http://scn.sap.

com/docs/DOC-48920
http://scn.sap.com/docs/DOC-8032

Mammut-systems.com

Info@mammut-systems.com

Brief explanation of each phase

ASAP Methodology - Phase 1 : Project Preparation
Phase-1 initiates with a retrieval of information and resources. It is an important time to
assemble the necessary components for the implementation. Some important milestones
that need to be accomplished for phase 1 include:

Obtaining senior-level management/stakeholder support

Identifying clear project objectives
Architect an efficient decision-making process
Creating an environment suitable for change and re-engineering
Building a qualified and capable project team.

ASAP Methodology - Phase 2- Business Blueprint

SAP has defined a business blueprint phase to help extract pertinent information about
your company that is necessary for implementation. These blueprints are in the form of
questionnaires that are designed to probe for information that uncovers how your
company does business. As such, they also serve to document the implementation.
Each business blueprint document essentially outlines your future business processes
and business requirements. The kinds of questions asked are germane to the particular
business function, as seen in the following sample questions:
1) What information do you capture on a purchase order?
2) What information is required to complete a purchase order?

ASAP Methodology - Phase- 3 Realization(1)

With the completion of the business in phase 2, "functional" experts are now ready to
begin configuring SAP.
The Realization phase is broken in to two parts.
1. Your SAP consulting team helps you configure your baseline system, called the
baseline configuration.
2. Your implementation project team fine-tunes that system to meet all your business
and process requirements as part of the fine tuning configuration.
The initial configuration completed during the base line configuration is based on the
information that you provided in your blueprint document. The remaining
approximately 20% of your configuration that was not tackled during the baseline
configuration is completed during the fine tuning configuration.

ASAP Methodology - Phase- 3 Realization(2)

Fine tuning usually deals with the exceptions that are not covered in baseline configuration. This
final bit of tweaking represents the work necessary to fit your special needs.
Configuration Testing:
With the help of your SAP consulting team, you segregate your business processes into cycles of
related business flows. The cycles 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). A tool used to assist you in configuring your SAP system in a step by step manner.
Knowledge Transfer:
As the configuration phase comes to a close, it becomes necessary for the Project team to be selfsufficient in their knowledge of the configuration of your SAP system.
Knowledge transfer to the configuration team tasked with system maintenance (that is,
maintenance of the business processes after Go-live) needs to be completed at this time. In
addition, the end users tasked with actually using the system for day-to-day business purposes must
be trained.

ASAP Methodology - Phase 4 - Final Preparation

As phase 3 merges into phase 4, you should find yourselves not only in the midst of SAP
training, but also in the midst of rigorous functional and stress testing.
Phase 4 also concentrates on the fine tuning of your configuration before Go-live and more
importantly, the migration of data from your old system or systems to SAP.
Workload testing (including peak volume, daily load, and other forms of stress testing), and
integration or functional testing are conducted to ensure the accuracy of your data and the
stability of your SAP system. Because you should have begun testing back in phase 2, you do
not have too far to go until Go-live.
Now is an important time to perform preventative maintenance checks to ensure optimal
performance at your SAP system. At the conclusion of phase 4, take time to plan and document
a Go-live strategy. Preparation for Go-live means preparing for your end-users questions as
they start actively working on the new SAP system.

ASAP Methodology - Phase 5 - Go-live and Support

The Go-live milestone is itself is easy to achieve; a smooth and uneventful Go-live is
another matter altogether. Preparation is the key, including attention to what-if scenarios
related not only to the individual business processes deployed but also to the functioning
of technology underpinning these business processes and preparation for ongoing
support, including maintenance contracts and documented processes and procedures are
essential.

Composition of the ASAP Methodology Framework

SAP leverages a core set of methodologies and tools designed to deliver rapid, reliable
results, and to help our customers get the most from their solutions. These include the
ASAP Methodology framework (content the project team follows to implement SAP
software efficiently), and the SAP Solution Manager application management suite.
ASAP methodology framework v8 delivers structured methodology content processes,
procedures, accelerators, checklists, links to standard SAP documentation, etc. necessary
for the implementation of SAP solutions.

The ASAP methodology framework v8 builds on solid foundation from ASAP 7 that
includes transparency of value realization through consistent business case reflection.
Efficient guidance for SOA, BPM and traditional implementation projects through the
entire project life-cycle from evaluation through delivery to post project solution
management and operations. And it delivers revised content in all the traditional areas
needed for efficient project teams project management, solution management,
organizational change management, training, blueprinting, configuration, testing,
cutover planning and execution, and others.
ASAP methodology framework v8 adds prescriptive guidance to the methodology
through detailed description of tasks including accountability for their completion. This
harmonized structure enables both project leaders and project teams to focus on
information that is highly relevant for their role. ASAP methodology framework v8
contains comprehensive description of deliverables and associated tasks, thus
connecting the project management view with subject matter expert needs.

The ASAP methodology framework v8 builds on solid foundation from ASAP 7 that
includes transparency of value realization through consistent business case reflection.
Efficient guidance for SOA, BPM and traditional implementation projects through the
entire project life-cycle from evaluation through delivery to post project solution
management and operations. And it delivers revised content in all the traditional areas
needed for efficient project teams project management, solution management,
organizational change management, training, blueprinting, configuration, testing,
cutover planning and execution, and others.
ASAP methodology framework v8 adds prescriptive guidance to the methodology
through detailed description of tasks including accountability for their completion. This
harmonized structure enables both project leaders and project teams to focus on
information that is highly relevant for their role. ASAP methodology framework v8
contains comprehensive description of deliverables and associated tasks, thus
connecting the project management view with subject matter expert needs.

Benefits of ASAP 8 Methodology include

Reduced total cost of implementation by embedding the principles of SAP Advanced
Delivery Management into a prescriptive, streamlined and modular implementation
road map for ASAP
Content-rich implementation accelerators, templates, and guides for implementation
projects from strategy to operations
Transparent value delivery through consistent reflection of the business case
Efficient project governance, quality management, and guidance for implementation
projects and Business Process Management
Approach that combines user centric design, business processes and IT architecture
Coverage of the entire project lifecycle from evaluation through delivery to post
project solution management and operations

 Consistent content from Value Maps, Solutions, configuration to business process

monitoring
Latest version of Solution Explorer and Solution Configurator to explore SAP
solution capabilities, select appropriate solutions and determine best pre-assembled
RDS for your project
Proven and scalable implementation methodology guiding your team through the
agile implementation project and ensuring seamless setup of solution operations
Seamlessly integrated with SAP Solution Manager in both implementation and
solution operations
Simplify implementation further -- EVERY implementation starts with best practice
content based on pre-assembled RDS

ASAP methodology framework is provided to end users in four variants (pre-selections)

to support various deployment strategies for implementation of SAP system. The
following ASAP 8 pre-selection variants are available for end-users in SAP Service
Marketplace (and also in SAP Solution Manager starting with ST-ICO SP37 content
package release level):
Simplified Rapid Deployment Solution Experience
Assemble to Order Project
Agile ASAP 8 Methodology
Standard ASAP 8 Methodology

Simplified Rapid Deployment Solution Experience / Assemble to Order Project

The success of your SAP solution is to a large degree determined by the speed and the
effectiveness of the software implementation to add value to your organization. That is
why SAP has introduced the Simplified Rapid-deployment Solution Experience. It
combines the ability to explore SAP solution capabilities, select the appropriate preassembled RDS as a starting point for your project, and implement the solution in your
business with the help of structured implementation approach - ASAP 8 Methodology
for Simplified Rapid-deployment Solution and integrated operation supported by SAP
Solution Manager.

Simplified Rapid Deployment Solution Experience / Assemble-to-Order Project Methodology Phases - The
Simplified Rapid Deployment Solution Experience / Assemble-to-Order Project Methodology is structured into the
following phases.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

Project preparation - This phase provides initial planning and preparation for the project. Each project has its own
unique objectives, scope, and priorities. The deliverables described in this phase assist in completing the initiation
and planning steps in an efficient and effective manner like setup of project governance, project plan and project
schedule are prepared at this stage.
Scope validation - The purpose of this phase is to achieve a common understanding of how the company intends to
run SAP to support their business. It focuses on the rapid setup of environment that is available for validation
workshop with business users to confirm scope and determine delta requirements that will be realized in the next
phase to enhance the baseline provided by pre-assembled RDS.
Realization - The purpose of this phase is to implement all the business process delta requirements defined during
the Scope Validation phase. The team configures, develops, tests and documents the solution in series of time-boxed
iterations. Before the solution is released to next phase it is fully end-to-end integration tested and accepted by end
users.
Final preparation - The purpose of this phase is to complete the cutover activities (including technical and load
testing, end user training, system management and cutover rehearsal activities) to finalize your readiness to go live.
The Final Preparation phase also serves to resolve all remaining critical issues. On successful completion of this
phase, you are ready to run your business in your live SAP System.
Go-live support - The purpose of this phase is to move from a project-oriented, pre-production environment to live
production operation and provide sustained support to business users to aid their transition into the new environment.
Operate - The purpose of this phase is to fine-tune the application lifecycle standards, processes and procedures
established during the project and align them with operation needs. The central operation platform is SAP Solution
Manager, which leverages the documented solution for system operations.

Agile ASAP 8 Methodology

The success of your SAP solution is to a large degree determined by the speed and the
effectiveness of the software to add value to your organization. That is why SAP has
introduced Agile ASAP; a new, practical implementation methodology that allows you
to implement operating functionality in short iterative cycles. In each cycle the team
implements the most valuable and important functionality first. This enables you to
generate results faster, gain immediate insight into the value, increase the flexibility of
the implementation and improve progress monitoring

Agile ASAP 8 Methodology Phases - The Standard ASAP 8 Methodology is structured into the following
phases.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Project preparation - This phase provides initial planning and preparation for the project. Each project has
its own unique objectives, scope, and priorities. The deliverables described in this phase assist in completing
the initiation and planning steps in an efficient and effective manner like setup of agile project governance,
project plan and project schedule are prepared at this stage.
Lean blueprint - The purpose of this phase is to achieve a common understanding of how the company
intends to run SAP to support their business. It focuses on the rapid setup of solution validation environment
for validation workshops with business users to confirm scope and determine delta requirements that will be
realized in the next phase to enhance the baseline build of the system.
Realization - The purpose of this phase is to implement all the business process delta requirements defined
during the Lean blueprint phase. The team configures, develops, tests and documents the solution in series of
time-boxed iterations the most valuable functionality first. Before the solution is released to next phase it is
fully end-to-end integration tested and accepted by end users.
Final preparation - The purpose of this phase is to complete the cutover activities (including technical and
load testing, end user training, system management and cutover rehearsal activities) to finalize your
readiness to go live. The Final Preparation phase also serves to resolve all remaining critical issues. On
successful completion of this phase, you are ready to run your business in your live SAP System.
Go-live support - The purpose of this phase is to move from a project-oriented, pre-production environment
to live production operation and provide sustained support to business users to aid their transition into the
new environment.
Operate - The purpose of this phase is to fine-tune the application lifecycle standards, processes and
procedures established during the project and align them with operation needs. The central operation
platform is SAP Solution Manager, which leverages the documented solution for system operations.

Standard ASAP 8 Methodology

Standard ASAP 8 Methodology takes a disciplined approach to project management,

organizational change management, solution management, application life-cycle
management and other disciplines applied in the implementation of SAP solutions. The
Standard ASAP 8 Methodology is built around the SAP Advanced Delivery
Management model and supports project teams with templates, tools, questionnaires,
and checklists, including guidebooks and accelerators. Standard ASAP 8 Methodology
empowers companies to exploit the power of the accelerated features and tools already
built into SAP solutions.

Standard ASAP 8 Methodology Phases -- The Standard ASAP 8 Methodology is structured into the following
phases.
1.
2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

Project preparation - During this phase the team goes through initial planning and preparation for SAP
project.
Business blueprint - The purpose of this phase is to achieve a common understanding of how the company
intends to run SAP to support their business. In Standard ASAP 8 Methodology the result is the Business
Blueprint, a detailed documentation of the results gathered during requirements workshops
Realization - The purpose of this phase is to implement all the business process requirements based on the
Business Blueprint. The system configuration in Standard ASAP 8 Methodology is done in two work
packages: Baseline configuration (major scope); and Final configuration (remaining scope). During this
phase the solution is also tested.
Final preparation - The purpose of this phase is to complete the final preparation (including technical
testing, end user training, system management and cutover activities) to finalize your readiness to go live.
The Final Preparation phase also serves to resolve all critical open issues. On successful completion of this
phase, you are ready to run your business in your live SAP System.
Go-live support - The purpose of this phase is to move from a project-oriented, pre-production environment
to live production operation.
Operate - During this phase the system is operated with the help of the central operation platform, SAP
Solution Manager, with the documented solution based on the transferred project documentation.

Each phase has a set of deliverables that are produced during the duration of the phase and serve as the input to
follow-up phases. Each deliverable provides list of outputs it consist of and methods that are used to produce the
deliverable.