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SAP Activate

SAP Activate

This specialist article gives a comprehensive overview of SAP Activate, the methodical SAP approach for implementing and optimizing SAP solutions. It shows how companies can use SAP Activate to efficiently structure projects, minimize risks and accelerate their system implementation – both in the cloud and on premise.

Katharina Markert

Consultant at FIS

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What is SAP Activate?

SAP Activate is an implementation framework SAP has developed for the structured implementation of its software solutions. It consists of predefined contents (SAP Best Practices), a clearly defined methodology and supporting tools. SAP Activate assists companies in implementing SAP systems, such as SAP S/4 HANA, more quickly, securely and specifically irrespective of whether the solution is operated in the public or private cloud, on premises or as hybrid solution.

It aims at efficiently implementing SAP projects, minimizing project risks and ensuring a high-quality system implementation. Today, SAP Activate forms the standard for SAP implementation projects and transformations.

Why is SAP Activate required?

Traditional SAP implementations are often characterized by long runtimes, high resource efforts and complex processes. With an increasing need of agility, speed (shorter implementation cycles) and flexible cloud solutions, standardized and structured approaches are becoming more and more important.

The Activate framework handles these requirements by specifying a clear implementation approach, integrating advanced methods, such as agile procedures, and simplifying the implementation through preconfigured processes (SAP Best Practices).

  • Clear structure through Activate Methodology.
  • Increased transparency in all project phases.
  • Fewer project risks through reusable contents.

It is the objective to significantly reduce both implementation duration and resource requirements.

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What components does SAP Activate include?

SAP Activate is based on three central main components that complement each other:

  • erstensSAP Best Practices
    SAP Best Practices are predefined and industry-specific business processes and configuration contents that are used as templates for system configuration. They enable an accelerated project start and reduce adjustment efforts. Best Practices stay close to the standard version and therefore promote the openness to innovation and maintainability of SAP systems. These contents are directly available in SAP Process Navigator.
    SAP Process Navigator is an online tool enabling companies to quickly find and download industry-specific processes, scenarios and configuration guidelines.
  • zweitensGuided Configuration
    The Guided Configuration module of SAP Activate Framework offers guided and stepwise configuration possibilities directly in the system (SAP CBC: Configure Your Business Processes). The objective is to efficiently configure the SAP solution also without deep technical knowledge and to adjust it if required. It is supported by standard settings, tools as well as “accelerators” such as checklists, templates and instructions that considerably facilitate the configuration process.
  • drittensSAP Activate Methodology
    The methodology of SAP Activate is a structured and phase-based approach for the successful execution of SAP projects. It is divided into six project phases. During each phase, precise project activities, roles, work results (deliverables) and handovers are defined that enable a clear orientation and controlling of the project flow.

    SAP Roadmap Viewer is particularly relevant for the practical use. This tool clearly provides all project tasks, results, roles and schedules broken down to phase, solution and project model (e.g. cloud, RISE, on-premise).

Which phases does SAP Activate Methodology include?

SAP Activate Methodology consists of six project phases. They offer a structured sequence for implementing SAP solutions in a plannable and transparent way.

SAP Activate Methodology Phases

1. The “Discovery” phase

During this phase, companies check whether SAP S/4HANA or another SAP solution is suitable for their own strategy. The prime concern is to understand business needs and valuate potentials. This also includes the definition of contract details, a rough-cut project plan as well as the selection of the appropriate implementation partner.

2. The “Prepare” phase

Here, the project team is formed and the project prepared. This includes the technical system provision as well as the first planning of activities, resources and responsibilities. Project organization and schedule come next. Workshops and systems are prepared. In this phase, the work with SAP Cloud ALM is also started, which is later used for controlling and monitoring the project.

3. The “Explore” phase

In the “Explore” phase, the basis is created for the project success to come. The “fit-to-standard” workshops are part of this phase. Companies and consultants can validate the SAP standard processes via SAP Process Navigator. Variances are documented in SAP Cloud ALM and planned adjustments and enhancements defined.

4. The “Realize” phase

The system is configured, the defined enhancements implemented and the integration with third-party systems prepared. Functional tests ensure that processes run as planned. Here, SAP Cloud ALM provides support through a task management.

5. The “Deploy” phase

The production operation is prepared in the “Deploy” phase. This includes data migration, final tests, user training courses as well as the actual go-live of the system. SAP Cloud ALM helps keep an overview of the technical and professional activities, such as test management.

6. The “Run” phase

After the go-live of the project, the running operation will start. The IT organization becomes responsible for system support. At the same time, the solution starts being continuously optimized. SAP Cloud ALM offers functions for monitoring and incident management.

Why does FIS use SAP Activate as project approach?

FIS uses SAP Activate as standard methodology for SAP implementation projects in SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition. The decision in favor of this is based on several advantages:

  • Project security through standardized procedure
    The clear structure helps identify risks at an early stage and take countermeasures.
  • Efficiency through reuse
    The use of SAP Best Practices helps access well-tried processes more quickly, which saves time and efforts.
  • Flexibility for individual customer requests
    Despite standardization, enough scope will remain for individual enhancements without endangering the project flow.
  • Transparency and traceability
    Project managers and customers get a clear overview of progress, responsibilities and next steps.
  • Agility through iterative ways of working
    The methodology allows to work in cycles and coordinate interim results with the customer at an early stage.

SAP Activate is used by FIS to specifically implement customer projects, minimize risks and significantly reduce time to value. In combination with practical consulting and industry-specific expertise, SAP Activate offers a stable basis for successful SAP projects – today and in the future.

How does SAP Cloud ALM support the SAP Activate framework?

SAP Cloud ALM (or SAP CALM) is a platform for Application Lifecycle Management (ALM). It is specially tailored for SAP cloud products and closely integrated with SAP Activate.

Cloud ALM offers functions for:

  • Task planning based on the SAP Activate roadmap
  • Documentation of fit-to-standard results
  • Tests coordination and error documentation
  • Real-time monitoring of operating processes

For cloud projects in particular, SAP Cloud ALM is a central tool for controlling and quality assurance.

How does SAP Process Navigator work?

SAP Process Navigator replaces the former Best Practices Explorer. It offers a simple method of searching through industry-specific processes, scenarios and documentations. Users can filter contents according to solution, industry or country and get direct access to configuration guidelines, test scripts and process diagrams.

The Process Navigator tool can be accessed publicly and used free of charge – an important utility during the “Explore” phase.

Screenshot des SAP Signavio Process Navigators für SAP Best Practices der SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition, Version 2502, Region Deutschland. Übersicht über Geschäftsbereiche und zugehörige Lösungsprozesse, hervorgehoben ist der Bereich "Application Platform and Infrastructure" mit vier Prozessen. Im oberen Bereich sind Statistiken zu Prozessen, Änderungen und Prozessdiagrammen sichtbar. Links befindet sich die Navigationsleiste mit Menüpunkten wie Startseite, Finanzen und Recht sowie Systeme und Bereitstellung.
SAP Process Navigator

What does SAP Roadmap Viewer offer?

SAP Roadmap Viewer makes the complete SAP Activate Methodology available in structured form. For each project phase, tasks, artefacts, roles and dependencies are defined.

Benefits:

  • Adjustment according to the project model (e. g. SAP S/4HANA Cloud, RISE with SAP)
  • Link to supporting tools (such as Cloud ALM or help portals)
  • Access to templates and checklists
Screenshot der SAP Activate Roadmap für SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition (3-System-Landschaft) im SAP for Me-Portal. Darstellung der Phasen Discover, Prepare, Explore, Realize, Deploy und Run mit aufklappbaren Aufgabenlisten. Links Navigationsleiste mit Menüpunkten wie Startseite, Kalender, Reporting und Services. In der Mitte geöffnete Inhalte der Phasen Discover, Prepare und Explore.
SAP Roadmap Viewer

Conclusion

SAP Activate is an advanced and structured framework for implementing SAP systems. It combines preconfigured contents, a methodical procedure and technical support for system implementation. Its modularity and scalability make it suitable for companies of any size and industry.