The SAP Blueprint is a detailed description of a company's business processes and system requirements. It is a key implementation document. The SAP Blueprint document shows all the important configuration setting to adapt the ERP to company needs.
A well-defined SAP Blue print acts as a foundation for successful implementation of the SAP system. It includes numbers of activities, events, milestones, and deliverable.
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Consider the case of Norther Territory Government. It implemented SAP to handle its Asset Management System. The original cost was 7.2 million dollars by the actual cost escalated to $70 million. The solution was only 11% fit to purpose and would cost an additional $120 million to fix. Hence, planning the ERP implementation is very important.
The SAP business blueprint focuses on understanding, authenticating and documenting project scope, specifications. It also helps to define its objective conceptually and practically.
Using this methodology, you can create a questionnaire for the system users. You can circulate these to business process & owners. They will fill the questionnaire and return to consultants. This process helps the consultants to understand how business is done and how they can implement the best processes by implementing SAP.
In this process, the entire set of discussions act as a base for SAP implementation. Here, all the details which are mapped related to the business processes should reflect in the documentation file. The success of this phase is largely determined with an effective closure at this point.
Therefore, implementation team should include these activities when finalizing the business process for configuration.
Here is step by step process to create a Blueprint
1. Develop a Process Inventory:
It is a first step for making an inventory of all types of processes. This step may help you to start thinking regarding process orders. Here, you can plan how you can implement your current system. In this stage, you also need to Identify development needs for a custom form, report, enchantment or workflow.
2. Create a foundation for building Business Blueprint:
This stage helps to develop the scope of SAP project. Here, you need to create a plan before beginning working on a new software system. Gather system Security authorizations and enterprise-wide training requirements. The scope definition document helps you define process boundaries. It also provides some basic information about a given process.
3. Create Blueprint
Creating the blueprint involves understanding where a responsibility changes occur between two departments. The step needs to apply the information by explaining which department or individual is working for which part of the process from beginning to end. Here, you also need to define the Master Data by focusing on key integration points and supporting organizational activities.
4. Estimate Time and Cost
Before setting goals for process its vital to have a baseline measurement. In this phase, you need to determine the cost and time of this process. This step also benefits you to define the parameters that will be used to set improvement targets for your organization.
5. Verify the SAP Blue print:
In this phase, it is essential to get feedback from the appropriate colleagues. This allows you to make sure that your created SAP business Blue print should able to reflects reality. This stage also allows you to get the support and suggestion from the all the stakeholders.
6. Deploy Improvement Techniques
Follow organized approach for improving business processes by using methods like evaluating value-added activities, removing redundancy, reducing processing time, and using automation whenever you can. This will, helps you to create business value.
7. Develop Internal Controls and Metrics:
The next step is to create internal control and metrics which helps you track to track your progress. It also allows creating tools to increase the effectiveness and efficiency for implementing SAP business process.
8. Conduct a Trial Run:
It is essential to do the trial run, as it helps you to check the SAP system without the need for larger investment. This step helps you to resolve bugs and make certain that the process works according to your needs.
9. Implement the Changes:
In this step of SAP Blueprint, the newly designed process is rolled out. This step allows you to communicate the right information to the right people. Without this step, it is difficult to the have a success.
10. Follow Continuous Improvement:
In this last stage, you need to follow continuous improvement concept. This stage is all about the establishing a new approach for implementing business process improvements. However, for that, you need to do a frequent evaluation to ensure to its effectiveness.
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Challenges |
Solutions |
|---|---|
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Commitment from company's management |
Be strict. It will influence project timeline & budget |
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Users are unfamiliar with computer & system process. They may forget about some Business processes which may come up later. |
The consultant needs to be more explorative and grill the stakeholders extensively to elicit all processes. |
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Users ability to grab SAP concept |
Adequate training should be provided. |
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The Consultant handles more than one project at same time. |
The consultant should focus on handling one project at a time. For that, you can hire an additional consultant. |