SAP Basis Automation: A Guide to Boosting Efficiency

In a world where the speed of business operations and efficiency of IT systems represent crucial competitive advantages, automating SAP Basos processes is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. This article is aimed at those who have so far only dealt with the topic of SAP Basis automation peripherally and now wish to understand the opportunities and possibilities it can open up for their company. We will guide you through the basics of automation in the SAP environment, show you how to make your processes more efficient, thereby saving not only time and costs but also increasing the satisfaction of your employees. Continue reading to learn how automation can help lead your company to long-term success.

What is SAP Automation?

SAP process automation refers to the use of technologies that allow users to perform manual, repetitive SAP processes automatically. Specifically, SAP automation involves the use of specialized software and technologies to simplify and accelerate workflows.

The goal is to reduce operating costs by increasing efficiency and minimizing manual errors.
Through automation, companies can deploy their resources more effectively by automating routine tasks such as system monitoring, system maintenance (e.g. updates/patches), and creating status reports. In other words: Recurring tasks are set up once with the correct parameters using a software tool and then run (fully) automated, instead of having to be performed manually each time.

By using an SAP automation tool such as EPOS, companies can optimize SAP processes, improve accuracy, reduce error rates, and shorten processing times, which ultimately leads to increased productivity and system availability.

Which SAP Basis tasks can be automated?

The SAP Basis serves as the technical foundation of the SAP architecture, and as such, there are numerous aspects suitable for automation. These include routine tasks such as system monitoring, system maintenance like parameter settings, updating certificates, database management, user administration, and updating system components such as security notes.

The list of automation possibilities is long: from database patches, updates, and upgrades of SAP components, to starting, stopping, and restarting individual SAP instances and systems, to creating SAP system copies, audits, reporting, and validating and implementing SAP Notes – (almost) everything is possible. However, one thing is certain: through SAP Basis automation, these processes can be carried out more efficiently, faster, and with fewer errors than with manual execution.

Click here for a comprehensive list of all EPOS automation and reporting functionalities.

What advantages do companies gain from automating their SAP processes?

SAP Basis Teams are an indispensable part of companies that use SAP. But often, these teams are understaffed or burdened with repetitive tasks that are well-suited for automation software. The automation potential encompasses a wide range of tasks that traditionally require a lot of time and manual effort.

Automated systems can perform tasks faster and with fewer errors than human operators, leading not only to increased system availability but also to improved productivity and employee satisfaction, by allowing them to devote more time and energy to their core work.

Is investing in SAP Automation Software worth it?

Given the impending shortage of skilled workers in the SAP field, which is set to be exacerbated by the retirement wave of experienced SAP experts, investing in SAP automation software is becoming increasingly important. Young SAP professionals entering the job market are often not sufficiently qualified to replace retiring employees directly.

Here, SAP automation software can play a crucial role. By simplifying complicated or labor-intensive processes and centralizing knowledge storage, automation software enables faster onboarding of new employees. New additions to the team can be efficiently trained and access the extensive knowledge stored in the software at the push of a button. Thus, even less experienced professionals can quickly learn to manage and potentially optimize complex SAP processes effectively.

Automation not only reduces dependence on individual experts but also helps to minimize the risk of errors and improve the overall performance of the systems. Thus, investing in smart SAP automation software like EPOS, the Empirius Planning and Operations Suite, not only addresses the current skilled worker shortage but also represents a sustainable investment in the company’s future security and efficiency.

5 examples of how automation can be profitably used in SAP Basis:

1. Automated System Monitoring:

Automated system monitoring enables continuous monitoring of SAP systems to detect potential problems early. Unlike manual monitoring, which is time-consuming and error-prone, automated monitoring offers uninterrupted and precise analysis of system performance, leading to faster problem resolution.

2. Fully Automated System Copies Including Pre & Post Processing:

Creating SAP system and client copies is often a time-consuming and complex task. With more than 15 years of experience in this area, our newly integrated EPOS app, BlueCopy, enables the fully automated execution of SAP system copies, including all necessary pre and post-processing. From checking all required resources before the copy, securing technical settings, to the fully automated restore and adjustment of the database and backed-up settings, what used to be a lengthy process can now be completed in hours instead of days. Quick, efficient, and error-free SAP system copies are a win for any company!

3. Maintenance Work on SAP Systems:

Automating critical processes, such as stopping and starting systems, minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency. EPOS can ensure operation after a hardware maintenance window without manual intervention, ensuring smooth and rapid restoration of system availability. This not only enhances operational reliability but also minimizes the need for manual labor hours during off-peak times.

4. Patching SAP Systems:

With the right automation software, patches and updates can be easily implemented. To keep your SAP systems up-to-date and less vulnerable to security attacks, SAP recommends regular patching of the systems. This includes kernel updates as well as patching databases and operating systems.

Manual patch management can be delayed due to other tasks, making it prone to errors and, in the worst case, leading to system downtime. With automated processes, you can ensure that systems are always current and secure. Patch management can be performed without significant downtime at predetermined times, such as at night or on weekends, when the systems are not in use or are minimally used.

5. SAP Notes Validation and Implementation:

SAP Notes are important notifications and updates from SAP that are difficult to track and implement promptly if done manually. A smart automation software like EPOS can also be used to validate and implement SAP Notes: Automating these processes can ensure the timely and correct application of these updates, significantly improving system integrity and security. This reduces the risk of system errors that could arise from outdated or incorrectly implemented SAP Notes.

Conclusion: The Value of Automation Software like EPOS for Your Company

The automation of processes is at the heart of the digital transformation of companies. As this article has illustrated, implementing a smart automation software like EPOS not only offers effective solutions for efficiency improvement and cost reduction but also addresses strategic challenges such as the skilled worker shortage and ensuring continuous system performance.

From automated system monitoring and maintenance to the efficient implementation of patches, updates, and SAP Notes, EPOS offers comprehensive functions that enable companies to optimize their SAP Basis and Infrastructure processes, enhance operational security, and minimize administrative effort.

Investing in automation software like EPOS also contributes to the future-proofing of the company, as it allows for faster onboarding of new employees, reduces dependence on individual professionals, and ensures continuous system integrity. In a time when demands on IT infrastructure are continuously increasing and the complexity of system landscapes is growing, EPOS represents an indispensable resource that helps companies operate in an agile, secure, and efficient manner.

In conclusion, automating SAP Basis and Infrastructure processes with EPOS is not just a worthwhile investment but a strategic necessity for companies wanting to succeed in today’s fast-paced and technology-driven business world. EPOS provides a solid foundation for companies to enhance their operational excellence and thereby achieve improved competitiveness.