Database Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 5
SAP ABAP and Java Stack Installation Preparation
Before we start looking into the chapters in this section related to SAP system installation, let
us first understand the context of the SAP implementation project and the role of a SAP tech-
nical architect and SAP Basis administrator. Organizations invest in SAP software to achieve
business capabilities deemed important as per a corporation's strategic planning priorities.
There will be a sound business case and a financial sponsor for implementing a SAP project
inside the organization. For example, SAP implementation projects for a Fortune 500 com-
pany could cost several million dollars and last for several years, depending upon the scope
of the implementation effort. Because of the complexity of the business process and techno-
logy configuration involved, organizations usually partner with systems integrators such as
IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini, and SAP for implementing the SAP software. In re-
cent years, international consulting firms such as Infosys, Tata Consulting Services (TCS),
and Wipro are also helping to provide SAP implementation services to Fortune 500 compan-
ies in United States as well as in other parts of the world. Several smaller consulting firms
provide SAP implementation services to the mid-market.
Stages of the SAP Implementation Project
SAP implementation projects follow a methodology for successfully managing the lifecycle
of the program. Regardless of the specific implementation methodologies followed by the
systems integrators and client organizations, different phases of the project more or less re-
main the same. Typical phases of SAP implementation projects include design, build, test,
and deploy. These various phases are described in detail in the paragraphs that follow.
During the design phase of the SAP, project functional consultants will review the existing
business processes and requirements and will identify any process gaps. Based on this under-
standing, functional resources will plan, design, and configure the SAP software. They will
also develop functional specifications and pass them on to the SAP development team for
writing the technical specifications and development of the Reports, Interfaces, Conversions,
Enhancements, Forms and Workflow (RICEFW) inventory, which represents the needs of the
SAP implementation project. From the SAP technology perspective, a technical architect will
analyze the current organization's technical architecture and will develop a technology design
blueprint. This document will lay out a detailed blueprint for all the technology components
that would need to be installed and configured for the development, testing, and execution of
the SAP software solution.
The next phase of the implementation project is the build phase. SAP Basis resources will
help build the SAP development systems and establish naming conventions for software
