I was hoping you could shed some light on something that I have been contemplating.
The issue is about whether a single, business view should be synched to SolMan, or whether independant Business and SAP views (tied together at Transaction Code level) should be built, and the SAP view synched to SolMan. What are the pro's and con's of each approach, and what should be in place for each to be ready for Synchronisation. We unfortunately do not have local reference sites that we can ask. I have my own opinions on this, but would really appreciate your input.
Thanks
Dieter
1 Reply
-
Dieter,
It has been our experience that you get the most benefit by utilizing a Process Classification Framework (PCF) while leveraging the SAP Business Process Repository.
We have been very successful by utilizing APQC's Framework (http://www.apqc.org) and SCOR (http://supply-chain.org). These frameworks will provide a baseline for a top-down approach for classification, hierarchy and process definition. Additionally, they provide a comprehensive view of your Enterprise Process Architecture, not just your SAP Processes.
Once you have established your Process scope, then you can align your SAP Process Steps (including Transactions) in each of your Processes. This will ensure that you will have high level Business alignment at the Scenario and Process Levels, while keeping Process Steps and Transactions aligned with SAP. It will also provide a foundation once you decide to bring additional processes into scope or you have additional projects.
Considerations:
- Even if a Process utilizes one single Transaction in SAP, it must be part of a Scenario. Therefore, a separate Scenario or Process might have to be created to accommodate the Process Step associated with the Transaction.
- You will gain better visibility and alignment from the Process names in the Framework - Manage Sales Order vs. Standard Sales Order in ERP.
- You will leverage the benefits of both to suit your needs.
- The same approach can be utilized if you chose EA Frameworks (i.e. Zachman, TOGAF, etc.)
I hope this helps,
Erick Argueta
Visual Enterprise Architecture