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RUN SAP METHODOLOGY: SAP SOLUTION OPERATIONS ASSESSMENT

THE FIRST STEP IN IMPLEMENTING SAP STANDARDS FOR SOLUTION OPERATIONS

Why This Service?

The first step in the Run SAP methodology is the SAP solution operations assessment. The assessment is applicable when you want to optimize the implementation and ongoing management of end-to-end solution operation processes in your IT landscape and support organization. It delivers a fit-gap analysis of the as-is IT operations processes, organization, and tools against SAP standards for solution operations. The service generates a common understanding of optimization areas and agreement on the scope of a potential Run SAP project. The goal of the assessment is to create an initial road map and action plan proposal for the identified optimization areas, including work packages, timelines, training courses, and estimation of work effort.

The Value for You

Todays IT operations face the following challenges: ensuring the availability of distributed business processes, reacting quickly to problems and process changes, and establishing an efficient network of experts dealing with IT solutions of increased complexity. Complex landscapes with heterogeneous products and technologies require a sound concept for holistic IT solution operations. Key areas are business process management, root cause analysis, the management of system changes, and upgrade handling. Preparing IT for the

upcoming enterprise service-oriented architecture world is also a key area. SAPs experience with thousands of customers in IT solution operations is condensed in SAP standards for solution operations. A successful implementation of SAP solutions or the effective management of business processes always requires the adaptation of existing IT processes. In some cases, implementation of new IT processes may be necessary. The new or revised IT operations processes should be based on the SAP standards for solution operations, and the implementation of these standards should be based on a proven methodology.

The Run SAP methodology supports the implementation of end-to-end solution operations through: SAP Solution operations assessment Best-practice procedures for IT processes (SAP standards for solution operations) A road map for the implementation A training and certification program Tools and functionality based on the central SAP Solution Manager application management solution Supporting services to assist your IT teams

SAPs proven best-in-class operations methodology, Run SAP, is built upon SAP standards for solution operations, which help IT and business process experts harness their IT landscapes and better implement their enterprise service-oriented architecture strategies. The SAP standards for solution operations are mapped out in the newest release of SAP Solution Manager. With the best practices and phase-oriented road map approach of Run SAP, you can efficiently and successfully implement these standards.

With an understanding of the effort required, you can set up and position your project for success. When to Use If one or more of the criteria below apply to you, then the scope assessment can assist you: You have identified improvement potential within your IT operational processes but dont know what to change exactly. You want to start the implementation of SAP standards for solution operations but dont have a clear strategy how this can be done most efficiently. You have already decided on a project using the Run SAP methodology to improve the quality of your operations. You want to use SAP Solution Manager to efficiently and effectively manage your operations. Your IT support organizations workload is increasing. You are planning or performing a new implementation project and require a focus on the implementation of an operations model to support the implemented solution. Your company is planning an organizational change (for example, a company merger or acquisition) that requires updated IT processes. You have an SAP Customer Competence Center (SAP CCC) location and want to increase your operational maturity level to prepare for the next level of certification.

The SAP solution operations assessment is the first and most important step in the Run SAP methodology. The SAP Services organization conducts a fit-gap analysis of the current IT operations processes of your enterprise based on your specific operational, technical, and architectural requirements for SAP standards for solution operations. A service deliverable is a document that lists the identified optimization areas and describes the agreement reached on the scope of a potential Run SAP project. An evaluation of skill improvement areas is also included. The goal of the assessment is the creation of an initial road map proposal that includes an action plan, work packages, timelines, training courses, and an estimation of work effort.

With the SAP solution operations assessment, SAP can show you how to implement SAP standards for solution operations. The assessment helps you: Learn about the Run SAP methodology and the road map Decide which standards and processes you need to implement Identify the missing skills to operate your specific IT environment and the optimal way to educate your employees Develop an end-to-end road map with an action plan and high-level time schedule Align this action plan, if necessary, to planned or in-process implementation projects

Delivery in Detail
While the SAP solution operations assessment is an on-site workshop, SAP consultants and partners possessing certification prepare for the ser vice and compile the report off-site. Typically, SAP charges on average 6 to 10 consulting days in total for preparation, on-site and remote delivery resources, and report compilation, depending on the size and complexity of the solution landscapes, core business processes, and support. In some cases, the SAP solution operations assessment can take up to 20 consulting days.

areas of improvements and standards for discussion, appropriate participants, and duration of the workshop. The consultant then creates and confirms a preliminary agenda for the workshop. On-Site Workshop The duration of the workshop depends on the number and nature of the standards and processes to be discussed normally between two days and one week, depending on the complexity and requirements. Consultants certified in the Run SAP methodology introduce the methodology and examine the existing operations processes and organization to gather the operational requirements of the selected standards. After a joint preselection of relevant standards, consultants conduct a separate session for each standard to analyze the current IT process and identify benefits and risks associated with the standard, as well as any technical dependencies and requirements. Relevant tools are identified and a skill assessment is performed. On the last day of the on-site workshop, participants recap the results of the visit, and participants and management come to an agreement on the scope definition and next steps. This wrap-up session is mandatory. Follow-Up After the on-site visit, the customer and SAP might have open action items to complete. A typical action item on the customer side is to communicate the decision to implement the identified SAP standards for solution operations to all stakeholders in the company and start the setup of the project. The SAP

consultants evaluate the project plan and dependencies and compile the information along with the workshop results in a report for your future reference.

Prerequisites
The prerequisites for the SAP solution operations assessment are as follows: Existing remote connection (the GUI from SAP or http) to SAP At least one workshop room Internet access and telephone in the workshop or project rooms Project Team The involvement of your key staff members during the on-site workshop is critical to the success of the engagement. They work with the SAP experts to learn the main elements of the Run SAP methodology and the presented SAP standards. It is recommended that the following customer stakeholders attend the on-site workshop to contribute and provide valuable information for the assessment: Executive sponsor Operations director for SAP solutions IT infrastructure manager Project or program manager Application manager Technical operations manager for SAP solutions Custom development manager for SAP solutions Service desk manager Change manager IT operations process owners Business process owners or champions

Preparation (Usually One Day) To prepare for the assessment, an SAP consultant contacts you to gather data on your SAP solution, core business processes, and the current situation of your support organization, as well as to discuss your expectations. During this preparatory session, you and the consultant identify the possible relevant

Sample Agenda for the On-Site Visit (Two-Day Assessment)

Day One Activities Kickoff Customer situation Company overview Company structure Primary business functions Industry understanding Corporate strategy and direction Support operations overview Functions and structures SAP operations organization Roles, tasks, and responsibilities Partner involvement Current project overview SAP solution strategy Upgrade or implementation: scope, project milestones, and partner involvement End-to-end solution operations IT operations processes according to SAP High-level presentation of the standards Preselection of standards for later discussions SAP solution operations assessment for each standard (parallel sessions optional) Customers detailed IT process description Demo of the standard (optional) Benefits and risks of this standard Existing skills evaluation Tools and technical requirements Operations director for SAP solutions IT infrastructure manager Project or program manager Application manager Technical operations manager for SAP solutions IT operations process owner Business process operations team manager 2 to 3 hours All 3 hours Audience All All Duration 15 minutes 1 hour

Day Two Activities Day one wrap-up SAP solution operations assessment for each standard (parallel sessions optional) Customers detailed IT process description Demo of the standard (optional) Benefits and risks of this standard Existing skills evaluation Tools and technical requirements

Audience All Operations director for SAP solutions IT infrastructure manager Project or program manager Application manager Technical operations manager for SAP solutions IT operations process owner Business process operations team manager

Duration 30 minutes 2 to 3 hours

Wrap-up presentation Summary of the discussed IT processes Definition of the IT processes in scope for the project Next steps

Project lead Management (mandatory) Key operations employees

1 hour

For More Information

For more information about the Run SAP methodology, visit the SAP Service Marketplace extranet at www.service.sap.com/runsap or www.service.sap.com /e2e (note that a user name and password are required). For questions related to the methodology, please send an e-mail to runsap@sap.com.

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