Database Reference
In-Depth Information
The importance of referring to the original SAP ASAP documentation cannot be
overemphasized. What we have presented in this chapter are the essential details of
the various stages of the ASAP methodology. However, this chapter is not intended
as a replacement for the colossal amount of instructive documentation, guidelines,
checklists, templates, samples, questionnaires, and so forth provided and recommended for
use by SAP. Those are well-proven instruments, and for an actual project, it is highly recom-
mended that you procure the version of ASAP corresponding to the version of your installa-
tion and use it in conjunction with the implementation project.
Some of the material in the following sections may seem repetitive. However, on closer
scrutiny, you will note that activities like project management, infrastructure support man-
agement, project reviews, etc. are common throughout all the stages of the project, and are
referred to appropriately in the beginning and end of each stage. Similarly, since many activ-
ities go through the stages of planning and execution, we refer to all such activities through
their different stages during the various stages of the project. They are not being repeated,
they are only part of the ASAP process checklist recommended by SAP.
13.2 SAP ASAP Methodology
13.2.1 Project Preparation
In this section, we discuss the first phase of the ASAP methodology that covers similar grounds.
The objective of dealing the same issues from two different views was to illustrate the importance
of adapting a repository-based integrated methodology like AcceleratedSAP. In this chapter, we see
SAP's view on preparing for a rapid implementation project that is based on ASAP documentation
published by SAP.
In this section, we discuss the setting up of the right context for the SAP project. It addresses the
issues of goals, objectives, scope, strategies, and plans for the SAP project. This establishes a frame-
work for all subsequent phases, activities, and tasks performed as a part of the implementation
project. This phase deals with instituting the project organization including the teams, roles, and
responsibilities. The project infrastructures including hardware and networking issues are deter-
mined and finalized. Sizing and benchmarking of the envisaged installation is performed, and the
acquisition of the SAP system is initiated. At the end of the preparatory phase, the project starts
officially with a kickoff meeting attended by the members of executive and steering committee,
project team members, and SAP consultants.
13. 2.1.1 Project Planning
This task deals with the preparation and finalization of the project charter, implementation strat-
egy, establishing the project organization, and plans for various activities of the project like the
budget, schedule, and resources.
13. 2 .1.1.1 Prepare Project Charter
This rightly establishes the success-defining criteria for the project. In light of the major invest-
ments of time, money, and resources to be expended in the envisaged project, the first step is to
