ASAP stands for Accelerated SAP Methodology. This methodology was designed by SAP for SAP project implementation in the most efficient manner to reduce time & reduce cost. We can say by using this methodology we can optimize the time, resources, quality and more.
ASAP Methodology
Phases in ASAP Methodology in SAP
The roadmap of the ASAP methodology is composed of five consecutive phases. These phases broadly explain the tools and training that we use during the complete process of SAP implementation. These phases are made strategically, thus helping in utilizing the resources, time and funds in the most efficient manner so as to give the best output.
Let us learn stepwise each one of them.
Phase-1 – Project Preparation
It is 1st phase of implementation as it initiates gathering information and resources. Some important milestones need to be included in this phase.
Milestones of Phase 1
Gathering senior-level management support
Designing an efficient decision-making process
Finally, building a qualified and capable project team
Phase-2 – Business Blueprint
This is one of the most important phases of SAP project implementation. SAP has defined a business blueprint phase to help extract information about the customer’s company that is relevant for project implementation. These blueprints are in the form of questionnaires. Hence this helps to probe for information that uncovers how the company does business.
Some important Tips during Blueprint phase
Get the SAP Solution manager ready – Install the SOLMN during the project preparation phase and keep it ready to use for the blueprint phase.
Set the Scope in the SOLMN – Set the preliminary scope in the SOLMN using the web page wizards so that the SAP consultants can do scope verification exercises.
Skill-Match – Verify whether skills match with the scope.
Verify that Team Selection and Mobilization is complete – Ensure that team members are mobilized on day 1 especially if it’s fixed price and rate.
Complete the Project Management Plan – Try to keep it as close to the original document made on day 1.
Get the IDES system ready – Ensure that the system is up and running from day one for a system walkthrough.
Follow SAP best practice – Based on the scope, identify the required business functions and also activate SAP best practices.
Conduct Hands-on workshops – Explain the objective of the project and each ASAP Methodology phase to the customer.
Make workshop Meeting Minutes – Circulate the meeting minutes to the users at the end of each session.
Make Detailed Flowchart Diagrams – Construct flowcharts with roles of the business process. It further helps the user to easily understand and sign the BBP.
Phase-3 – Realization Phase of ASAP Methodology
With the completion of the business in phase 2, Consultants are now ready to start the SAP system configuration.
Configuration Testing
With the help of your SAP consulting team, you segregate your business process into cycles of related business flows. The cycles also serve as independent units that enable you to test specific parts of the business process. You can also work through configuring the SAP Implementation Guide (IMG). IMG is a tool that assists you in conjuring your SAP system in a step by step manner.
Get the Blueprint signed off – This can be the most difficult part of any phase. Training, Continuous buy-in and selling are the keys here.
Have the Developments Scoped and Approved – It is best to kill as many unrealistic developments as possible.
Document Functional Specifications – Have a written specification completed for later use.
Configure Guide Generate vs Solution Manager – Ensure that your Basis team does a proper configuration to make the system work for you.
Update the Project Management Plan – Though it seems less critical, it is important to update it from a compliance and management standpoint.
Complete execution or planning of the Training – Complete the Customer Project Training cycle. If you don’t do this, it implies that you have decided to outsource support post-Go-Live.
Regulate change Management Efforts –Ensure you have effectively employed all Change Management methods and techniques.
Test – It is essential to decide on the testing approach repeatedly since each project will have slightly different requirements.
Review the Project Solution – SAP or other third parties will help validate your final solution and design approach.
Phase-4 – Final Preparation
Phase 4 also concentrates on the fine-tuning of your configuration before Go-Live, more importantly, the migration of data from your old system. You conduct the Workload testing and integration or functional testing in this phase. This ensures the accuracy of your data and the stability of your SAP system.
Ensure that the Solution Manager is up to date – This should be a minor issue at this point as you would have used it for both the blueprint and realization phases along with all documentation.
Phase-5 – Go Live with ASAP Methodology
The Go-Live milestone although is easy itself. However, to achieve a smooth and uneventful Go-Live is another matter altogether. Here Preparation plays an important role for a successful Go-Live.
It includes your attention to various aspects like:-
What-if scenarios related to the individual business processes deployed.
The functioning of the technology underpinning these business processes.
Further, the preparation for ongoing support, including maintenance contracts.
And finally the documented processes and procedures essentials.
Key points and Tips
Formally announce that SAP is Live – Ensure that each stakeholder in the company knows about the go-live of the SAP system.
Get Signoff – Get the sign off from the customer on every aspect of the project. Payment does not happen until you get the sign-off.
This is the last phase of ASAP Methodology. It starts after Go-Live. Here the SAP consultants provide their support to the end-users, power-users, managers etc.
When users will start working and they face any issues, the support consultant gives them support by resolving their tickets. resolve technical errors, give end-user training etc.
Basically, they work to ensure the smooth functioning of the application and the comfortability of the users to use the system.
How it is important for SAP Consultants
It is equally important for all consultants including FICO or S/4HANA Finance consultants to know the process of this SAP ASAP Methodology. It is one of the most important parts of SAP Configuration. Hence, learning this subject would help you in your job. Also, if you are preparing for SAP FICO interviews, you should surely learn it.