Define Long-Term Production Support Strategy

Use

The purpose of this task is to define a permanent support strategy for the operation of the SAP system in the company’s environment. Support is required for:

Procedure

  1. Define requirements
    A long-term SAP support strategy is required for managing change in the company. A core group of either power users or other designated process owners should form a task force that meets regularly to discuss changing conditions in both the company, and with SAP and its software.
  1. Define the support strategy
    The support strategy varies from company to company, depending on the company structure and philosophy regarding change. Some companies create a permanent, internal support organization; others prefer an outsourcing strategy, or use consultants on an ongoing basis. Long-term costs should be analyzed for these alternatives.
    An internal support organization could be established as a Customer Competence Center or Help Desk (or both). You must define the exact goals, procedures, tasks and responsibilities of this unit.
  1. Determine procedures and responsibilities
    Goals, procedures, and tasks can be derived from the above mentioned requirements. Assign individuals to the organization. Define the responsibilities of the assigned people. This organization is crucial to the ongoing effectiveness of the SAP system in meeting the company’s business requirements.

Result

Long-term support strategy is defined.