The SAP solution operations assessment is the first step of SAP's Run SAP methodology. It analyzes a company's current IT operations processes and identifies areas for optimization based on SAP standards. Over the course of a workshop, SAP consultants evaluate the IT landscape and processes, identify improvement areas, and create an initial roadmap and action plan. The assessment delivers a gap analysis of the existing operations against best practices and provides recommendations to improve efficiency and management of IT solutions.

1. SAP Services
RUN SAP METHODOLOGY: SAP
SOLUTION OPERATIONS ASSESSMENT
THE FIRST STEP IN IMPLEMENTING SAP®
STANDARDS FOR SOLUTION OPERATIONS

2. Why This Service?
The first step in the Run SAP methodol-
ogy is the SAP solution operations
assessment. The assessment is
applicable when you want to optimize
the implementation and ongoing
management of end-to-end solution
operation processes in your IT landscape
and support organization. It delivers a
fit-gap analysis of the “as-is” IT opera-
tions processes, organization, and tools
against SAP® standards for solution
operations. The service generates a
common understanding of optimization
areas and agreement on the scope of a
potential Run SAP project. The goal of
the assessment is to create an initial
road map and action plan proposal for
the identified optimization areas, including
work packages, timelines, training
courses, and estimation of work effort. upcoming enterprise service-oriented The Run SAP methodology supports the
architecture world is also a key area. implementation of end-to-end solution
The Value for You SAP’s experience with thousands of operations through:
customers in IT solution operations is • SAP Solution operations assessment
Today’s IT operations face the following condensed in SAP standards for solu- • Best-practice procedures for IT pro-
challenges: ensuring the availability of tion operations. cesses (SAP standards for solution
distributed business processes, react- operations)
ing quickly to problems and process A successful implementation of SAP • A road map for the implementation
changes, and establishing an efficient solutions or the effective management • A training and certification program
network of experts dealing with IT solu- of business processes always requires • Tools and functionality based on the
tions of increased complexity. Complex the adaptation of existing IT processes. central SAP Solution Manager appli-
landscapes with heterogeneous prod- In some cases, implementation of new cation management solution
ucts and technologies require a sound IT processes may be necessary. The • Supporting services to assist your
concept for holistic IT solution opera- new or revised IT operations processes IT teams
tions. Key areas are business process should be based on the SAP standards
management, root cause analysis, the for solution operations, and the imple-
management of system changes, and mentation of these standards should
upgrade handling. Preparing IT for the be based on a proven methodology.
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3. With an understanding of the effort
required, you can set up and position
SAP’s proven best-in-class operations methodology, your project for success.
Run SAP, is built upon SAP standards for solution opera-
When to Use
tions, which help IT and business process experts If one or more of the criteria below
harness their IT landscapes and better implement their apply to you, then the scope assess-
ment can assist you:
enterprise service-oriented architecture strategies. • You have identified improvement
The SAP standards for solution operations are mapped potential within your IT operational
processes but don’t know what to
out in the newest release of SAP Solution Manager. change exactly.
With the best practices and phase-oriented road map • You want to start the implementation
of SAP standards for solution opera-
approach of Run SAP, you can efficiently and success- tions but don’t have a clear strategy
fully implement these standards. how this can be done most efficiently.
• You have already decided on a project
using the Run SAP methodology to
improve the quality of your operations.
The SAP solution operations assess- With the SAP solution operations • You want to use SAP Solution Man-
ment is the first and most important step assessment, SAP can show you how ager to efficiently and effectively
in the Run SAP methodology. The SAP to implement SAP standards for manage your operations.
Services organization conducts a fit-gap solution operations. • Your IT support organization’s work-
analysis of the current IT operations load is increasing.
processes of your enterprise based The assessment helps you: • You are planning or performing a new
on your specific operational, technical, • Learn about the Run SAP method- implementation project and require a
and architectural requirements for SAP ology and the road map focus on the implementation of an
standards for solution operations. A • Decide which standards and pro- operations model to support the
service deliverable is a document that cesses you need to implement implemented solution.
lists the identified optimization areas • Identify the missing skills to operate • Your company is planning an orga-
and describes the agreement reached your specific IT environment and nizational change (for example, a
on the scope of a potential Run SAP the optimal way to educate your company merger or acquisition) that
project. An evaluation of skill improve- employees requires updated IT processes.
ment areas is also included. The goal • Develop an end-to-end road map • You have an SAP Customer Com-
of the assessment is the creation of an with an action plan and high-level petence Center (SAP CCC) location
initial road map proposal that includes an time schedule and want to increase your operational
action plan, work packages, timelines, • Align this action plan, if necessary, maturity level to prepare for the next
training courses, and an estimation of to planned or in-process implemen- level of certification.
work effort. tation projects
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4. Delivery in Detail areas of improvements and standards consultants evaluate the project plan
for discussion, appropriate participants, and dependencies and compile the infor-
While the SAP solution operations and duration of the workshop. The con- mation along with the workshop results
assessment is an on-site workshop, SAP sultant then creates and confirms a in a report for your future reference.
consultants and partners possessing preliminary agenda for the workshop.
certification prepare for the ser vice and Prerequisites
compile the report off-site. Typically, On-Site Workshop
SAP charges on average 6 to 10 con- The duration of the workshop depends The prerequisites for the SAP solution
sulting days in total for preparation, on the number and nature of the stand- operations assessment are as follows:
on-site and remote delivery resources, ards and processes to be discussed – • Existing remote connection (the GUI
and report compilation, depending on normally between two days and one from SAP or http) to SAP
the size and complexity of the solution week, depending on the complexity and • At least one workshop room
landscapes, core business processes, requirements. Consultants certified in • Internet access and telephone in the
and support. In some cases, the the Run SAP methodology introduce the workshop or project rooms
SAP solution operations assessment methodology and examine the existing
can take up to 20 consulting days. operations processes and organization Project Team
to gather the operational requirements The involvement of your key staff
of the selected standards. After a joint members during the on-site workshop
preselection of relevant standards, con- is critical to the success of the engage-
sultants conduct a separate session for ment. They work with the SAP experts
each standard to analyze the current IT to learn the main elements of the Run
process and identify benefits and risks SAP methodology and the presented
associated with the standard, as well as SAP standards.
any technical dependencies and require-
ments. Relevant tools are identified and It is recommended that the following cus-
a skill assessment is performed. On tomer stakeholders attend the on-site
the last day of the on-site workshop, workshop to contribute and provide valu-
participants recap the results of the able information for the assessment:
visit, and participants and management • Executive sponsor
come to an agreement on the scope • Operations director for SAP solutions
definition and next steps. This wrap-up • IT infrastructure manager
session is mandatory. • Project or program manager
• Application manager
Preparation (Usually One Day) Follow-Up • Technical operations manager for
To prepare for the assessment, an SAP After the on-site visit, the customer and SAP solutions
consultant contacts you to gather data SAP might have open action items to • Custom development manager for
on your SAP solution, core business complete. A typical action item on the SAP solutions
processes, and the current situation of customer side is to communicate the • Service desk manager
your support organization, as well as decision to implement the identified • Change manager
to discuss your expectations. During SAP standards for solution operations • IT operations process owners
this preparatory session, you and the to all stakeholders in the company and • Business process owners or
consultant identify the possible relevant start the setup of the project. The SAP champions
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5. Sample Agenda for the On-Site Visit (Two-Day Assessment)
Day One Activities Audience Duration
Kickoff All 15 minutes
Customer situation All 1 hour
Company overview
• Company structure
• Primary business functions
• Industry understanding
• Corporate strategy and direction
Support operations overview
• Functions and structures
• SAP operations organization
• Roles, tasks, and responsibilities
• Partner involvement
Current project overview
• SAP® solution strategy
• Upgrade or implementation: scope, project
milestones, and partner involvement
End-to-end solution operations All 3 hours
IT operations processes according to SAP
• High-level presentation of the standards
• Preselection of standards for later discussions
SAP solution operations assessment for each • Operations director for SAP solutions 2 to 3 hours
standard (parallel sessions optional) • IT infrastructure manager
• Project or program manager
• Customer’s detailed IT process description
• Application manager
• Demo of the standard (optional)
• Technical operations manager for SAP solutions
• Benefits and risks of this standard
• IT operations process owner
• Existing skills evaluation
• Business process operations team manager
• Tools and technical requirements
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6. Day Two Activities Audience Duration
Day one wrap-up All 30 minutes
SAP solution operations assessment for each • Operations director for SAP solutions 2 to 3 hours
standard (parallel sessions optional) • IT infrastructure manager
• Project or program manager
• Customer’s detailed IT process description
• Application manager
• Demo of the standard (optional)
• Technical operations manager for SAP solutions
• Benefits and risks of this standard
• IT operations process owner
• Existing skills evaluation
• Business process operations team manager
• Tools and technical requirements
Wrap-up presentation • Project lead 1 hour
• Management (mandatory)
• Summary of the discussed IT processes
• Key operations employees
• Definition of the IT processes in scope for
the project
• Next steps
For More Information
For more information about the Run SAP methodology, visit the SAP Service
Marketplace extranet at www.service.sap.com/runsap or www.service.sap.com
/e2e (note that a user name and password are required). For questions related
to the methodology, please send an e-mail to runsap@sap.com.
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