Dynamic Implementation of SAP(R) R/3(R) - Hardcover

Marcus Geiss; Roland Soltysiak

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0201674831 ISBN 13: 9780201674835

Publisher: Addison-Wesley, 2000

Synopsis

The implementation or upgrading of an SAP R/3 system is a complex and highly sophisticated process, in the course of which a number of challenges will inevitably be faced. Drawing on their extensive experience as SAP consultants, Marcus Geiss and Roland Soltysiak present a new dynamic implementation method which has been tested and proven to avoid the common pitfalls associated with the standard SAP procedural model. Over 16,000 SAP R/3 projects have been completed worldwide to date and the companies involved have had to overcome a considerable range of problems common to many large-scale software development or implementation projects: time delays, inflexible planning, non-fulfilment of requirements, dependency on external consulting firms and other associated hazards. Following the principles of the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), the authors explain how to overcome these problems via a requirements-based approach and a new procedural model which their experience has shown to be versatile, collaborative and, above all, highly effective. The book takes a step-by-step look at this model, detailing the specific activities which should be initiated at each phase and showing how best to execute them. It explains how the model works in an iterative and incremental way, building on essential cooperation between IT departments and user areas. Central to the whole cycle is the close attention to quality management and efficient use of the Computer Aided Test Tool (CATT) on individual modules and processes, thereby supporting integration and promoting reliability. The second half of the book consists of an in-depth real-world case study demonstrating the DSDM-based procedure model in practice. This section of the book can be studied with or without reference to the earlier theoretical material, depending on the reader's needs and interests. An invaluable guide for any professional working on the implementation or upgrading of an R/3 system, Dynamic Implementation of SAP R/3 should also be read by IT managers, business leaders and SAP consultants involved in such a project. Benefits of this book: SAP R/3 can be implemented according to a company's actual requirements Evolving requirements can be incorporated more smoothly SAP R/3 will be operational and profitable more quickly Training and consulting expenses are reduced SAP know-how remains within the company Maintenance time is cut Overall implementation costs are cut dramatically. About the authors: Marcus Geiss works on R/3 logistics and APO projects for Mummert + Partner in Europe. Dr Roland Soltysiak is an information manager with Henkel KGaA in Germany and part-time lecturer in software quality management and SAP at Duisburg University. Together, they are the original developers of the dynamic implementation model described in the book.

About this title

From the Back Cover

DYNAMIC IMPLEMENTATION OF SAP R/3
Marcus Geiss and Roland Soltysiak

The implementation or upgrading of an SAP R/3 system is a complex and highly

sophisticated process, in the course of which a number of challenges will inevitably

be faced. Drawing on their extensive experience as SAP consultants, Marcus Geiss

and Roland Soltysiak present a new dynamic implementation method which has been

tested and proven to avoid the common pitfalls associated with the standard

SAP procedural model.

Over 16,000 SAP R/3 projects have been completed worldwide to date and the

companies involved have had to overcome a considerable range of problems common

to many large-scale software development or implementation projects: time delays,

inflexible planning, non-fulfilment of requirements, dependency on external

consulting firms and other associated hazards. Following the principles of the

Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), the authors explain how to overcome

these problems via a requirements-based approach and a new procedural model

which their experience has shown to be versatile, collaborative and, above all,

highly effective.

The book takes a step-by-step look at this model, detailing the specific activities

which should be initiated at each phase and showing how best to execute them.

It explains how the model works in an iterative and incremental way, building

on essential cooperation between IT departments and user areas. Central to the

whole cycle is the close attention to quality management and efficient use of

the Computer Aided Test Tool (CATT) on individual modules and processes, thereby

supporting integration and promoting reliability.

The second half of the book consists of an in-depth real-world case study demonstrating

the DSDM-based procedure model in practice. This section of the book can be

studied with or without reference to the earlier theoretical material, depending

on the reader's needs and interests.

An invaluable guide for any professional working on the implementation or upgrading

of an R/3 system, Dynamic Implementation of SAP R/3 should also be read by IT

managers, business leaders and SAP consultants involved in such a project.

Benefits of this book:
· SAP R/3 can be implemented according to a company's actual requirements
· Evolving requirements can be incorporated more smoothly
· SAP R/3 will be operational and profitable more quickly
· Training and consulting expenses are reduced
· SAP know-how remains within the company
· Maintenance time is cut
· Overall implementation costs are cut dramatically.

About the authors:
Marcus Geiss works on R/3 logistics and APO projects for Mummert + Partner in

Europe.
Dr Roland Soltysiak is an information manager with Henkel KGaA in Germany and

part-time lecturer in software quality management and SAP at Duisburg University.
Together, they are the original developers of the dynamic implementation model

described in the book. 0201674831B04062001

From the Inside Flap

Preface

In 1995, a consortium in Great Britain first published the Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), which focused on the following principles:
A Active user involvement is imperative.
B DSDM teams must be empowered to make decisions.
C The focus is on frequent delivery of products.
D Fitness for business purpose is the essential criterion for acceptance of deliverables.
E Iterative and incremental development is necessary to converge on an accurate business solution.
F All changes during development are reversible.
G Requirements are baselined at a high level.
H Testing is integrated throughout the life cycle.
A collaborative and cooperative approach between all stakeholders is essential.

Now, more than 1,000 companies belong to this DSDM consortium, and an international roll-out of the method is being prepared. The enthusiasm for this new method was the motivation to develop a DSDM- based procedure model to realize SAP R/3 projects. Naturally, DSDM principles also guided us in the creation of this book. We concentrated on the following goals:
l On-time delivery
l Largest possible benefits for the reader

We achieved the first goal. With regard to the second, we would like to encourage the reader to send us criticism or suggestions for improvements regarding this first edition of the book, so that we can include the improvements, remove any errors and thus meet the dynamic requirements of the reader.
E-Mail: Marcus.Geiss@mummert.de
E-Mail: Roland.Soltysiak@henkel.de

At this point, we would like to thank all those involved with the success of the book project. The Addison Wesley team played an important role here, supporting us from the first day to the last day of the book project, and were always available to answer questions. In particular, we would like to thank Mr James Kimathi whose professional support was very helpful in the creation of the case study.

I would also like to thank my employer, Mummert + Partner Unternehmensberatung AG, who were very interested and provided much support for the book project. This applies particularly to Mr Franz T. MŸller and Mr Hans Werner PŸttmann who provided me with sufficient time, particularly in the very stressful end-phase of the book project, and so permitted the book to be completed on time.

My special thanks go to Ginevra, my love, who, despite all the time sacrifices, always supported, encouraged and motivated me.
Cologne, October 1998
Marcus Geiss

My thanks go to all managers and colleagues at HENKEL KGaA and the ICM consultancy, from whom I learnt so much about the SAP R/3 system and the importance of human factors in projects.

My special thanks go to my dear wife, Sabine, who took care of me with so much understanding.
Duisburg, October 1998
Roland Soltysiak
0201674831P04062001

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison-Wesley
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0201674831
• ISBN 13: 9780201674835
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 247