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Today’s companies must adapt flexibly and swiftly to changing market conditions, customer expectations, and global challenges. This requires modern IT infrastructures and agile processes. A key success factor is the approach taken to implement complex systems.
What is SAP Activate?
SAP Activate provides a unified, modular, and agile methodology for the implementation and continuous evolution of SAP solutions – regardless of whether they are deployed in the cloud, on-premise, or in hybrid environments. The objective is to realise SAP projects faster, more efficiently, and with lower risk.
SAP Activate is built on three core principles:
- Ready-to-run systems based on SAP Best Practices for configuration, documentation, integration, and data migration
- Agile project delivery with frequent feedback cycles
- Use of proven tools, such as SAP Signavio or SAP Cloud ALM, to support both IT and business departments
By using preconfigured content like configuration guides, test scripts, training materials, migration roadmaps, and document templates, project timelines can be significantly shortened. This reduces both total cost of implementation (TCI) and total cost of ownership (TCO).
SAP Activate Methodology – Overview of the Project Phases
The SAP Activate Methodology is divided into six phases. These may vary slightly depending on the implementation scenario but always follow the same phase structure.
Below is an overview of the key content, using a Public Cloud implementation as an example:
Discover Phase
In this phase, the project team gains insight into the functions, benefits, and business value of the SAP solution. The aim is to develop a solid understanding of the scope and potential of the solution.
Prepare Phase
The project is officially launched. Project structures and standards are established, roles are defined, and governance is set up. Initial system environments are prepared, the Business-Driven Configuration Questionnaire is initiated, and preparations are made for the Fit-to-Standard workshops.
Explore Phase
This is where the Fit-to-Standard workshops take place. In this phase:
- Gaps compared to the standard are identified and documented,
- Requirements for master data, organisational structures, and relevant values for system configuration are defined and documented,
- Requirements for interfaces and necessary extensions are defined and documented,
- Additional training is conducted for the project team,
- The test system is provisioned,
- Initial preparations for data migration are made,
- Training needs for the Realize Phase are captured.
In summary, this phase verifies whether the proposed SAP solutions meet the business requirements, and initial preparations for the next phase, Realize, are undertaken. Once the requirements and planning documents are approved, the project moves to the next phase.
Realize Phase
In this phase, the project team implements the solution iteratively in sprints. Functions are configured, extended, integrated, tested, and documented. Regular walkthroughs with business stakeholders ensure that the solution meets the defined requirements. Each sprint result undergoes thorough testing before moving to the next stage. In addition, end users are trained in their respective areas to be fully prepared for go-live.
Deploy Phase
This phase prepares and executes the cutover to the productive system. After go-live, the Hypercare phase begins, during which targeted support is provided. The official project closes at the end of this phase
Run Phase
The solution is now in productive use. A process of continuous improvement begins, where new functionalities are validated and business value is regularly assessed.
Why SAP Activate?
The SAP Activate methodology offers a clearly structured, flexible, and future-proof approach for the successful implementation and transformation of your SAP solutions.
- Increase efficiency. Ensure quality. Reduce complexity:
SAP Activate provides a unified framework with clearly defined standards – for all project stakeholders and every project phase. This ensures your projects are structured, transparent, and successful. - Flexible for any project size:
Whether it’s a rapid cloud implementation or a global rollout, SAP Activate adapts to your project landscape and supports cloud, on-premise, and hybrid scenarios. - Faster time to go-live:
With SAP Best Practices, Fit-to-Standard analysis, and agile project management, you reach your goals faster – with tangible value and shorter project durations. - Transparent approach with clear guidance:
The methodology provides predefined phases, tasks, deliverables, tools (such as SAP Cloud ALM), and templates – ensuring a structured, secure, and traceable implementation. - Proven standards for professional project management:
SAP Activate is fully aligned with international best practices – including systematic quality, risk, and change management. - Supports all project roles:
SAP Activate provides practical tools and content for every project role – from project and change management to architecture and data migration.
Conclusion
This blog article focuses on the application of the SAP Activate methodology for a Public Cloud implementation. Please also read the article Introduction to S/4HANA Public Edition with the SAP Activate Method. However, the method can of course also be applied to other migration scenarios, where the specific activities within each phase may vary slightly.
At PIKON, we combine the SAP Activate methodology with our proven 3-Point Consulting Approach in all our projects. In this approach, we view technology as a critical enabler for simplifying and accelerating business processes. However, to truly realise these benefits, we also need to create the right conditions to actively engage people and inspire them throughout the transformation journey. Only when employees are truly involved and embrace the new technology can an IT project become a real success.
Book your personal meeting
Our Customer Success Manager, Tanja Nikolaus, supports our customers in their projects in the S/4HANA Public Cloud environment and is happy to take care of your concerns.
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