Real projects
SAP implementation projects deliver SAP into a business, from strategy and design through build, test and go-live. Understanding project methodology and phases helps you contribute effectively whatever your role.
Clear scope, fit-to-standard (minimising custom code), strong data migration and testing, change management/user adoption, and disciplined cutover.
- Modern SAP projects use SAP Activate, an agile, phased methodology with prebuilt best-practice content.
- Greenfield: a fresh implementation (clean start).
- Brownfield: convert an existing system (e.g. ECC to S/4HANA) in place.
- Watch out: Over-customising instead of fit-to-standard.
SAP Activate methodology
Modern SAP projects use SAP Activate, an agile, phased methodology with prebuilt best-practice content. Its phases are Discover, Prepare, Explore (fit-to-standard workshops), Realize (build and test), Deploy (go-live) and Run. It favours fitting to standard and iterative delivery over heavy customisation.
Implementation approaches
- Greenfield: a fresh implementation (clean start).
- Brownfield: convert an existing system (e.g. ECC to S/4HANA) in place.
- Selective/hybrid: a mix, migrating chosen data and processes.
What makes projects succeed
Clear scope, fit-to-standard (minimising custom code), strong data migration and testing, change management/user adoption, and disciplined cutover. Most failures come from over-customisation, poor data, weak testing or neglected adoption.
Common pitfalls
- Over-customising instead of fit-to-standard.
- Underestimating data migration and testing.
- Neglecting change management.