The SAP Activate method is suitable for implementing SAP S/4HANA and other SAP solutions, whether it is a new implementation, upgrade or migration. Here you can find out how the method works and what advantages it brings.
What is the SAP Activate method?
With SAP Activate, SAP has developed a project implementation method that allows you to introduce complex SAP solutions using a standardissed roadmap. The methodology makes the implementation process easier for you using a roadmap. You essentially receive a standardissed roadmap that uses best practices to guide you step by step through the entire process, from planning to configuration to commissioning.
There are ready-made scripts, tools and templates to support you. Thanks to this method, you can quickly derive economic benefit from your SAP investments and thus improve the quality and success rate of complex SAP projects.
The SAP Activate method is part of the SAP Activate Framework, which is based on these 3 pillars:Â
- SAP best practices
- Guided configuration
- SAP activation method
Know more on the topic
These 3 core components help you better understand complex SAP solutions and implement them faster.
1. SAP Best Practices
SAP, with over 45 years of industry-specific experience, has developed best practices, ensuring fully fucntional business processes are available. You can access these examples using the Best Practices Explorer to view standard business process flows, roles, responsibilities, and test scripts across all industry sectors.
This will give you a kind of user manual with standardissed, preconfigured solutions, you avoid complex system configurations during project management. This results in faster implemenatation, improved quality through years of testing, optimisation, cost-effective and have lower risk. Using the best practices, you can integrate the existing standard processes with your own, individual processes.
2. Guided configuration
The Guided configuration pillar provides default settings, tools, and accelerators that allow you to easily configure SAP systems and business processes. SAP is constantly developing such standard configurations to standardiss best practices across different industries. Thanks to guided configuration, you can ensure that old solutions are not affected and continue to work even after an update. For unique, specialised requirements, there is also a self-service setup.
3. SAP Activate Method
It is the latest project implementation methodology to deliver complex SAP solutions and associated updates. There are fifteen general and solution-specific roadmaps to choose from. A roadmap viewer shows you which roadmap is the right choice for your solution. Once you have the correct roadmap, you can use the 6 phases of the SAP Activate method to walk through and successfully complete the SAP implementation.
How many phases does an SAP implementation project have?
An SAP implementation project is divided into 6 phases (Discover, Prepare, Explore, Realisse, Deploy and Run). Each phase guides you through the SAP implementation with helpful recommendations for action and helps you find the right solution for you
1st phase: Discover
The pre-project phase begins before the actual project commences, indicating the need for a solution for your comapny. s Based on your requirements, you’re searching across your portfolio for a suitbale SAP solution. This phase is intended to discover the functionalities of the solutions, understand their business value and find out which roadmap corresponds to the solutions. At the end of this phase, you decide on a specific SAP solution.
2nd phase: Prepare
This phase concerns the initial project planning and preparation. These tasks apply:
- Define and commission an internal project team
- Create project plan with roles, responsibilities, timeline and scope
- Evaluate important activities
- Consider governance procedures
- Finalise plans
The project team completes a few rounds in order to continually coordinate, adapt and confirm the project goals. The goal is to prepare well for the important Explore phase.
3rd phase: Explore
The Explore phase, with its fit-to-standard analysis and process modeling, has a decisive influence on the project’s success.
The first step is to validate the pre-built best practice processes and configurations available in the SAP Best Practices Explorer. This is done in the Best Practice Content Library in the form of fit-to-standard analyses. Workshops are held for this purpose.
In addition, necessary changes and customer-specific requirements for the object must be defined. The goal is to define the business processes that you will adopt for your company in the new SAP system. In this phase, you benefit from the standard migration templates, which save you a lot of time and effort.
4th phase: Realise
In the implementation phase, the SAP system is configured, developed and tested based on the findings from the previous Explore phase . The following tasks are on the program:
- Start of data migration: transfer data
- Conduct testing and training
- Post-go-live support plan
During this phase, the consulting staff and those responsible for the business processes are in constant contact. The SAP system to be installed is presented to those responsible using several solution runs.
5th phase: Deploy
The deployment phase includes the implementation of the new SAP solution in the production environment and the transition . After the final changes have been made and all individual requirements have been met, the implemented SAP system is put into operation. Commissioning usually takes place outside business hours in order to disrupt operations as little as possible. If you encounter problems or doubts in the application, you will receive expert support.
6th phase: Run
The post-go-live phase or run phase concerns ongoing operations and the implementation of improvements . In this execution phase, you are responsible for continuously optimising and maintaining the implemented SAP system as well as organising updates and upgrades. The planning and implementation of software updates (release management) is an important point. You shouldsufficiently consider all of these factors when planning the project to ensure smooth operations.
What are the benefits of SAP Activate?
SAP Activate offers you several advantages when it comes to implementation.
- Faster implementations: With SAP Activate you can implement SAP systems faster because you rely on proven methods and processes. How to carry out complex SAP projects efficiently.
- Easier implementations: SAP Activate streamlines project implementation by using best practice standards, saving time and simplifying the process, making it a more efficient choice for project managment.
- Secure implementations : You are also on the safe side. This method ensures that you comply with all established security standards and associated process. The integrity of the systems is thus guaranteed.
- Permanent adjustments: Ongoing adjustments are possible during implementation. This ensures that the solution meets the respective requirements, even if they change. This reduces the risk.
- Greater ability to innovate: You benefit from greater ability to innovate and remain competitive. Thanks to the use of modern cloud technologies, you can quickly access new, innovative solutions and updates.
- Closer communication: Another advantage is better collaboration. SAP Activate is based on strong communication between the company and the implementation partner throughout the entire project. Ongoing communication ensures that the solution meets the respective business requirements.
- Independent control : Thanks to strong integration, you and your company always have control over your transformation, even if you bring in an expert for advice. You can implement it efficiently, easily and safely without relinquishing control.
The advantages are apparent. With SAP Activate you can implement complex SAP solutions in your company faster, easier and more securely. You also have the opportunity to make better use of innovations and work more closely with external partners.
Conclusion
The SAP Activate method makes it easier for you to implement complex SAP solutions thanks to best practices, proven standards and step-by-step implementation in 6 phases . You have less risk, receive higher quality and can implement your SAP projects faster. Thanks to flexibility, you can adapt the solutions to your specific requirements and individual framework conditions.
When you use the SAP Activate method, you shorten implementation time and benefit more quickly from your SAP investments. Would you like to take advantage of these advantages and are you looking for competent advice? We offer you comprehensive support in all project phases. Zalaris’ experts will advise you individually and show you options and opportunities. We have created a tailor-made roadmap for your company.