DevOps: Why is it a Necessary Asset for SAP Application

DevOps is a combination of two terms Development and Operations. It is an innovative smart work culture that helps in establishing collaboration with the Development and Operations team while designing software or deploying code. It speeds up the development process allowing the business to serve its customers seamlessly and comprehensively.

As more and more companies are realizing the benefits of DevOps, they are already starting to ponder about implementing DevOps into the intelligent SAP ERP system. So when DevOps gets integrated with SAP, you can expect a major transformation in your business setup and operations. Similarly, if you are planning to migrate to SAP S/4 HANA or cloud, the smart DevOps will help you in gaining the competitive advantage and instigates speed, security, and agility.  Indeed, the combination of development and operations has supported various organizations around the globe that were suffering from the slow pace of traditional SAP development processes.

If you are using the SAP system and application, you must be aware that the ERP module goes through a continuous change. According to research, about 90% of the Fortune 500 Companies and 80% of the Global 2000 Firms have already started to use Chef tool to manage the DevOps tasks for non-system systems. However, these companies also use SAP and one of their main challenges is to improve their performance and productivity. They don’t want to lack behind when it comes to suffice the demands of the customers.

Let’s explain it with a viable example. Suppose you want to bring a change to your SAP mobile application according to market demand. To make the change, you need to depend on SAP updates and adopt a wait-and-watch policy. But considering the competitive business scenario, you cannot wait for too long or else lack behind in the race. So this is where DevOps can come to your rescue. It provides you with a platform where you can develop applications in a shorter time without compromising the quality of the app and reducing the risks and threats.

SAP’s Three-Level Pathway for DevOps

DevOps is not a simplified process and it requires the development and operations team to work together collaboratively to develop software. But SAP offers some supporting tools that help in the process. For instance, it has launched SAP Focus Solutions along with an agile DevOps process and tools like the Readiness Solutions dashboard that helps the developers create visual cues. Furthermore, control automation tools such as SAP Solutions Manager help a great deal in reducing the obstruction related to the adoption of SAP DevOps.

If you can put the tools in the right place, the next job is to set up a three-level pathway to DevOps. It includes-

• Creating a multi-speed method to manage the SAP changes appropriately
• Bring more agility to the development approach
• Migrate to DevOps Approach

Creating a Multi-Speed Methodology to Cater With SAP Change

The SAP Consultants have to vary their speed while managing the software within the SAP applications. It means some parts of the software are managed more quickly, while others may require time and attention. But all SAP changes are not slow and do not offer a torpid result when controlling and managing the delivery of system or record changes.

The multi-task process helps you to control the speed of change without taking any further risks. You can separate the type of change needed basing on its category along with its delivery and approval track. The SAP Solutions Manager offers change management tools using which you can make the changes.

You will have to categorize tasks based on the types of changes due to potential influence. Next, run each of the types to its delivery and track record. It must be noted that the low impact will have faster tracks requiring less testing and fewer approvals as compared to slower tracks.

Bring More Agility in Development Approach

It is a phase based on a multi-track launch approach where you can divide the work categories to streamline the process. The task involves implementing a continuous process or delivery to introduce agile development methodologies. Apart from that, there are tools like SAP Test Suite, that assist in test and development automation and reduce the risks related factors.  

Building a multi-track release methodology allows the Project Management Office team to plan, manage and monitor their activities. The simple tasks are completed at a quick pace and the challenging one needs to be done properly.

Migrate to DevOps with Professional Approach

In the third stage, the developers get thoroughly familiar with the best Agile practices and tools to integrate and deliver constantly. With more departments of the company, start using DevOps, you can reap more benefits that will enhance your productivity and profitability.

How DevOps Influences the SAP Development Lifecycle

Before we go into this question, it’s important to note that you cannot manage SAP applications, unlike other IT systems. The DevOps also follow the same fundamental requirements. For instance, the standard DevOps tool will not support SAP requirements.

However, DevOps can still influence SAP development lifecycle. The SAP change process gets a boost from tools helping to streamline various tasks such as audit, governance, workflows, and approvals. However, if we talk about DevOps for SAP, it is relatively different due to its architecture. So, you won’t receive any support from traditional tools and you have to adopt a specific technical automation tool to manage and integrate continuous delivery.

Enhancement in Quality Development

A robust development process along with a clearly defined business goal is pivotal for the speedy delivery of the project. You need to focus on quality and ensure that all steps in the development process have been thoroughly followed and checked. It will save you extra expenditure such as the costly downtime issue. You can test the codes, the automated units, quality, performance, and security updates. The closer you get involved with the project, the better you will be able to understand the customer’s needs. The integration of SAP with other IT systems ensures improved quality assessment and operations.

Continuous Integration Ensures Successful Deployment Change

If you go for continuous integration, it helps in successfully deploying the changes to test any downstream system without taking any risks. Choose what you want to deploy to maintain a good rhythm.  Don’t get hooked into long release cycles. You also need to focus on controls and automation tools, which must be put in the right place.

Moreover, various SAP delivery issues can be avoided through sequencing, dependencies, and checking the changes. More agility means faster delivery processes. You can deploy changes automatically without waiting for a full release.

Not Breaking the Current System

You need to make sure that your current systems do not break when you are deploying the features into the development. Also, go for constant testing to ensure that changes are regularly tested automatically using the regression test process. It will help in boosting your confidence during the migration process as your system won’t face any technical issues or any other unexpected downtime when changes are deployed into a live system.

Reduce the Influence on Production

There is apprehension in the minds of the developers that the live system operation disruption during SAP deployment can stop the business. However, if you have stern control and indulge in continuous deployment, you can make safe and automatic changes. If at all you face any issue, it will not impact your business and minimize the influence of change-related downtime.

DevOps Influences the Role of Employees

DevOps influences the role of the staff and employees just as it is bringing changes in the tooling and process. The work culture of the company has become more dynamic with the introduction of multi-skilled and cross-functional teams, which have replaced the traditional teams that worked on separate projects.

DevOps and SAP Integration: What Are the Implications

Now, let’s discuss what are the possible implications of DevOps and SAP integration.

It Promotes Faster Innovation

First and foremost, it promotes digital innovation where the business process gets faster with much more improved quality and resilience. It further helps the business to deliver better results and more responsive SAP applications.

Quickly Align with the Business Requirements

The IT systems become more user-friendly to suit the business requirements. The developers can add new features in the applications and even update the existing services delivering more value to the customers. The business gains agility and can change accordingly based on market conditions.

Bringing Automation

The SAP DevOps integration automates business functionalities that reduce the chances of committing errors and minimize the risk factors.

Continuous Delivery

Lastly, the DevOps SAP integration allows the systems to change on a continuous note. It helps them to match the exceptions and standards of the customers. The collaboration between the development and operations team provides fast and frequent checkpoints.

Come Implement DevOps for SAP

The business landscape is quickly changing where it needs to respond in real-time to the customer’s needs.  Adopting DevOps for SAP applications brings flexibility to implement the changes Moreover, it also has brought speed, quality improvements, and reduce risks.

If you want to enable the DevOps approach, for your SAP application, get in touch with the SAP experts today.