Automate the automation process

When it comes to automation in the SAP context, a step-by-step introduction has emerged as best practice with the aim of consistent end-to-end automation. The first stage involves automating individual systems and processes, such as provisioning and configuration. This is followed by scaling across teams and architectures as well as centralized management of inventory and playbooks. The highest level is end-to-end automation across silo boundaries - from SAP systems to peripheral systems such as ticket systems or authentication providers. Even at the first level, quick wins can be achieved, the efficiency gains of which are ideally reinvested in strategic goals. The goal is holistic automation, not selective optimization. Cross-functional use cases, such as collaboration between infrastructure, base and virtualization teams, are essential. If individual areas use isolated toolchains, scaling potential remains untapped.

Automation strategy with Ansible

A very good example is the implementation of an automation strategy with Ansible, as presented as part of a customer implementation at the last Ansible user meeting. Here, even the automation is automated: Internal customers use ServiceNow to create a new Ansible project. All necessary templates, roles, connections and cost center assignments are created automatically. Several hundred projects, workflows and thousands of hosts are now integrated. However, the steps towards centralizing automation processes and orchestrating entire automation workflows are often not taken in the SAP environment, as there is sometimes a knowledge gap and a somewhat higher planning effort is also required. However, the potential should not remain untapped.

The latest version of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform in particular offers numerous optimizations that provide companies with decisive relief. These include an improved interface for a consistent user experience for operators, developers and platform administrators. An important new feature is also Quick Starts, an interactive step-by-step guide for a quick introduction to important tasks and functions of Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform.

This allows new users in the company to get started using the platform quickly and easily. In addition, more flexible configuration and installation options on a container basis are also available for SAP. The integration of silo-specific tools is also much easier to implement with the new version than in the past.

Carry on halfway

Ansible's range of services is constantly growing - with well over a hundred content collections now available. The new
"Out of the Box" collections include advanced features for optimal use of Event-Driven Ansible and more effective centralization of authentication, authorization and accounting.

SAP users have already achieved a lot in terms of automation. However, no one should stop halfway, but rather make full use of the possibilities offered by Ansible. Ideally, companies should make the basic strategic technological decision today to move beyond the initial phases of automation and pursue the goal of end-to-end automation. SAP users can take an example from the world outside SAP, where this path has often already been taken with great success.

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