Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6
SAP CRM implementation
Project Cycle
In this chapter, we consider an overview of the SAP CRM implementation project life cycle.
First, we consider the context of launching such a project, which includes the objectives of the
project, implementation strategies, and the resource requirements for a company. We also pro-
vide an overview of the pre-implementation, implementation, and post-implementation phases
of the project. The chapter ends by identifying some of the aspects involved with the deployment
of SAP CRM at remaining sites, as well as the issues of supporting a SAP CRM production
environment.
It is assumed that after the evaluation and selection of the CRM system for the company, the
company has decided to implement SAP CRM as the core solution throughout the company. All
other systems, whether they are legacy or that might be implemented in the future, have to inter-
face with the SAP backbone that will be implemented within the company. We will also assume
that the company has evaluated, selected, and contracted for the hardware and networking infra-
structure and the SAP CRM implementation partners, as well as any other vendors for training,
testing, system and network management support and services, and so forth.
It must be noted that the approach being presented here is based on the author's
experience and perception of SAP CRM projects. The situations in particular proj-
ects might certainly be different, and the measures presented here might not be
applicable. SAP CRM projects should still be considered recent phenomena, and no
one is in a position to take a definitive stance on various aspects of such projects.
We urge readers to modify the prescriptive message, particularly of this and subse-
quent chapters, to suit the particular circumstances of individual companies. This
might also be true by reason of the fact that SAP CRM implementations for SME
enterprises might differ qualitatively from implementations for the earlier Fortune
500 enterprises.
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