In our continuous endeavor to serve our SAP Partner & internal ecosystem, we from SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services Team are glad to share an abstract from the fourth session in the form of Community Live on 23rd Feb 2023. This session was intended to provide our partners and internals an opportunity to have an open mic session directly with our experts on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition. This session was targeted for all those business technology enthusiasts from our partners and internal ecosystem who are interested and looking forward to help our customers together in their journey of Business Transformation using the RISE with SAP package based on SAP’s implementation methodology – SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition. This blog-post caters as a Question-Answer transcript of the session conducted for which the recordings can be found on the Partner Edge portal (needs PartnerEdge login).
As we all know by now, that RISE with SAP provides a seamless and easy path for transforming an organization from traditional and legacy ERP systems to a modern, cloud based and an intelligent suite of software which caters for next generation business operations for an Intelligent & Sustainable Enterprise. The focus of this session being an open discussion between partners, internals and SAP experts on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition for new implementations, we were able to get insights on variety of questions from our partners. Our speakers were also able to provide clarifications on their doubts and questions during the 60 mins session. We also use this forum to look into the challenges which our partners and internals face and try to feed it back into our product teams in order to further fine-tune the gaps if relevant.
To cater questions on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition – we called in experts from various areas like SAP Activate, Solution Management, Project Excellence, Partner Solution Center and Partner Engagement and Experience Center. The below slide shows the speakers of the sessions.
Also due to the vastness of the topics in implementing SAP S/4HANA Cloud – Private Edition, we decided to confine this session only on topics which revolve around SAP Activate for new implementation scenarios and not around system conversions, migrations and selective data transitions. To make the 60 mins most relevant on the topic of SAP Activate for our audience we chose the topics around project management, project methodology, fit-to-standard project delivery, phases, deliverables & concepts, cloud mindset, organizational change management, transformation, tools, enablement and adoption. The deep dive topics which require in-depth techno-functional expertise were not in the focus of this session and we might plan to bring such topics in the future for our community live session going forward. Hence the below slide shows the guardrails which we put into our session to provide a precursor to our audience.
Question 1: What ALM tools is recommended for private cloud implementation and operations?
Answer -> We would recommend to consider the usage of SAP Cloud ALM. If you are a net new customer or partner the SAP Cloud ALM can be highly beneficial. If the customer-partner has an established footprint in SAP Solution Manager, then you can continue using the Solution Manager. Due to great functionalities available in SAP Cloud ALM now as compared to last year, Private edition is now well suited to be used for SAP Cloud ALM. Also SAP Activate is fully embedded into the SAP Cloud ALM, hence tasks like creating project tasks, assigning requirements to consultants and utilizing the accelerators are tightly coupled in the SAP Cloud ALM - which provides an immediate kick start for you project. Also the Cloud ALM operations aspect are very easy and ready to use for post Go-Live situations.
Links for SAP Cloud ALM and Solution Manager can be found here - https://support.sap.com/en/alm.html
Question 2: Whats the difference between the scope of SAP ACTIVATE methodology in SAP S/4HANA On premise vs SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private and Public Edition. Also from the ALM point of view, will the methodology change.
Answer -> Very simply, there is a good consistency in the SAP Activate Phases and deliverables as well as activities for SAP Activate Roadmap for On Premise and Private Edition as well as Public Edition. However, there are multiple differences are majorly in terms of provisioning of the systems. In Public & Private editions, the system provisioning is with SAP and on Hyperscalers, whereas On premise this differs from what is available for the customer on their own data centers. The Cloud Mindset piece also differs between On Premise and Cloud Public/Private Edition for SAP S/4HANA.
Also please consider the packaging of RISE with SAP is applicable for Private/Public Edition for SAP S/4HANA Cloud but for SAP S/4HANA On Premise this is not much embedded in the SAP Activate Roadmap.
Question 3: As a functional consultant, should we focus on both SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition and public editions? Or which certification you would recommend to take first?
Answer -> Both SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public and Private Editions are Cloud ERP solutions but have different certifications and expertise journey. The depth and breadth in the LoBs are different in both the solution.The Public Edition journey are embedded with Cloud Mindset and standardization aspects of learning whereas Private Edition these are not core mandates.
Hence the recommendations cannot be generalized, as these are two flavors and we cannot prioritize one over the other. Depending on the investment and capabilities in your company, it must be a decision for you to make on the focus either in Public or Private or both. Also, adding to this as Private Edition learning journey are more scoped towards S/4HANA On Premise, hence they are equally deep which might give an added benefit to easily cover up the delta for Public editions, as they are more standardized.
Question 4: When there is a system upgrade, how is configuration handled in terms of both documentation and configuration. For example if you have are already live and if a new scenario is present can it be activated? or should it be manual configuration using configuration guide.
Answer -> Yes, you can activate the newly available best practices after the initial activation of the best practices. You will have to manually configure as new activation will wipe out the previously set activation & configuration. You will have to go through the configuration guides with considerations on the current configurations in the system. This is where it is different in Public Edition vs. Private Edition. In Public Edition, irrespective of the Upgrades, you can activate the new scope items without disturbing the current activated best practices.
Question 5: There is no concept of applying SAP notes in S/4HANA Cloud (Public), Do we still apply SAP notes for S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition similarly as we do for S/4HANA On Premise?
Answer -> Technically yes, you can still apply SAP notes using the snote transaction. In the roles & responsibilities matrix, it is listed who is responsible for applying which type of notes to the system (Ex: Basis notes, legal notes etc.) and this can help you understand how and who applies the notes in the systems.
For more information on Roles & Responsibilities in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition and to find the link for the document please check this blogpost - https://blogs.sap.com/2022/12/16/roles-and-responsibilities-in-sap-s-4hana-cloud-private-edition/
Question 6: What is the difference between SAP S/4HANA Cloud private edition & SAP S/4HANA On premise. On the level of the application feature scope, is it the same product but only the landscape differs?
Answer -> The base product SAP S/4HANA is same for SAP S/4HANA On Premise and SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition as far as the application scope is concerned. The difference lies mostly in the deployment, architecture, roles & responsibilities etc. From a functional perspective, there are not much differences between both the solutions but you will be able to find the differences in the feature scope descriptions for both the solutions.
Question 7: Can we do customization on SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private and Public editions?
Answer -> Yes, you can do customization in both SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private and Public editions. However, the openness and flexibility you have for configuring Private Edition differs from that of Public Editions. In SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition the configurations are done via a separate system called as the SPA Central Business Configuration whereas in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition it is done via the SPRO-IMG transactions. Also customization is not just configurations but also extensions and this varies too in both the solutions. In SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition you can only develop custom extensions within the released Cloud ABAP artifacts whereas in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition you can use full blown classical ABAP development.
Question 8: Can you share some best practices for Project Management in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition?
Answer -> Sure, you can select the SAP Activate Roadmap and filter the Accelerators to be used for the Project Management. Starting from enabling the Project Manager to how to execute the project management tasks, they are all available in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition. The workstream - Project Management in the SAP Activate Roadmap will help you with a prefilled content & accelerators - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//roadmapContentPage/a11ec6d657054bf9:w10
Question 9: Is the SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services community for private and public cloud. Or are there two communities available?
Answer -> The SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services Community is only for a SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public edition. This is a Partner and internal only community. Very soon in near future, we will also be having a community for SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private edition.
Question 10: Is there a template e-mail / accelerator form to request Go Live approval from customer that indicates also current issues (should not be stoppers of course). I have found this link regarding SAP Activate Methodology for RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition / Production System to Live https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group/658F507A-D6F5-4B78-9EE1-0300C5F1E40F/roadmap/a11ec6...
Answer -> Yes this is available in SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//phaseAccelerator/a11ec6d657054bf9:FA163EAF25B21EEB... in the form of below accelerators:
1. Open Issue List Template - https://support.sap.com/content/dam/SAAP/SAP_Activate/PM_45%20%20Open%20Issues%20List%20Template.xls
2. Quality Gate - https://support.sap.com/content/dam/SAAP/SAP_Activate/S4H_599%20QualityGate_S4HANACloud_EX.xlsx
3. Phase Sign Off Template - https://support.sap.com/content/dam/SAAP/SAP_Activate/PM_94.doc
Question 11: What is role of partner cloud architect in PCE implementation using activate?
Answer -> The Partner Cloud Architect is a role that is decided depending on the deal which is sold to the customers. Depending on value Added reseller or PartnerEdge Gold Partner, a Partner Cloud Architect who is providing the advisory for the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition implementation to the customer. If SAP is directly selling the solution to the customers, then SAP Cloud Architect Advisor is responsible for Architecture related topics. This is generally covered in the SAP Activate Discover Phase - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//roadmapContentPage/a11ec6d657054bf9:FA163EAF25B21E...
All the primary assessment including the Technical assessment is done in this Phase and Cloud Architect is the primary candidate for these Discovery Phase activities. After this, the implementation is handed over to the Delivery teams which is SAP teams always called as Sales to Delivery handover.
Question 12: Is there a methodology for hybrid scenario i.e. on premise -> public + private cloud (HQ/Subsidiary scenario)
Answer -> Yes, this is available in the SAP Activate Roadmap already in the form of the tag Hybrid Deployment (Two-Tier ERP) implementations here - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//roadmapContentPage/a11ec6d657054bf9:FA163EAF25B21E...
Here the HQ can be an On Premise/Private edition and subsidiaries can be on SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
Question 13: In a combined environment (SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud + RISE) I want to confirm that original/initial deployment delivered by SAP (DEV) is a preconfigured system (basic configurations I suppose). Am I right?
Answer -> There are different variations. First there is an empty system and you can ask SAP to activate the best practices in it which will add the scope items. Here you have some flexibility to chose the localization as well. Secondly when it comes for System Conversions, you can bring your own template to be setup in the Dev system. Thirdly there is an Enterprise Management Layer, this is a SAP template which will activate all features and business functions.
Question 14: Any new SAP Activate tools can we use for an S/4HANA PCE implementation. If yes How different they are from regular tools.
Answer -> Yes - the new tool is the SAP Cloud ALM - https://support.sap.com/en/alm/sap-cloud-alm.html. In terms of configurations, the skills from On Premise are fully transferable for Private Edition. The SAP Cloud ALM is totally free as a part of the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private edition.
The Best Practices which are offered in SAP S/4HANA are agnostic to any industries and hence can be applied and used for any industries.
In conclusion, above questions and answers provides you with the Q&A transcript from our partners on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition. These also serves as the frequently asked questions around the area of S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition and SAP Activate.
In order to further reach out to us and ask your doubts, queries and share insights on SAP Activate or SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition – we highly encourage you to use the below communities and post your questions with the relevant tags.
Thanks,
Saumitra
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services
As we all know by now, that RISE with SAP provides a seamless and easy path for transforming an organization from traditional and legacy ERP systems to a modern, cloud based and an intelligent suite of software which caters for next generation business operations for an Intelligent & Sustainable Enterprise. The focus of this session being an open discussion between partners, internals and SAP experts on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition for new implementations, we were able to get insights on variety of questions from our partners. Our speakers were also able to provide clarifications on their doubts and questions during the 60 mins session. We also use this forum to look into the challenges which our partners and internals face and try to feed it back into our product teams in order to further fine-tune the gaps if relevant.
To cater questions on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition – we called in experts from various areas like SAP Activate, Solution Management, Project Excellence, Partner Solution Center and Partner Engagement and Experience Center. The below slide shows the speakers of the sessions.
Speakers for the community live 4th session
Also due to the vastness of the topics in implementing SAP S/4HANA Cloud – Private Edition, we decided to confine this session only on topics which revolve around SAP Activate for new implementation scenarios and not around system conversions, migrations and selective data transitions. To make the 60 mins most relevant on the topic of SAP Activate for our audience we chose the topics around project management, project methodology, fit-to-standard project delivery, phases, deliverables & concepts, cloud mindset, organizational change management, transformation, tools, enablement and adoption. The deep dive topics which require in-depth techno-functional expertise were not in the focus of this session and we might plan to bring such topics in the future for our community live session going forward. Hence the below slide shows the guardrails which we put into our session to provide a precursor to our audience.
Question 1: What ALM tools is recommended for private cloud implementation and operations?
Answer -> We would recommend to consider the usage of SAP Cloud ALM. If you are a net new customer or partner the SAP Cloud ALM can be highly beneficial. If the customer-partner has an established footprint in SAP Solution Manager, then you can continue using the Solution Manager. Due to great functionalities available in SAP Cloud ALM now as compared to last year, Private edition is now well suited to be used for SAP Cloud ALM. Also SAP Activate is fully embedded into the SAP Cloud ALM, hence tasks like creating project tasks, assigning requirements to consultants and utilizing the accelerators are tightly coupled in the SAP Cloud ALM - which provides an immediate kick start for you project. Also the Cloud ALM operations aspect are very easy and ready to use for post Go-Live situations.
Links for SAP Cloud ALM and Solution Manager can be found here - https://support.sap.com/en/alm.html
- SAP Cloud ALM - https://support.sap.com/en/alm/sap-cloud-alm.html
- SAP Solution Manager 7.2 - https://support.sap.com/en/alm/solution-manager.html
Question 2: Whats the difference between the scope of SAP ACTIVATE methodology in SAP S/4HANA On premise vs SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private and Public Edition. Also from the ALM point of view, will the methodology change.
Answer -> Very simply, there is a good consistency in the SAP Activate Phases and deliverables as well as activities for SAP Activate Roadmap for On Premise and Private Edition as well as Public Edition. However, there are multiple differences are majorly in terms of provisioning of the systems. In Public & Private editions, the system provisioning is with SAP and on Hyperscalers, whereas On premise this differs from what is available for the customer on their own data centers. The Cloud Mindset piece also differs between On Premise and Cloud Public/Private Edition for SAP S/4HANA.
Also please consider the packaging of RISE with SAP is applicable for Private/Public Edition for SAP S/4HANA Cloud but for SAP S/4HANA On Premise this is not much embedded in the SAP Activate Roadmap.
Question 3: As a functional consultant, should we focus on both SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition and public editions? Or which certification you would recommend to take first?
Answer -> Both SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public and Private Editions are Cloud ERP solutions but have different certifications and expertise journey. The depth and breadth in the LoBs are different in both the solution.The Public Edition journey are embedded with Cloud Mindset and standardization aspects of learning whereas Private Edition these are not core mandates.
Hence the recommendations cannot be generalized, as these are two flavors and we cannot prioritize one over the other. Depending on the investment and capabilities in your company, it must be a decision for you to make on the focus either in Public or Private or both. Also, adding to this as Private Edition learning journey are more scoped towards S/4HANA On Premise, hence they are equally deep which might give an added benefit to easily cover up the delta for Public editions, as they are more standardized.
Question 4: When there is a system upgrade, how is configuration handled in terms of both documentation and configuration. For example if you have are already live and if a new scenario is present can it be activated? or should it be manual configuration using configuration guide.
Answer -> Yes, you can activate the newly available best practices after the initial activation of the best practices. You will have to manually configure as new activation will wipe out the previously set activation & configuration. You will have to go through the configuration guides with considerations on the current configurations in the system. This is where it is different in Public Edition vs. Private Edition. In Public Edition, irrespective of the Upgrades, you can activate the new scope items without disturbing the current activated best practices.
Question 5: There is no concept of applying SAP notes in S/4HANA Cloud (Public), Do we still apply SAP notes for S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition similarly as we do for S/4HANA On Premise?
Answer -> Technically yes, you can still apply SAP notes using the snote transaction. In the roles & responsibilities matrix, it is listed who is responsible for applying which type of notes to the system (Ex: Basis notes, legal notes etc.) and this can help you understand how and who applies the notes in the systems.
For more information on Roles & Responsibilities in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition and to find the link for the document please check this blogpost - https://blogs.sap.com/2022/12/16/roles-and-responsibilities-in-sap-s-4hana-cloud-private-edition/
Question 6: What is the difference between SAP S/4HANA Cloud private edition & SAP S/4HANA On premise. On the level of the application feature scope, is it the same product but only the landscape differs?
Answer -> The base product SAP S/4HANA is same for SAP S/4HANA On Premise and SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition as far as the application scope is concerned. The difference lies mostly in the deployment, architecture, roles & responsibilities etc. From a functional perspective, there are not much differences between both the solutions but you will be able to find the differences in the feature scope descriptions for both the solutions.
Question 7: Can we do customization on SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private and Public editions?
Answer -> Yes, you can do customization in both SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private and Public editions. However, the openness and flexibility you have for configuring Private Edition differs from that of Public Editions. In SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition the configurations are done via a separate system called as the SPA Central Business Configuration whereas in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition it is done via the SPRO-IMG transactions. Also customization is not just configurations but also extensions and this varies too in both the solutions. In SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public Edition you can only develop custom extensions within the released Cloud ABAP artifacts whereas in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition you can use full blown classical ABAP development.
Question 8: Can you share some best practices for Project Management in SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition?
Answer -> Sure, you can select the SAP Activate Roadmap and filter the Accelerators to be used for the Project Management. Starting from enabling the Project Manager to how to execute the project management tasks, they are all available in the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition. The workstream - Project Management in the SAP Activate Roadmap will help you with a prefilled content & accelerators - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//roadmapContentPage/a11ec6d657054bf9:w10
Question 9: Is the SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services community for private and public cloud. Or are there two communities available?
Answer -> The SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services Community is only for a SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Public edition. This is a Partner and internal only community. Very soon in near future, we will also be having a community for SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private edition.
Question 10: Is there a template e-mail / accelerator form to request Go Live approval from customer that indicates also current issues (should not be stoppers of course). I have found this link regarding SAP Activate Methodology for RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition / Production System to Live https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group/658F507A-D6F5-4B78-9EE1-0300C5F1E40F/roadmap/a11ec6...
Answer -> Yes this is available in SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//phaseAccelerator/a11ec6d657054bf9:FA163EAF25B21EEB... in the form of below accelerators:
1. Open Issue List Template - https://support.sap.com/content/dam/SAAP/SAP_Activate/PM_45%20%20Open%20Issues%20List%20Template.xls
2. Quality Gate - https://support.sap.com/content/dam/SAAP/SAP_Activate/S4H_599%20QualityGate_S4HANACloud_EX.xlsx
3. Phase Sign Off Template - https://support.sap.com/content/dam/SAAP/SAP_Activate/PM_94.doc
Question 11: What is role of partner cloud architect in PCE implementation using activate?
Answer -> The Partner Cloud Architect is a role that is decided depending on the deal which is sold to the customers. Depending on value Added reseller or PartnerEdge Gold Partner, a Partner Cloud Architect who is providing the advisory for the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition implementation to the customer. If SAP is directly selling the solution to the customers, then SAP Cloud Architect Advisor is responsible for Architecture related topics. This is generally covered in the SAP Activate Discover Phase - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//roadmapContentPage/a11ec6d657054bf9:FA163EAF25B21E...
All the primary assessment including the Technical assessment is done in this Phase and Cloud Architect is the primary candidate for these Discovery Phase activities. After this, the implementation is handed over to the Delivery teams which is SAP teams always called as Sales to Delivery handover.
Question 12: Is there a methodology for hybrid scenario i.e. on premise -> public + private cloud (HQ/Subsidiary scenario)
Answer -> Yes, this is available in the SAP Activate Roadmap already in the form of the tag Hybrid Deployment (Two-Tier ERP) implementations here - https://go.support.sap.com/roadmapviewer/#/group//roadmapContentPage/a11ec6d657054bf9:FA163EAF25B21E...
Here the HQ can be an On Premise/Private edition and subsidiaries can be on SAP S/4HANA Cloud.
Question 13: In a combined environment (SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud + RISE) I want to confirm that original/initial deployment delivered by SAP (DEV) is a preconfigured system (basic configurations I suppose). Am I right?
Answer -> There are different variations. First there is an empty system and you can ask SAP to activate the best practices in it which will add the scope items. Here you have some flexibility to chose the localization as well. Secondly when it comes for System Conversions, you can bring your own template to be setup in the Dev system. Thirdly there is an Enterprise Management Layer, this is a SAP template which will activate all features and business functions.
Question 14: Any new SAP Activate tools can we use for an S/4HANA PCE implementation. If yes How different they are from regular tools.
Answer -> Yes - the new tool is the SAP Cloud ALM - https://support.sap.com/en/alm/sap-cloud-alm.html. In terms of configurations, the skills from On Premise are fully transferable for Private Edition. The SAP Cloud ALM is totally free as a part of the SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private edition.
The Best Practices which are offered in SAP S/4HANA are agnostic to any industries and hence can be applied and used for any industries.
In conclusion, above questions and answers provides you with the Q&A transcript from our partners on SAP Activate for SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition. These also serves as the frequently asked questions around the area of S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition and SAP Activate.
In order to further reach out to us and ask your doubts, queries and share insights on SAP Activate or SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Edition – we highly encourage you to use the below communities and post your questions with the relevant tags.
Thanks,
Saumitra
SAP S/4HANA Cloud Expertise Services
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