Due diligence for SAP Rise projects
This is because the Hana in-memory solution offers a speed booster that makes the use of artificial intelligence or big data analysis possible in the first place thanks to near real-time processes. What is often still unclear, however, is how to get there. An on-prem deployment in your own data center is just as possible for S/4 Hana as a move to the cloud. Most companies will opt for a cloud migration for cost and efficiency reasons - also because this gives them significantly more flexibility.
Rise with SAP or MSP
Two basic options are available for the cloud variant: the Rise with SAP offering and direct cloud services from external providers. External service providers acting as Managed Services Providers (MSP) offer deployment and operating services for S/4 Cloud installations. They also provide extensive accompanying services that go far beyond SAP's support for its own offering and are therefore of crucial importance. S/4 Hana Cloud therefore does not necessarily mean S/4 in the SAP Cloud.
With the announcements in July 2023 and at the DSAG Annual Congress to deploy future-oriented innovations exclusively within its cloud product lines, SAP undoubtedly wants to increase sales of Rise with SAP. Nevertheless, it is advisable not to make any hasty long-term commitments in this matter, not even because of the recently announced SAP credits and discounts. Instead, companies should follow the progress of the ongoing discussions. From an infrastructural perspective, there are few reasons why pioneering cloud solutions can only be operated exclusively on SAP's hyperscaler infrastructure.
But why the skepticism? The one-stop-shop principle is impressive at first glance. However, the scope of service is very standardized and therefore limited. Rise does not adequately meet individual needs. Although SAP promises stable basic operation and takes care of critical system updates, it leaves it up to the companies to check and implement the less urgent or optional updates.
When it comes to safety, the customer's own responsibility also comes to the fore. They are responsible for checking the relevance of safety instructions, planning the necessary steps and implementing them in good time. In contrast to working with an MSP, where regular quality checks and the associated feedback meetings are standard, Rise does not offer such check-ups. This forces companies to deal with potential system risks on their own initiative. In most cases, the necessary expertise and personnel must be purchased. There are also extra costs for accompanying services, regardless of whether these are provided internally or via third-party providers.
What's more, Rise turns the system into a kind of black box in which any errors and problems are difficult to localize. Nevertheless, the responsibilities are clearly defined in the contract. The analysis of performance problems is the responsibility of the customer, unless another of the now numerous additional packages is purchased.
ERP monitoring
Companies can overcome these difficulties - with a well thought-out monitoring strategy that centers around a monitoring tool. It is crucial that this is certified by SAP. It should also be compatible with all forms of S/4, whether on-premise or in the cloud, including the Rise-with-SAP solution.
Such monitoring tools, for example PowerConnect for SAP, provide real-time insights and help to identify failures early and preventively. At the same time, they minimize the time required for troubleshooting.
Rise certainly has advantages, but by no means for all existing SAP customers. In contrast, MSPs are able to create customized offers. So it makes sense to seek additional opinions, as the benefits of a cloud strategy can be realized without being tied to a specific provider.
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