Database Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 16
Structured Monitoring and Analysis
In the first two chapters of this section we will study structured monitoring and troubleshoot-
ing approaches in both ABAP and Java stacks using classical as well as newer Solution Man-
ager technologies such as Solution Manager Diagnostics and Wily Introscope. With the in-
creased availability of technical information in the World Wide Web, SAP has moved all sup-
port activities online in the form of the SAP Portal referred to as SAP Service Marketplace.
The last chapter in this section will cover different aspects of administration activities per-
formed in the SAP Service Marketplace, such as creation of online SAP Service Marketplace
user accounts, opening a support request, and searching for technical notes in SAP Online
Support System (OSS) Notes.
Structured Monitoring and Analysis Approach
In this chapter we will focus on a structured monitoring and troubleshooting approach and
will provide tools and techniques that will help a Basis administrator identify the root cause
of the problem and provide a resolution to it.
Troubleshooting Is Both an Art and a Science
Troubleshooting is both an art and a science. The art part of it can be developed over time
with practice and experience, and the science part of it can be applied by learning the applica-
tion of tools, concepts, rules, and methods. Initially, it is recommended to start out with a
good understanding of the concepts and then practice applying this knowledge to solve issues
and gain more experience over time. With more practice, issues can be resolved intuitively,
where you can narrow it down and resolve it quickly. The following section will cover a
structured troubleshooting approach that can help you develop a plan for analyzing the issue
in order to resolve it.
Problem Clustering Approach
There is no one standard approach to troubleshooting. Every system administrator will devel-
op his or her own troubleshooting approach over time. The problem clustering approach is
one of the structured analysis procedures that can be used in a methodical fashion to zero in
on the problem. The idea behind this approach is to classify the reported problem under one
of the groups of known problem areas as shown in
Figure 16-1
. This will help narrow down
the problem to a particular problem area, and then you can focus on that particular area to
further zero in on the specific issue and resolve it.
