Database Reference
In-Depth Information
6.8 implementation Methodology
Under ideal conditions, projects can be completed in the most efficient manner in time and on
budget. However, what is essential is to have a standardized approach of systems and procedures
that could guide a company, which is new to SAP CRM, to implement SAP CRM successfully
without any major risk of failure. Such an approach is called a
methodology
. A methodologi-
cal approach may not be the
most
efficient one, but it ensures success under
optimal conditions
.
Companies survive and grow not by planning for the most ideal or adverse conditions but by
planning for optimal conditions. In the case of a SAP CRM implementation project, the imple-
mentation methodology must ensure success given the usual complexity of businesses, resources,
organizational structures, time schedules, and so on.
An enterprise implementation methodology broadly covers the following:
1.
Modeling Business Processes
: Where the company defines the envisaged or
TO-BE
business
processes
2.
Mapping Business Processes onto the Processes supported by SAP CRM
: Where the company
discovers the SAP standard processes and functionality that address the requirements of the
modeled process
3.
Performing the Gap Analysis
: Where the company assesses the difference or gap between the
SAP standard and functionality and the requirements of the modeled processes
4.
Finalizing the scope of the SAP CRM implementation project
: Where the company decides on
the scope of the SAP CRM implementation in terms of the processes that would be imple-
mented in the SAP system
5.
Configuring the SAP CRM system
: Where the company configures the basic parameters in
the SAP CRM
6.
Validating the customized SAP CRM system
: Where the configured system is tested for deliv-
ered functionality with actual data
The identified gaps in functionality can be rectified by any of these measures:
◾
Devise a workaround for achieving the same functionality and configure it accordingly.
◾
Program the required functionality in CRM system via user exits.
◾
Suggest third-party SAP add-ons or plug-ins that provide the desired functionality
and that have been certified for compatibility through SAP's Complementary Software
Program (CSP).
◾
Defer its implementation to the next wave of implementation or defer it until the SAP's
release update (that will introduce this functionality) becomes available.
◾
Change the business process radically so that it is suitable to the functionality available in
SAP CRM to achieve the same objectives.
◾
Modify SAP CRM software directly, although modified software may lead to incompat-
ibility with future releases of SAP.
6.8.1 Accelerated SAP (ASAP) Methodology
SAP provides a process-oriented, clear, and concise implementation roadmap for individual imple-
mentation projects. This Roadmap acts as a project guide that specifies steps, identifies milestones,
and generally sets the pace for the entire project to deliver a live system at top speed and quality
