SAP R/3 Implementation : Methods and Tools

Before use, standard ERP systems such as SAP R/3 need to be customized to meet the concrete requirements of the individual enterprise. This book provides an overview of the process models, methods, and tools offered by SAP and its partners to support this complex and time-consuming process. It begins by characterizing the foundations of the latest ERP systems from both a conceptual and technical viewpoint, whereby the most important components and functions of SAP R/3 are described. The main part of the book then goes on to present the current methods and tools for the R/3 implementation based on newer process models (roadmaps).

Business Application Systems.- Introduction.- Enterprise Architecture; Standard Software; Integration of Software; Tasks and Business Processes.- Tasks; Business Processes; Architectures.- Multi-level Client/Server Architectures; Relational Database Systems; Object-oriented Architectures; The R/3 System.- Client/Server Architecture of the R/3 System; Internet Connection; Components of the R/3 System; Function-related Components; Cross-Function Components; System Components; ABAP/4 Development Workbench; Organizational Structures of the R/3 System; R/3 Reference Model; Procedure Models for the Application System Development.- Development and Implementation.- Development of Standard Software Systems; Tasks of the Development and Implementation; Adaptation; Software Development Processes and Procedure Models.- Phase Model; Extended Phase Models; Classification of the R/3 Implementation; SAP Procedure Models.- AcceleratedSAP - The Accelerated R/3 Implementation; Additional Roadmaps; Tools for the Implementation and Development.- Function-related Tools; Cross-Function Tools; The Implementation Roadmap.- Phase 1: Project Preparation.- Initial Project Planning; Project Procedures; Project Kickoff; Technical Requirements Planning; Quality Check Project Preparation Phase; Phase 2: Business Blueprint.- Business Blueprint Project Management; Training of the Business Blueprint Project Team; Develop System Environment; Business Organization Structure; Business Process Definition; Quality Check Business Blueprint Phase; Phase 3: Realization.- Project Management Realization Phase; Project Team Training Realization Phase; Baseline Configuration and Confirmation; Final Configuration and Confirmation; System Administration; Development of Data Conversion Programs; Development of Application Interface Programs; Development of System Enhancements; Create Reports; Create Forms; Establish the Authorization Concept; Establish Archiving Management; Final Integration Test; End User Documentation and Training Material; Quality Check Realization Phase; Phase 4: Final Preparation.- Project Management Final Preparation; End User Training; System Management; Detailed Planning for Cut-Over and Support; Cut-Over; Quality Check Final Preparation Phase; Phase 5: Go Live and Support.- Tools.- Tools in the R/3 Implementation Environment.- Implementation Assistant.- MS Project.- Basic Principles; Project Plans for the R/3 Implementation; Adaptation of a Project Plan; Question & Answer Database.- Overview Questions for the Enterprise; Process Hierarchy; Issues Database; Business Process Master List; Outlook; Structure Modeler.- Concept Check Tool.- Business Navigator.- Navigation in the R/3 Reference Model; Process Hierarchy; Component Hierarchy; Navigation Capabilities; Tools for the Business Process Modeling.- Model Adaptation and Improvements; ARIS Tools; Outlook; Customizing.- Implementation Guide; Project Documentation and Analysis; Change and Transport Organizer; R/3 Authorization System.- Security Concepts; Principle of the Authorization Validation; Profile Generator; Outlook; Application System Interfaces.- Interface Adviser; Data Transfer Programs; Technologies for Permanent Interfaces; Report Generation.- Standard Reports; ABAP/4 Query; SAP Services.- Professional Consulting Services; Education and Training Services; Support Services; Online Information Services in Detail; Additional Tools.- Accelerators; Computing Center Management System; Release Management; Glossary.