Automation is a basic prerequisite

Automation is the only way to minimize workload, save costs and improve application reliability. However, this is where corporate IT departments face one of the biggest challenges: budget.

In many cases, there is simply not enough money to automate the SAP landscape. In order to justify investments in new solutions, therefore, business scenarios must first be developed that demonstrate the positive effects the software tools will have on the return on investment (ROI) - e.g., in the form of lower software and operating costs.

Gartner describes four benefits from automation in its recent report, "Give Your SAP Basis Operations Team the Automation Tools That They Need."

This helps to avoid downtime and reduce the consequences of necessary downtime.

In addition, IT can ensure continuously high SLA (service level agreement) performance and save time and IT infrastructure. In general, two types of activities can be identified with regard to SAP Basis operations - repetitive and recurring actions as well as activities based on SAP projects.

For frequently repeated activities, companies have established different approaches and procedures as standard. Where available, they use SAP automation tools or third-party solutions to reap the benefits of automation.

When it comes to database backup, OS files and storage monitoring, high availability clusters and DR system monitoring, the decision is usually made in favor of an automation tool: SAP Solution Manager.

The situation is different for project-related activities in basic operations, which include the annual SAP system measurement. According to Gartner, SAP's own automation tools are not available here.

And there are few suppliers for automation solutions on the market. The biggest advantage of automation lies in the immense time saved during the annual measurement.

But in fact, you also save costs. What is clear is that IT departments can significantly minimize the annual workload for an SAP system survey with software for SAP license management and optimization.

Another advantage is the cost savings achieved by identifying dormant or double-used SAP licenses. This also makes it possible to avoid additional payments.

SAP package license management solutions can reduce the risk of unplanned expenses by providing IT managers with visibility into actual package license consumption at all times.

In order to achieve long-term cost savings, the SAP license management and optimization software collects detailed SAP usage data and, based on its analysis, suggests the appropriate named user license type for the respective user.

This increases the negotiating leeway when extending license agreements or expanding the system. In this way, the costs saved by license optimization software can be reinvested in other automation solutions for SAP Basis operations.

ITAM Review tested the three leading providers of solutions for SAP software license management and optimization in the group test "SAP License and User Management".

The FlexNet Manager for SAP Applications was awarded "Best in Class"... The solution supports users in maintaining SAP compliance and thus reducing financial risks.

It also makes it easier to understand which license metrics are necessary for which users. Such solutions are an indispensable aid in view of the complexities of SAP licensing. They pick up where SAP's solutions leave off and allow companies to optimize their license inventory.