SAP S/4HANA implementations, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge to guide you through the best practices and methodologies for a successful transition. Having actively participated in multiple SAP S/4HANA projects, I can attest to the effectiveness of the SAP Activate methodology and the significance of incorporating best practices in the implementation process.
The SAP Activate methodology is a comprehensive approach tailored for SAP's ERP solution, aiming to streamline the implementation and operation of SAP S/4HANA. It accommodates various operating models (on-premise, cloud, or hybrid) and different scenarios (greenfield, brownfield, or selective migration). This adaptability makes it suitable for small businesses and large corporations, as well as both new and existing SAP customers.
The methodology is structured into six phases: Discover, Prepare, Explore (Analyze), Realize, Deploy, and Run. While it follows a sequential order, SAP Activate adopts a hybrid project method, blending elements of the classic waterfall model with agile methods. The framework's strength lies in its Accelerators—tools available for each phase and work area, including checklists, templates, instructions, and other resources. These Accelerators significantly contribute to accelerating and simplifying the SAP S/4HANA implementation.
One notable tool within the SAP Activate framework is the Model Company, a preconfigured test system in the cloud based on SAP Best Practices. It provides a practical environment for companies to familiarize themselves with the software suite and the HANA in-memory database. Additionally, the SAP S/4HANA Fully-Activated Appliance offers a more detailed testing experience with different scenarios, whether in the cloud or on-premise.
SAP Activate serves as the foundation for SAP S/4HANA implementation, succeeding previous methodologies such as ASAP and SAP Launch. Emphasizing best practices in the process has several advantages, including ready-to-use solutions, proven business processes, increased simplicity, flexibility, and speed, as well as reduced risk during implementation. The structured guidance offered by best practices also lays the groundwork for further improvements and facilitates faster realization of innovations.
For those seeking specific information on SAP Best Practices, the SAP Best Practice Explorer is a valuable web-based tool. Accessible at , it allows users to explore available best practices for SAP S/4HANA and other SAP products. The Explorer provides details on function, scope items, SAP notes, and demos, with downloads requiring registration and an S-User account.
In conclusion, SAP Activate, with its best practices and tools, is a robust methodology for a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA. Utilizing best practices not only ensures a smoother implementation but also provides a foundation for ongoing improvements and innovations in your SAP environment.
