SAP upgrades

SAP constantly strives to improve both the technology and functionality of the software it delivers. As part of this, there is no unlimited support timeframe for a given version of SAP’s software.

In order to keep a running SAP solution up to date, and to ensure continued support from SAP, it is therefore necessary to make periodic upgrades.

Many of SAP's customers have just recently begun upgrading to SAP ERP 6.0, which is SAP's latest version. SAP ERP 6.0 contains a number of functional improvements on SAP R/3 and is also based on an entirely new architecture, with SAP NetWeaver as its base platform.

The new technology will make future upgrades less complicated, while the new architecture also provides the possibility of working with new component-based software (SOA).

General support services for the traditional SAP R/3 platform ends in 2009.

Segmenta delivers the right solution

Segmenta has completed a number of upgrade projects. The method Segmenta uses for upgrading is based on SAP’s method. Some essential elements of a successful upgrade are:

Thorough planning

• Establishing the system landscape in time
• Examination of assignment for on-site/offshore
• Limited frozen periods
• Controlled production preparation

Intelligent upgrading

• Focused project management
• Effective resource management

Intelligent testing

• Short project process b
• Effective resource management

Successful go-live

• Anchoring in the customer’s support organisation

Upgrade strategies

As a base rule, there are three different upgrade strategies:

Technical upgrading, which is 1 to 1 upgrading in which no new functionality is introduced.

Functional upgrading, which beyond the technical upgrading also encompasses the commissioning of new SAP functionality, where this is expedient.

Strategic upgrading, which can be driven by a SOA strategy (e.g.). The primary purpose is normally to create a more flexible platform based on SAP NetWeaver.