This reference book serves as an essential collection of insights, procedures, processes and tools that help you unlock the full potential of your SAP systems. First, hit the ground running with a detailed introduction to SAP NetWeaver and the mySAP Business Suite. Then, elevate your mastery of key concepts such as system architecture, security, Change and Transport Management, to name just a few. All of the practical advice and detailed information provided is with a clear focus on helping you guide your team to achieve a faster return on investment.

The authors place a strong emphasis on architecture, software, service and support, as well as solution management — each of which is thoroughly examined. Readers will also acquire an extensive understanding of concepts related to the optimization of key business processes by learning about performance, System Landscape Optimization (SLO), Workflow/WebFlow, and much more. This indispensable and easy-to-read guide can be consulted again and again.

Table of Contents

Foreword ... 9
Introduction ... 11

1. Overview of SAP Solutions and their optimization potential ... 17

... 1.1 The SAP Product-range ... 17
... 1.2 What is SAP NetWeaver? ... 20
... 1.3 The components of SAP NetWeaver ... 22
... 1.4 mySAP Business Suite solutions ... 35
... 1.5 SAP Solutions for medium sized businesses ... 43
... 1.6 SAP xApps ... 45
... 1.7 Solutions for different industries ... 46
... 1.8 SAP Solutions for optimization of the SAP Landscape ... 49

2. SAP Architecture concepts ... 55

... 2.1 SAP System architecture ... 55
... 2.2 Security ... 72
... 2.3 Change and Transport Management ... 75
... 2.4 SAP NetWeaver ... 81
... 2.5 SAP System landscapes ... 87
... 2.6 Lifecycle Management ... 95
... 2.7 Solution Management ... 102
... 2.8 Summary ... 109

3. Optimization of SAP System architecture ... 111

... 3.1 Optimization rate ... 112
... 3.2 Conversion of an optimization concept ... 127
... 3.3 SAP's TCO initiatives ... 134

4. Optimization of Service & Support ... 137

... 4.1 Approach ... 140
... 4.2 Optimization project ... 148
... 4.3 Examples and scenarios

5. Optimization of business processes ... 169

... 5.1 Methods and approaches ... 169
... 5.2 Performance optimization.. 171
... 5.3 System Landscape Optimization (SLO) ... 175
... 5.4 Business Workflow/WebFlow ... 181
... 5.5 Reverse Business Engineering ... 190
... 5.6 SAP Exchange Infrastructure (XI) ... 194
... 5.7 Generic Business Process Redesign 197

6. The way to a Realtime company ... 205

... 6.1 Motivation ... 205
... 6.2 Business process monitoring through Reporting ... 206
... 6.3 Business process monitoring through Realtime Business Monitoring ... 207
... 6.4 Granular Key Performance Indicators 214
... 6.5 Summary ... 216

7. Summary ... 219

8. Management Summary ... 223

Appendix

... A. Sources and further literature ... 225
... B. The authors ... 229

Index ... 233