Just like any other software, SAP also requires timely upgrades to ensure its functioning is as per the business expectations. Besides, upgrading the SAP systems will also enhance performance and efficiency, with reduced server downtime, functional faults, and service degradation. However, without appropriate planning, you cannot simply charge head-on and initiate the up-gradation process. If so, it can lead to a mess, like inaccessibility of the system, higher server downtime, or introduction of blocker bugs.
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So, it would be best for every professional to follow a thoroughly explained SAP upgrade guide to prevent any error, loss of data, or irregular system behavior. From knowing the importance of SAP up-gradation to understanding the pre and post-system requirements, there is a lot to do. Considering this, we have elaborated on several aspects of the upgrade of SAP in this following discussion for you to complete the process with no hiccups.
Benefits of upgrading the SAP version
First, you should have a complete idea about updating the SAP version before starting the procedure. This way, you won’t struggle with making the call at the needed time.
- Enhanced security: With each version upgrade release, the security protocols and encryption algorithms are updated to match the industry requirements. Since you will be handling confidential datasets of any project on the SAP system, it is better if you upgrade the version on time to avoid any security conflict. This will also reduce the chances of cybercrimes and data breaches in case of a backdoor in your current SAP version.
- Improved performance and efficiency: Undoubtedly, the SAP version upgrade will help you work with better efficiency. If there is any slowness in the system you are currently using, the upgrades will reduce the evaluation and response time, ensuring the overall system performance is enhanced.
- Accessibility to new features: In several SAP upgrades, new features are added while the obsolete ones are removed permanently. It can be the app’s UI feature or compatibility with external applications. Nevertheless, the upgrade is crucial since you need access to improved and new features to complete the tasks and deliver the results per business expectations.
- Uninterrupted support: When you continue using the older SAP version, you might no longer receive appropriate technical support. So, it is better to upgrade the version so that you can ask for unhindered support to work on the SAP system without negatively impacting the overall deliverability.
Step-by-Step Guide for SAP Upgrade
When you want to install the SAP latest version 2022, it is better to follow the proper steps to avoid any mishap with the system. In the below section, we have described the entire process of upgrading the SAP system version in clear steps.
1. Pre-upgrade planning and activities
Before you even begin the upgrade process, there must be proper planning of all the activities. These include making a backup copy of the projects handled on the current SAP version, checking the device configuration and the latest changes in the software config attributes, database and system upgrades, etc. Also, you can create a reference or duplicate system environment and migrate the existing project to make handling any post-upgrade system conflict easier.
2. Carrying on with the upgrades
It’s time to upgrade once you finish making the backup environment for the existing SAP system. Following are the steps to be carried on for the upgrade:
- First, install your system’s new SAP new version from its official site. It is better not to rely on any other site as the application setup file can be pirated.
- Once done, configure the downloaded app version according to the system requirements and the configuration attributes mentioned on the official site of SAP.
- Set up a migration schedule so the old system data can be easily transferred to the new version without hassle. If there is any issue with data migration, resolve it first and then access the older datasets from the replicated environment version you created.
- After importing the data to the new system, schedule a testing procedure to conduct end-to-end analysis. This way, you won’t have to worry about system functionality faults.
You can even conduct multiple upgrade runs to find the smallest issues within the new system and remediate them on time to avoid system downtime and functional or behavioral failure.
3. Verification and UAT schedule
After conducting the first level of testing on the new SAP system, verify if all the system and project datasets are imported correctly. You can check the file’s condition, and if there is any merge or build conflict, get it resolved instantly to prevent further corruption. Additionally, you should conduct detailed user acceptance testing or UAT based on real-time scenarios. Here, you will handle real-time customer data and scenarios that the new system performs as per the business requirements with no major blocker issue.
4. Go live and post-production support
After conducting the UAT, you can release the application to the production environment if you are satisfied with the SAP current version. Arrange a proper deployment schedule to ensure you won’t have to worry about conflicts in code and version merges. Ensure the system is thoroughly tested before deploying the system packages and containers to production.
Challenges of SAP Upgrade
While upgrading the SAP system, you might come across a few challenges, like:
- Compatibility issues of the new system version and the existing OS and device configuration
- Coordination problems of SAP system upgrade with other activities scheduled for the software development life cycle
- Encountering potential disruptions in the system functions and performance, including server downtime, blocker issues in workflows, and crashing of the OS
- Upskilling the team to use the latest upgraded version of SAP with new and modified features
Plan early and carry out SAP upgrades to fulfill business expectations
Since upgrading SAP is inevitable, it is better not to stall the process. Instead, what you can do is begin planning for the process beforehand and get the replicated system ready at the earliest. Once the upgrades are released, you can start installing the new version and scheduling the test suites. Ensure all the functionalities are checked thoroughly before you deploy the system, containers, and packages to the production environment. Even though upgrading SAP with this guide seems easier, taking a professional’s help doesn’t sound bad. So, you can connect with Gowide as we offer comprehensive IT services, including SAP Commerce Cloud upgrade and testing.
