Performing SAP system copies automatically
Copying needs to be done skillfully
In terms of its architectural approach, BSC takes standards into account wherever possible. As a result, the automation tool can be installed with minimal effort, fits very well into the respective system landscape and offers a fast ROI.
For a long time, manual procedures dominated, supported by SAP (guidelines), in particular by predefined procedures and a large number of checklists. In many places, this was supplemented by scripts created in-house, which, however, only automated partial tasks/processes of an SAP system copy.
SAP system deployment scenarios
"The creation of SAP system copies used to represent an enormous effort," says Martin Schulz from SAP Basis Administration. Almost 4,000 employees worldwide access our SAP systems directly. If the SAP systems are down, then nothing works in many departments - and that certainly happened in the past. Although the actual copying process is completed in just a few hours, the manual post-processing - which includes, for example, adjusting parameters, users and rights, profiles, system settings and interfaces - can take up to a week. This keeps the entire seven-person SAP Basis team busy.
The steps to be taken before shutting down the target SAP system can be summarized as follows: Well before performing the upgrade, inform the target system users - especially project managers, developers, and testers - about the planned maintenance work via e-mail, SAP system messages, and/or a message at the system logon. Using the SAP transport system requires careful preparation so that software development projects can be completed as far as possible. Shortly before the start of the update, inform users again that maintenance work on the system is imminent and that they should log off from the target system. After logging users off and locking them out, download system-specific content from the target system database for customization (including security settings, Remote Function Call (RFC) targets, and operating modes).
Of course, time savings also mean money savings. In addition, these processes for system copying can be planned, standardized and always run at a high level of process quality using automation tools of this kind. Especially the latter is of great importance in SAP Basis departments (and of course also for service providers). With "Shortcut for SAP Systems", a number of activities in the context of system copies can be carried out and automated. Your SAP Basis administration is thus significantly relieved. Automation also means that SAP Basis Administrators no longer have to work unreasonable hours. The product can be integrated into almost any automation software.
Such system copies, with their enormous manual effort and SAP checklists that are often hundreds of items long, must be performed before every refresh.
SAP Basis refers to the administration of SAP system that includes activities like installation and configuration, load balancing, and performance of SAP applications running on Java stack and SAP ABAP. This includes the maintenance of different services related to database, operating system, application and web servers in SAP system landscape and stopping and starting the system. Here you can find some useful information about SAP Basis: www.sap-corner.de.
Usually, three to four days have to be planned for this, during which the QA system - which in two-tier SAP environments is also the development system - is not available for the actual work.