It is clear from our learnings and everyday events that our customers are starting major change initiatives to address new client expectations, market openings, varying industry trends, and innovations in technology. The speed of business transformation has been hastened by a few key disruptors. To keep up, it is now necessary to develop a “Composable Architecture” that goes from an on-Premise monolith to the Composable Cloud, comprising of building-blocks to be Flexible and Agile, using the “Clean Core” approach to streamline the SAP Estate and have a “Cloud mindset”.
SAP Portfolio is evolving and tending to PaaS/SaaS solutions more and more: not only external SAP programs, but the SAP ERP is transitioning to a RISE system, getting ready for S/4HANA Public. SAP is undergoing a major transformation with S/4HANA movement, where conventional embedded components based on industry and LoB are being moved away from the Core, advocating SAP SaaS satellites by sections such as IBP, Ariba, Concur, etc. Cloud Platforms are the current technical backbone where business solutions, procedures, data, customizations are orchestrated and implemented, utilizing API, Microservices, and so on, enabling the 360° Clean Core approach.
The promotion of the Composable Architecture primarily involves the separation of applications and services, with an emphasis on modularity, flexibility, scalability, maintainability, technology independence, and collaboration. In the context of a contemporary SAP solution, the ability to adapt to dynamic requirements and emerging technologies holds significant importance. This introduces a novel form of complexity that necessitates effective management strategies. Furthermore, the provision of enhanced user experiences to business users and the mitigation of operational costs are additional desirable outcomes.
The implementation of the Composable ERP necessitates a unique approach, introducing an additional layer of intricacy that must be effectively concealed from end-users. It is imperative that we prioritize the elevation of business users towards the engagement in higher-value tasks, while entrusting the execution of repetitive tasks to the latest and most innovative technologies currently accessible in the market.
Enterprise Automation offers a simpler and faster approach to automating business processes, empowering business users to streamline processes and tasks effortlessly through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. The integrated system encompasses workflow management, robotic process automation (RPA), decision management, process visibility, embedded artificial intelligence (AI) and Generative-AI (Gen-AI) capabilities, all within a user-friendly low-code/no-code interface. The solution empowers business users to generate automations and/or leverage their process expertise to effectively deliver the necessary solutions, all without the requirement of coding.
Here are a few examples of the business processes that can be automated:
- High Volume Transactions: Repetition of business process steps, such as data entry and report generation, among other tasks.
- Extended SAP Core Business Processes: Digitizing the entire journey across multiple applications with SAP & non-SAP systems.
- Simplify New Processes: Standardizing the newly digitized processes with SAP and non-SAP applications for seamless integration.
- Approvals: Dynamic workflows for processes that necessitate approvals and the updating of system records, among other tasks.
- Data Collection: Consolidation and manipulation of data and documents obtained from various data sources, websites, and applications.
- Test cycles: The process of automating repetitive test executions across various test cycles, in response to minor or major changes, with the aim of deploying them in the production environment.
Test automation is a branch of Process Automation, encompassing the utilization of specialized software tools and scripts to execute tests on various applications, processes, tasks, and similar entities. In the contemporary business environment, the promotion of innovation, modernization, and optimization requires the active acceptance of changes, which in turn necessitates the implementation of thorough testing procedures. The utilization of manual SAP testing, which involves key users, is relied upon by approximately 90% of SAP customers, however manual tests are associated with high costs and significant time requirements, and result in the allocation of human resources to non-business-related activities. The implementation of a novel DevOps toolchain and approach has the potential to mitigate the time and risk associated with the adoption of contemporary platforms like S/4HANA.
What are the recommended strategies for implementing process automation in SAP domains? As is often the case, there is no definitive solution, but rather a pragmatic approach that involves assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the various solutions currently available in the market.
SAP Build Process Automation powered by SAP BTP
To address automation requirements specific to SAP applications, it is recommended to prioritize the utilization of SAP BTP Build Process Automation. The SAP Build Process Automation solution has a distinct advantage in automating SAP workloads due to its co-engineering efforts and its ability to provide optimized and secure connectivity to the SAP Line of Business (LoB) Applications. There is a repository of pre-existing content specifically designed for SAP Apps, which can be utilized to expedite the implementation process. The system is seamlessly incorporated with SAP Signavio (a tool for process mining), Integration Suite (an integration platform as a service), and Event Mesh. The system operates on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and utilizes a conventional authentication and security framework. The current entitlements offered under the RISE and GROW programmes can be effectively supplemented by leveraging CPEA credits. One of the components encompassed within this framework is SAP Digital Access.
UiPath for Automation Platform
The Automation Platform offered by UiPath has been included in SAP’s endorsed partner programme, as announced during SAPPHIRE 2023. The UiPath Automation Platform can be accessed and obtained through the SAP store. The partnership facilitates support for a wide range of landscapes belonging to the Client, thereby establishing a strong ecosystem that offers complementary services in addition to the capabilities of SAP’s Apps and SAP BTP platform. In contemporary times, SAP has expanded its repertoire to include UiPath as a complementary solution for situations in which the SAP Build Process Automation fails to adequately fulfil the requirements of clients. This encompasses instances where automation is required for platforms such as Salesforce, Workday, and other solutions that are not affiliated with SAP. SAP exclusively supports and endorses the Task Automation (RPA) functionalities provided by the UiPath Automation Platform.
A novel business arrangement has been established between SAP and UiPath, wherein SAP will assume the role of a distributor for UiPath’s products.
Tricentis for Test Automation
Tricentis is a targeted go-to-market (GTM) solution that specializes in enterprise testing for SAP, offering a preferred solution that provides optimal value for clients. It has been selected by SAP to be integrated as a testing solution for SAP Cloud ALM. The Tricentis suite encompasses a comprehensive array of testing automation solutions, which comprise SAP Change Impact Analysis, SAP Enterprise Continuous Testing, SAP Enterprise Data Integrity Testing, and SAP Enterprise Performance Testing. Furthermore, the Tricentis Testing solutions possess the following characteristics: They are marketed through SAP documentation, receive support from SAP’s frontline personnel, are priced according to SAP’s guidelines, and conform to SAP’s product standards.
Case by case, we can customize the approach, the solution, and the toolchain for our clients’ process automation and test automation needs. No golden answer exists:
In order to enhance their adaptability, creativity, and ability to withstand challenges, clients require additional support. The adoption of Composable Architecture with Clean Core represents a promising direction; however, it introduces a novel layer of complexity. It is imperative to conceal this intricacy while prioritizing the requirements of the business. Process automation has the potential to enhance end-user productivity by enabling them to focus on tasks that are more pertinent to their role. Test automation is a subfield of process automation that involves the utilization of SAP BTP Build Process Automation for automating SAP perimeters. Additionally, UiPath can be employed for non-SAP scenarios, potentially encompassing both SAP and non-SAP processes. Tricentis is a notable tool within the realm of test automation. There is no definitive solution available, but we can assist clients in determining the most suitable approach on a case-by-case basis by utilizing Signavio and our Capgemini quick-win tools.