ASAP Methodology

ASAP Methodology (Accelerated SAP) is a standard SAP related project preparation and systems implementation method, developed and updated by consultants that are involved in implementing SAP software products.

The purpose of ASAP is to help project management design SAP implementation in the most efficient manner possible, by effectively optimizing time, people, quality, and other resources. Using the ASAP methodology, project management provides the roadmap for optimizing and continuous implementation of SAP systems in business processes. This solution was developed to guarantee a successful, cost-effective and on-time delivery of all project solutions. Developed by SAP (System Applications and Products) in order to optimize business suites, this framework streamlines the use of methods, tools, accelerators, and templates that were originally developed for SAP projects.

What is the ASAP Methodology Framework?

The Accelerated SAP methodology framework consists of five phases of implementation; each phase of the roadmap provides detailed plans to assist in documentation, recommendations, and implementation of SAP systems. Each phase of the process ends with a quality check that helps monitor the deliverables and other factors of critical success. Below is a brief description of each phase of the ASAP methodology roadmap

Phase 1: Project Preparation

This phase focuses on the initial planning and preparation to set ASAP goals. The phase typically follows these three steps:

1. Clarify scope of implementation
2. Establish the team — committees, teams (core, project and consulting)
3. Define the sequence of project implementation

Phase 2: Business Blueprint

The aim of this phase is to arrive at a common understanding concerned with the procedures intended to support the project. The Business Blueprint is a detailed document containing all requirements derived during initial brainstorming and initiation meetings. This is also where the project team revises its objectives and goals while setting a schedule for each.

Phase 3: Realization

This phase builds on Phase 2; it’s focused on implementing all business process requirements. In this phase, project managers should attain signoff from stakeholders. Two work packages define the system configuration methodology:

1. Baseline, concerned with the major scope.
2. Final Configuration, concerned with the remaining scope.

Phase 4: Final Preparation

The final preparation involves testing, system management, cut over activities, end-user training, and all other tasks that are required to go live. Successful completion of Final Preparation ensures that the organization is ready to begin using the new system.

Phase 5: Go Live and Support

This phase is the journey from a pre-production environment to a live project operation. The most critical elements in this phase are related to production support setup, monitoring system transactions, and optimizing system performance.

Advantages of ASAP Methodology

The ASAP Methodology covers the entire project lifecycle from the initial evaluation through post-project management. The ASAP roadmap also ensures a transparent value delivery system that consistently reflects upon business care while acting as a guide for SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) and BPM (Business Process Management).

• Proven, transparent approach that facilitates the project team to collaborate efficiently—reducing implementation costs, time, and risks
• Sensible risk management
• Better knowledge management: ASAP helps project management organize, implement, and meet business objectives
• Steering committee tools
• Better results because ASAP methodology is based on the experience of others—the roadmap requires both soft skills and hard facts
• Project times may be reduced
• Better communications planning
• Combination of best practice tools including ITIL, PMI, Internal SAP, and others