Erp Sap

Companies who take the bold step installing an SAP software system often do so with reasonable trepidation. After all the implementation of such an all-encompassing software program can only be described as a major operation. An operation that is bound to send reverberations throughout any operation no matter its size. For large scale companies, corporate organizations and large public bodies it has been know for the process to take several years till the entire system has been assimilated and its implementation is complete.

This doesn't mean that from the first day that the SAP R3 system swings into operation that the positive effects of installing and implementing are apparent. Dependant on the size of the company and the extent of their trading activities, the process is self generating and the effects on their efficiency levels and profitability will be rapidly noticed,

As the implementation of the SAP software spreads through the company, and a common language becomes the norm, then the level and quality of information flowing through the company increase with it.

However anxious companies are to see the implementation of their SAP system completed, the company's representatives and local consultants will preach the need for caution and patience before the system is installed and swings into action. According to the company's technical instructions, the SAP implementation process should be carried out in four main phases.

The phases should run as follows: o Project preparation: During this phase a tangible model on which the future-state of the SAP software solution will be built around is created. o Sizing and blueprinting: During this phase a list of first stage solutions are ascertained and an initial form of training is carried out.

o Functional development phase: During this phase the development team will examine all aspects of the program's functions and development. o Final preparation phase: During this phase final tests are performed before the SAP R/3 system becomes active

During each phase, the SAP representatives address and explain each process and carry out simulations using the company's products.

The importance for proper preparation before implementing a SAP system cannot be sufficiently emphasized. The customer will be made aware of the fact that when SAP R/3 software is delivered it comes with all of its standard process active.

In addition the software will come with a large number of other process that may have been specified in conjunction with the SAP representatives and local consultants., These options will require to undergo configuration, as well as being aligned with the around the 10,000 tables that are the integral part of the SAP F3 software system. These tables control the way the multiple processes are executed.

The SAP consultants who will be responsible for the successful SAP implementation will work in conjunction with the customer's management staff who will jointly oversee the process. This team will become responsible for The design, implementation, in-house support and overall staff training.

The team may be made up from people involved in project management, database administrators, test teams, etc. Ideally the team should include the person or persons who will be responsible for the day to day running of the system once the implementation has been completed successfully.

Companies who take the bold but calculated decision to transfer the management of their systems to an advanced and complex system such as SAP FX3 do so in the knowledge that they are entering into a period of comparative and self imposed upheaval. They are in effect entering into a tunnel. At the end of the tunnel there is a very strong light, the light that is shining in their faces is one of increased efficiency and profitability.