What is the ASAP Methodology?

ASAP Methodology (Accelerated SAP) is a standard SAP related project

preparation and systems implementation method, developed and updated by
consultants that are involved in implementing SAP software products. This
methodology is also useful for project managers and others who implement
systems that support business processes.
The purpose of ASAP is to help project management design SAP implementation
in the most efficient manner possible, by effectively optimizing time, people,
quality, and other resources. Using the ASAP methodology, project
management provides the roadmap for optimizing and continuous implementation
of SAP systems in business processes. This solution was developed to guarantee
a successful, cost-effective and on-time delivery of all project solutions.
Developed by SAP (System Applications and Products) in order to optimize
business suites, this framework streamlines the use of methods, tools,
accelerators, and templates that were originally developed for SAP projects.

What is the ASAP Methodology Framework?

The Accelerated SAP methodology framework consists of five phases of
implementation; each phase of the roadmap provides detailed plans to assist in
documentation, recommendations, and implementation of SAP systems. Each
phase of the process ends with a quality check that helps monitor the deliverables
and other factors of critical success. Below is a brief description of each phase of
the ASAP methodology roadmap

Phase 1: Project Preparation

This phase focuses on the initial planning and preparation to set ASAP goals. The
phase typically follows these three steps:

1. Clarify scope of implementation

2. Establish the team — committees, teams (core, project and consulting)
3. Define the sequence of project implementation

Phase 2: Business Blueprint

The aim of this phase is to arrive at a common understanding concerned with the
procedures intended to support the project. The Business Blueprint is a detailed
document containing all requirements derived during initial brainstorming and
initiation meetings. This is also where the project team revises its objectives and
goals while setting a schedule for each.
Phase 3: Realization
This phase builds on Phase 2; it’s focused on implementing all business process
requirements. In this phase, project managers should attain signoff from
stakeholders. Two work packages define the system configuration methodology:

1. Baseline, concerned with the major scope.

2. Final Configuration, concerned with the remaining scope

Phase 4: Final Preparation

The final preparation involves testing, system management, cut over activities,
end-user training, and all other tasks that are required to go live. Successful
completion of Final Preparation ensures that the organization is ready to begin
using the new system.

Phase 5: Go Live and Support

This phase is the journey from a pre-production environment to a live project
operation. The most critical elements in this phase are related to production
support setup, monitoring system transactions, and optimizing system
performance.

Advantages of ASAP Methodology

The ASAP Methodology covers the entire project lifecycle from the initial
evaluation through post-project management. The ASAP roadmap also ensures a
transparent value delivery system that consistently reflects upon business care
while acting as a guide for SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) and BPM
(Business Process Management).

 Proven, transparent approach that facilitates the project team to collaborate

efficiently—reducing implementation costs, time, and risks
 Sensible risk management
 Better knowledge management: ASAP helps project management organize,
implement, and meet business objectives
 Steering committee tools
 Better results because ASAP methodology is based on the experience of others —the
roadmap requires both soft skills and hard facts
 Project times may be reduced
 Better communications planning
 Combination of best practice tools including ITIL, PMI, Internal SAP, and others

Conclusion
ASAP is increasingly being used in project management practices. To learn more
about project management, consider Simplilearn’s world-class project
management courses. Our project management training is facilitated by industry
professionals with at least 10 years of experience.