Upgrade
Quick answer
The biggest upgrade risk is usually custom code and modifications.
Key takeaways
- An upgrade updates the SAP software (release and/or support packages) using the Software Update Manager (SUM).
- The Maintenance Planner determines the target stack and generates the correct, compatible files.
- Read the release/upgrade notes and compatibility matrix.
- Watch out: Underestimating custom-code adjustment (SPAU/SPDD).
What an upgrade involves
An upgrade updates the SAP software (release and/or support packages) using the Software Update Manager (SUM). It may include database and kernel updates, and it can affect custom code and configuration, which must be adjusted and re-tested. Upgrades run through the landscape (DEV first, then QAS, then PRD) like any change.
Planning with the Maintenance Planner
The Maintenance Planner determines the target stack and generates the correct, compatible files. It ensures the components you upgrade to actually work together, a prerequisite for a clean SUM run.
Custom code and testing
The biggest upgrade risk is usually custom code and modifications. SPAU/SPDD handle adjusting modified SAP objects during the upgrade, and thorough regression testing in QAS confirms nothing broke. Plan time for both.
Safe execution
- Read the release/upgrade notes and compatibility matrix.
- Upgrade DEV → QAS → PRD, testing at each stage.
- Back up before upgrading production, with a rollback plan.
Common pitfalls
- Underestimating custom-code adjustment (SPAU/SPDD).
- Skipping regression testing in QAS.
- No backup/rollback before the production upgrade.
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Check your understanding
Which statement is true of Upgrade?
- A. VA01 is the SAP transaction code for Create Sales Order (SD).
- B. Asset Accounting (AA) is the FI sub-ledger for managing fixed assets, from acquisition through depreciation…
- C. It may include database and kernel updates, and it can affect custom code and configuration, which must be…
Show answer
C. It may include database and kernel updates, and it can affect custom code and configuration, which must be…
Covered in the “What an upgrade involves” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to Upgrade?
- A. Wrong tool for the integration style.
- B. Upgrades run through the landscape (DEV first, then QAS, then PRD) like any change.
- C. Using the wrong variant (e.g. create vs change vs display).
Show answer
B. Upgrades run through the landscape (DEV first, then QAS, then PRD) like any change.
Covered in the “What an upgrade involves” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Upgrade?
- A. SAP examples
- B. SAP projects
- C. SAP installation
Show answer
C. SAP installation
This lesson sits in the SAP installation section of the Learn SAP course.