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    Last month, I had the privilege to sit down with SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions expert and jazz musician Francesco Crosara to discuss the comparisons between rapid-deployment solutions and jazz music (click here for the 1st blog). My interview with Francesco continues…


    Why are you making a parallel between music and SAP? What do jazz & blues have to do with SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions?

    Many metaphors have been devised to explain the concept of SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions, and the underlying Assemble to Order implementation approach.  A popular one is building blocks, where each SAP rapid-deployment solution is being compared to a toy building block, and multiple blocks assembled together create that “truck” or “house” as defined in the box.  Another favorite metaphor compares SAP rapid-deployment solution to the assembly line in an automotive plant, with each component (engine, transmission, etc) being re-utilized to assemble the car in the end.  The list goes on.  Being an artist and musician, I wanted to utilize a different metaphor, something that appeals more to the creative spirit, basically, introduce the “right” brain hemisphere to the “left” and create equilibrium.

     

    Is it possible to combine the ‘left + right’ brain?


    Einstein.jpg

    (image from adsoftheworld.com/)

     

    Absolutely! The fact is that every human being has a predisposition to being both analytical (left brain) as well as emotional (right brain) in varying degrees.  We cannot limit ourselves to thinking in absolute terms only. We each have innate capabilities, but can learn to compensate by engaging other areas of the brain.  There is a lot to be gained from this.  For example, the most successful salespeople (a typically right brain function) are the ones who are also able to discuss product features or implementation methodology in depth with the customer. Similarly, the greatest product developers (a typically left brain function) have also the ability to converse with customers, listen and understand business needs and pain points, and ultimately create a vision of the overall solution.  Examples of great left & right brain personalities in history are for me Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs – they both were able to dream the greatest vision and then dive into the details to turn it into reality.  There is a bit of Leonardo in each one of us .

     

    Music is a great way to expand our capabilities.  Music has both a left and right brain component, so it is a perfect tool to utilize. Being a musician enables me to apply as much creativity as possible into my own approach to business.  Being a performer enables me to look at each business communication as a performance in its own right.  Conversely, being an SAP professional keeps me grounded with a solid analytical foundation even in my approach to music.  Bottom line, every one of us should strive to reach the optimal balance of left and right brain characteristics without compromising our natural inclination.

     

    Can you prove your jazz & blues metaphor hypothesis? Can we see (and hear) how it works?

    Yes, you can!  I just completed a 3-part video series entitled “Playing the Blues with SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions”. Part 1 is showcased below, and it focuses on the basics of “Simple SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions” as correlated to the “basic blues pattern”. The main message here is that SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions are based on established configuration templates which follow specific implementations rules.  By reusing the content again and again, we create a predictable business outcome at a set price - quickest time to value and lowest TCO and TCI.  As a metaphor, jazz and blues musicians can always rely on playing the basic 12-bar blues pattern based on 3 fundamental blues chords. In other words, the blues structure is also based on a template and on specific rules, which any jazz and blues player knows and can perform on a moment’s notice.  But don’t take my word for it, check out part 1 of the video right here:

     

     

    Are you able to combine your ‘left + right’ brain?!?

    Let’s find out … with the Jazz Lyrics Contest for SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions!!! (Deadline for lyrics submissions is June 30 - click the link for more info)


     

    Explore Francesco Crosara’s jazz at:

    http://www.francescojazz.com/
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/francesco-crosara/id31239330
    http://www.youtube.com/user/fcrosara

     

    Recently, SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions have become musical! We just posted a blog & video about the comparisons between jazz music and rapid-deployment solutions - check them out below:


     

    Can you write a song about SAP Rapid Deployment solutions? If so, then participate in our Jazz Lyrics Contest!

     

    How to participate:

    • Post your lyrics (text or video) about SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions as a ‘COMMENT’ in the section below
    • Lyrics must be at least 50 words
    • Deadline to submit is June 30th
    • Be CREATIVE!


    Prize:

    • The glory of winning!
    • We will post your lyrics (as well as your name) in a blog and promote via Twitter!


    Judges:

    • On July 1, the judges will choose the winning lyrics
    • 3 Judges: Francesco Crosara (Portfolio Mgt, SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions), Andy Greig (Marketing, SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions), Steven Birdsall (SVP & General Manager, SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions)

     

     

    Example lyrics:

    “My business is growing; Gotta fuel that fire!

    But where do I turn to?; Who do I hire?

    Customer demand is way, way up,

    Growth is the imperative; I need Analytics,… Intelligence, … CRM…

    We need visibility in act; Gotta get my ERP that‘s a fact

    <break>

    .. gotta get me my very own RDS

    (backup vocals) RDS, RDS, RDS, RDS”

     

     

     

    Submit Your Lyrics Below as a 'COMMENT'

    We have just updated the SAP Mobile Apps and Infrastructure rapid-deployment solution (RDS) again with the latest and greatest SAP Productivity Apps, and it is now available on the SAP Service Marketplace.

     

    There are now 43 mobile apps in the package with 3 updated versions of existing mobile apps and 2 new ports to Android. In addition, as a new Accelerator we have added documentation for checking the customization of  SAP Business Suite prerequisites for HR apps.

     

    Also feel free to provide your feedback by sending it directly to the team’s central mailbox (rds_mai@sap.com ).

     

    You can find more information from SAP Service Marketplace via the quick link below:

    www.service.sap.com/rds-mobile-apps

     

    SAP Work Manager can now be implemented in a few weeks via a rapid-deployment solution (RDS). In addition, the solution covers customization options (such as logo, description, and fields) for the deployed Work Manager app. Further, it provides an end-to-end scenario which illustrates how work orders, notifications, and timesheets seamlessly work together with mobile devices and leverage SAP Business Suite systems.

     

    This is the first mobile RDS package based on Syclo technology and two customers have already been  signed!

     

    You can find more information from SAP Service Marketplace via the quick link below:

    http://service.sap.com/rds-wm

     

    If you want to learn more about this solution in SAPPHIRE - Please come to visit us at the Mobility Campus - MO419. Our experts will be glad to talk and show this package.

    Check out the latest SAP SCM rapid-deployment solution offerings: The software and services in a combined best practices approach allow you to significantly lower implementation time and effort and help you to jump start your SCM solution implementation. The following offerings can help you to better extend your business to world class supply chain execution.

     

    274029_l_srgb_s_gl.jpgSAP Global Batch Traceability rapid-deployment solution V1.10 (NEW)
    – Implement in as little as 10 weeks

     

    The SAP Global Batch Traceability application provides a view on a cross-system product genealogy and its distribution. It reduces the time to insight into your product batch chain and enables rapid investigation and, when required, precision withdrawal and recall and timely regulatory reporting. This rapid-deployment solution supports three use cases that support the integrity of your corporate batch genealogy: In-house production of a batch material consuming batch-managed components, tracking component batches processed by a subcontractor, and tracking batches across subsidiaries with different SAP ERP application systems or non-SAP systems – helps you to assure the integrity of corporate batch traceability when batches are moved across systems.

     

    Package in a nutshell: Track and Trace in Global Space
    Explore the package details: https://service.sap.com/rds-gbt

     

    273965_l_srgb_s_gl.jpgSAP Extended Warehouse Management rapid-deployment solution V3.90 (UPGRADE)
    – Implement you sandbox in as little as 20 days

    With this solution, you can quickly configure our best-in-class warehouse management system to perform your warehousing operations. Starting with version 3.90, this rapid-deployment solution provides a modular warehouse concept for standard narrow-isle and mezzanine storage – covering following processes: Inbound from vendor, outbound to customer, replenishment, physical inventory, cycle counting. All processes are integrated in a predefined structure and common master data. This is a solid foundation for business blueprint workshops which helps you accelerate SAP EWM implementations and reduce risks while avoiding typical implementation pitfalls.

     

    Explore the package details: http://service.sap.com/rds-ewm

     

    272424_l_srgb_s_gl.jpgSAP Transportation Managment for Shippers rapid-deployment solution V1.90 (NEW)
    – Go live in as little as 8 weeks

     

    This solution allows companies to extend the execution process with freight charge calculation, cost distribution, and carrier invoicing for their outsourced transportation. With the transportation charge management (TCM) functionality, this rapid-deployment solution for the SAP Transportation Management (SAP TM) application can support end-to-end transportation processes in which freight charges are incorporated into the financial accounting and costing functionality of the SAP ERP application. This package supports the whole logistics process, from sales order entry to the shipment execution in SAP ERP for truck transports (less than truckload (LTL) and full truck load (FTL)) and sea transports (less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL)), followed by the TCM functionality for freight charge calculation in the SAP Transportation Management application as a basis for carrier invoicing.

     

    Explore the package details: http://service.sap.com/rds-tm-tcm

     

    You can post your questions, here and we will try to monitor the blog questions. For immediate assistance go to SAP.com and click the Contact Us link.

    Contact_Us.jpg

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS.

    I blogged here earlier about the value and rich content of the RDS packages around data migration. Today, on May 6, the first data migration content for SAP cloud solutions has offcially been released. This package includes mapping and validation content for SAP Customer on Demand (CoD) and SuccessFactors Employee Central (EC). With today, this RDS package is available in the SAP Service Marketplace:

     

     

    In the Service Marketplace, you will find all the detailed information about the package, a recorded demo and how to download and deploy the content.

     

    This package has everything you need for migrating non-SAP data to an SAP cloud system - SAP Customer on Demand or SuccessFactors Employee Central. In case of migrating from SAP HCM on premise, you will also find the mapping from source to target for Employee Central. The package provides a migration framework, including documentation, templates, methodology, tools and expertise to analyze, extract, cleanse, validate, upload and reconcile legacy data and accelerate your migration project. The content leverages SAP Data Services and SAP Information Steward.

     

    Please check out how this content works reading my how-to blog here.

     

    Also, meet us at SAPphire in Orlando to see a live demo! We are at the Database & Technology campus, booth DT617.

    In addition to that, there are two scheduled demonstration in the demo theater:

    • Wednesday, May 15, 02:30 PM-02:50 PM / Database and Technology Demo Theater DT621
    • Thursday, May 16, 04:30 PM-04:50 PM / Database and Technology Demo Theater DT621

     

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS

    The SAP Global Batch Traceability (SAP GBT) application provides a view on a cross-system product genealogy and its distribution. It reduces the time to insight into your product batch network and enables rapid investigation and, when required, precision withdrawal and recall. The track and trace data managed by SAP GBT has additional value, providing the foundation for timely regulatory reporting imposed on organizations that produce goods.

    Karl Christian Roediger (CR), Solution Expert for SAP Global Batch Traceability, and Bernd Haberscheidt (BH), package owner for the recently released rapid-deployment solution on SAP Global Batch Traceability, share with us some news on this new application and the related pre-packaged start-up offering.

     

     

    Doreen Baseler (DB): Where can the SAP GBT application help customers in their business operations?

     

    CR: Many industries operating in consumer products, life sciences, chemicals, and wholesale  are confronted with a multitude of legalrequirements from agencies such as the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and authority directives in case of recalls (Switzerland).  Almost daily, news about faulty products or recalls create headlines and consumer panic, especially around cars, or – which might be even more critical - food and medication. In these types of situations, time is crucial. Every minute counts.

     

     

    Companies that employ best practices in tracking and tracing product and distribution do substantially better in areas of protecting consumers, minimizing legal and regulatory problems, and protecting the company brand image.

     

     

    In case of faulty products notifications, customers can now act immediately: They can use SAP GBT to trace the complete corporate product genealogy, diving down to the raw material or production location, facilitating root cause analysis and creating subsequent reporting to effect immediate recall actions.

     

    Using predefined reports, SAP GBT customers can easily understand to whom a faulty product was distributed or how much of the remaining faulty batch is still at stock where to restrict further usage of bad batches.

     

     

    SAP GBT supports all of the above by providing a cross-system product batch genealogy with graphical exploration capabilities, fast reporting and analysis tools. It has automated as well as manual maintenance of batch linkages.

     

     

     

    DB: The idea as such is not new. SAP ERP already includes batch management functionality. Why has SAP come out with another batch management-related approach?

     

     

    CR: Batch Management in SAP ERP is integrated in all applications of the SAP system. It supports the management and processing of batches in all of a company’s business processes.  However, tracking and tracing of batches is limited to the ERP system in which the batch management application is located.


    Many customers, especially medium size and global players, operate multiple SAP ERP systems from which they would like to derive batch-related data. SAP GBT can connect to these multiple SAP ERP systems to retrieve batch where-used data. To get the big picture on their corporate network, customers can now even tie in information on batch related-data from their subcontractors.

     

    Let me give you some examples that explain why it is worthwhile investing in SAP GBT. Compared to the batch management functionality in SAP ERP, you can leverage the following capabilities:

    • You can graphically explore your corporate batch genealogy that combines detailed top-down or bottom-up analysis into a single view.

     

    Figure_1_Graphic.png

     

    Figure 1: Graphical Display of global batch traceability for sell-from-stock:

    Building a corporate batch genealogy covering cross-system goods movements – down to outbound delivery to customers

     

    • You can trace batch records across systems and even integrate non-SAP batch record systems and consider objects which are not tracked in SAP systems via the SAP Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence (MII) application.
    • You can define rules upon which SAP GBT automatically creates batch links across systems. If you identify broken batch links, you can quickly fix them and on top of it maintain a batch network. However, analyzing batches one by one would be a tiresome exercise: With SAP GBT you can now select multiple batch IDs and perform the chosen reporting in a single run, hereby, simplifying reporting and accelerating time to insight. For example, with one click you get a distribution report for a selection of multiple batch IDs.
    • Search and reporting is much faster, thanks to a new data model.
    • Template reports save you time for structuring your own reports. They cover, for example, batch distribution at delivery-item level, batch stock overviews for connected SAP ERP application systems, and material balance. You can quickly customize your own report.

     

    DB: To speed up the implementation of SAP GBT, SAP has now released the new SAP Global Batch Traceability rapid deployment solution. Can you tell us a little bit more about the functional scope of this pre-packaged offering. Which
    use cases does it cover?


    BH: Yes, this is a fixed-price, fixed scope, fixed schedule deployment with best-practices content, albeit entry level offering, that deploys in weeks. It is
    designed to support three important use cases:

     

    1. In-house production of a batch material consuming batch-managed components: It helps you to gain insight into your batch network within company boundaries.

     

    Figure_2_Inhouse_Production.png

         Figure 2: Sample use case - Global batch traceability for in-house production

     

    2. Tracking component batches processed by a subcontractor, from individual components to the finished product. This use case provides traceability of batches provided from external sources (for example, a subcontractor). The data transfer from the subcontractor’s systems is ensured using SAP MII.

     

    Figure_3_Subcontracting.png

         Figure 3: Sample use case – Global batch traceability for subcontracting

     

    3. Tracking batches across subsidiaries with different SAP ERP application systems or non-SAP systems. It helps you to assure the integrity of corporate batch traceability when batches are moved across multiple SAP ERP systems, for instance, as part of a sell-from-stock scenario.

    Figure_4_1_Sell_From_Stock.png

    Figure_4_2_Sell_From_Stock.png

        Figure 4: Sample use case - Global batch traceability for sell-from-stock

     

    DB: What is the value customers get with this rapid deployment solution compared to implementing the standard SAP GBT application? How soon can customers expect to go live when deploying this package?

     

    BH: The engineered service, which was created to support the implementation of the above mentioned use cases, targets a go-live within 10 weeks. It comprises typical activities inherent to most rapid-deployment solutions, such as installation check, kickoff workshop for the project, activation, that is, configuration of the pre-packaged solution, knowledge transfer workshop to key users, and support for going live.

     

    For this particular package, service experts do the basic configuration of SAP GBT 1.0 and set up the connectivity between SAP GBT and SAP ERP. Being a pre-defined scope and price offering, the package was designed to support an initial data load of up to 100,000 materials, 10,000,000 batch where-used records, and two years of batch where-used history. If customers intend to incorporate batch where-used data from subcontractors, the configuration of SAP MII, the setup of connectivity between SAP GBT and SAP MII, and the configuration of the data transfer using delivered sample XML schemas is also included in the service scope of this solution. Naturally, customers are not limited to this scope: It can be enhanced on demand as part of a time and material customer project.

     

    So, in a nutshell: A fixed scope, which is implemented in a fixed time at a fixed budget provide customers with a fast start into SAP GBT.  The SAP Global Batch Traceability rapid deployment solution joins a wide portfolio of SAP Rapid-deployment Solutions, including:
    • SAP Best Practices for Discrete Manufacturing package
    • SAP Best Practices for Process Manufacturing package
    • SAP MII Batch Manufacturing rapid-deployment solution

     

     

    You can post your questions, here and we will try to monitor the blog questions. For immediate assistance go to SAP.com and click the Contact Us link.

     

    Conact_Us.png

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS

    CIO SAP.png

     

    Packaged solutions, also known as SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions have shown massive adoption since their introduction in 2011. When I began with SAP in 2006, as an organization we had already seen multiple iterations of implementation templates and pre-packaged ERP projects. The theory was as sound then as it is now, but our execution had room for improvement.

     

    When offered the chance to lead the Global SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions for the Services Sales Organization to build out our packaged services business, the question wasn’t really whether the concept of packaged solutions made sense; it was more a matter of how successful we could be in pulling together our development, portfolio, delivery and services sales organizations. With a tremendous amount of executive support, R&D investment and the support of great customers, in the course of two years, we’ve moved past incubation to a point where thousands of companies have implemented rapid-deployment solutions. And now that we have a successful history under our belt, we’re seeing that customers that implement rapid-deployment solutions turn into repeat buyers.

     

    It makes perfect sense why customers are purchasing multiple rapid-deployment solutions - just take a look at the video below about packaged solutions:

     

     

    I found some of the statistics presented in this video to be very interesting, for instance:

     

    What is most challenging when deploying or refreshing enterprise software?

    • 64% completing the deployment on-time
    • 62% achieving all defined functionality requirements

     

    What are the challenges to overcome when deploying enterprise software solution?

    • 51% internal requirements from business stakeholders: custom vs. standard
    • 49% perceived lack of flexibility
    • 39% perceived lack of functionality

     

    It is no surprise that implementing new enterprise software is a major undertaking with many challenges. As with product development, cycle times to production become more critical each year. SAP recognizes our customers’ demands for faster time to value to remain competitive. Rapid Deployment Solutions makes SAP easier to consume with a more predictable outcome and at a known budget. The ‘package’ that comes with rapid-deployment solutions contains: 1) Preconfigured software; 2) implementation services; 3) SAP Best Practices; and 4) end-user training. Thus allowing for these savings:

     

    • 40% reduction in time and effort
    • 95% savings in blueprint phase
    • 50% savings in the realization phase
    • 30% savings in the testing phase

     

    Our portfolio of 150+ rapid-deployment solutions has expanded massively across all pillars of the business including LOB, Analytics, Database, Mobile and Cloud. Further, we’ve engineered SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions so as to be integrated with other logically related rapid-deployment solutions. It’s in this modular manner that we can quickly support everything from a point CRM project to a full ERP environment running on our in memory database, SAP HANA.

     

    Take a look at some of our rapid-deployment offerings below and ask yourself: would you prefer to have your SAP software in 1 year, or in less than 1 quarter?

     

    weeks.png

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @ClaylCaldwell & @SAPRDS


     



    May 2, 2013 @ 2:00 pm EST – Click HERE for more info.


    33% HANA RDS.jpg

     

    This is the fourth and final webcast in a series on SAP HANA rapid-deployment solutions. You can review the first three webcasts, here:


    This presentation will review highlights from the first three webcasts in the series with key reference materials and links to help increase your knowledge of these areas. Learn about the top HANA and rapid-deployment sessions available at the 2013 ASUG Annual Conference and SAPPHIRE NOW, including recommendations on what tracks and sessions to attend.

    Speakers:
    John Choate, T-Systems North America, PMMS SIG Chair
    Sumita Jayaraman, SAP

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

    CLICK HERE For the On Demand Webinar!

     

    Hosted by SAPinsider, sponsored by SAP

     

    Join us for an in-depth Webinar on rapid database migration of SAP Business Suite to SAP HANA to learn how you can leverage a modular, pre-integrated approach to quickly power SAP Business Suite with this powerful in-memory platform – delivering fast time-to-value while lowering cost and time hurdles.

     

    For people looking to “test the water” as a first step, this rapid migration, along with the SAP HANA Operational Reporting rapid-deployment solution, can be leveraged in a model that brings zero disruption to your production systems, while delivering real-time operational reporting on SAP HANA in five weeks or less.

     

    Check out this blog to learn more about this new solution: Putting the 'Fast & Simple' in SAP Business Suite on HANA with Rapid Deployment Solutions.

     

    Featured Speakers:

     

    Joshua Greenbaum, Principal, Enterprise Applications Consulting, Berkeley, Calif.

     

    Joshua Greenbaum has over 30 years of experience in the industry as a computer programmer, systems analyst, author, consultant, and industry analyst. Josh regularly consults with leading public and private enterprise software, database, infrastructure, implementation, and hardware companies, and advises end-users on technology infrastructure and applications selection, development, and implementation issues. He has followed SAP for over 20 years, and authored the first technical analysis of SAP R/3 for the U.S. market in 1992.

     

     

     

    Peter Russo, Senior Director, SAP Rapid-Deployment Solutions

    Peter Russo is a senior director, marketing at SAP supporting SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions since 2011. Under this role Peter supports the overall marketing strategy, and how SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions are revolutionizing the way customers buy and consume SAP solutions.

     

    Prior to SAP, Peter spent over 10 years as the lead global application software analyst at PAC (Pierre Audoin Consultant), and was a co-founder and global contributor to the SAP Services Research Program. On consulting assignments, Peter has been engaged with numerous global software & IT services suppliers around ecosystem assessment, best practices analysis, and execution of localized partnership strategies.

     

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS

    This is a great opportunity for SAP partners and interested SAP employees who want to learn more about the RDS offering around Rapid Data Migration - the most important topic to ensure a speedy go live with SAP: There is an upcoming online webcast presenting the RDS solution for data migration! The package addresses SAP Business Suite (ERP, HCM, Retail, CRM), SAP Industry Solutions (Utilities) and SAP cloud solutions (Customer on Demand, SuccessFactors Employee Central). Also, we'll discuss your path from legacy systems to SAP Business Suite on Hana.

     

    The title of the upcoming virtual event is SAP Rapid Data Migration: Help Your Customers Go Live With Clean, Valid Data.

    This is an in-depth 90 minutes session including a demo.

     

    Description:

    Customers need data migration for new software initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, system consolidations, and green IT initiatives. In this session, you will learn how to leverage the power of SAP Data Services to help your customers go live with clean, rich, valid, trusted data. Discover what's new with the latest release of Rapid Data Migration, and learn about our proven methodology for migrating data from virtually any source system to SAP in record time. You will learn how you can profile, transform, enrich, validate, load, and reconcile your data with special content and accelerators that work together with SAP's industry-leading data integration tools, and how pre-built reporting content makes understanding the data migration process a snap. The session will include an extended and detailed demonstration so you can see how effectively this solution accelerates the data migration process.

     

    Agenda:

    • The need for Data Migration
    • SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions for Data Migration
    • SAP Data Migration Tools and Methodology
    • Demonstration
    • Question and Answer

     

    This event will be held at two different times to ensure global availability. To register, please use the event which suits you better regarding the time zone you are in:

     

    Date: 16 April 2013
    Time:     13:00 SGT (10:30am IST)

    REGISTER

    Mark your calendar

    Date: 17 April 2013
    Time:     17:00 CET (11am EDT, 8am PST)

    REGISTER

    Mark your calendar

     

    For more information around this topic, please check out my Data Migration blog.

     

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS

    Over my past 1.5years with the SAP Global Marketing Team, I have come across many interesting (and some inspiring) stories about SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions. Stories about our customers, our partners, our work to help improve IT in developing countries, and in general, how SAP is rapidly making the world run better. And now, I am fortunate enough to have come across another interesting & inspiring rapid-deployment solution story. This story is about JAZZ MUSIC !

     

    Recently, I conducted an interview with Francesco Crosara, jazz musician and a SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions expert. We discovered during the interview that there are many comparisons between rapid-deployment solutions and jazz music, such as; variety, improvisation, guidance, and the ‘coolness’ factor.

     

    Jazz1.jpg

    (Francesco’s jazz trio live in Italy, October 2011)

     

    See below for the 1st blog interview Francesco (the 2nd blog will be posted in early May):

     

    What is your role at SAP?

    Director of SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions portfolio for NA Service Portfolio Management. Fundamentally, I am accountable with the SPM team for the roll out of rapid-deployment solution packages into the North American market.  This includes sales support for rapid-deployment solutions and related services in accordance with the new A2O implementation approach. 

     

    Why did you choose to work with SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions?

    Where else would I be? Seriously now, rapid-deployment solutions are where it’s at! We are at the point that there is virtually a packaged solution (be it rapid-deployment or Engineered Service) for every market category.  SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions encompasses applications, analytics, mobile, cloud, database & technology - they also run on HANA, and covers both functional and technical scope.  If that weren’t exciting already, consider that rapid-deployment solutions serve as individual blocks within a larger project, and the art is in assembling multiple industrialized packages along with more traditional design-based consulting services.  This is at the heart of Assemble-to-order, the A2O approach. That’s why I choose rapid-deployment solutions every day.  It is the future at SAP...

     

    How do SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions relate to jazz music?

    I can make comparisons between rapid-deployment solutions and jazz all day long.  First of all, start with an image comparison: both rapid-deployment solutions and jazz can be considered “cool” (if you are a contemporary jazz critic), or “hot” (if you are more in the jazz mainstream).  Either way, rapid-deployment solutions match the description very well. There is a coolness factor associated with the factory precision by which each rapid-deployment solution can be implemented in a repeatable fashion due to its fixed scope, but then is flexible enough to allow for changes.  Hot, because each latest innovation becomes a rapid-deployment solution, including; cutting edge packages for Ariba, SuccessFactors, and every new technology is supported, like Syclo, or Agentry, SUP, Afaria, also every rapid-deployment solution can run on the power of HANA hosted in the cloud.

     

    What about improvisation?

    Yes, improvisation is essential for jazz music!  My personal definition of improvisation is the ability to adapt a set musical score (the composition) to a flexible interpretation, based on an extemporaneous melody created in the moment, while adhering to the underlying harmony and rhythm.   Consider a rapid-deployment solution package as the composition, or song.  It comes with its own lead sheet and it contains everything necessary to deliver functionality and business value (similarly to harmony and rhythm in a song). Enter improvisation: each rapid-deployment solution has the capability to become flexible and improvise on the main theme.  This is the concept of ‘RDS+’, the added scope to meet the customer requirements.  This flexibility gives great power to each rapid-deployment solution, just like an inspiring improvised solo can fully transform an already great song.

     

    Jazz musicians use a score sheet to compose music; do SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions have a ‘score sheet’ too?

    For jazz music, each composition needs its own lead sheet which tells musicians how to perform the piece.  All the elements are blueprinted in the score, including pauses, dynamics, starts & stops, changes in tonality, etc. 

     

    For rapid-deployment solutions, the lead sheet is the Step- by-Step Guide.  Thanks to the guide and the accelerators that it contains, our SAP consultants are enabled to deliver a performance of the rapid-deployment solution song with precision.  And since consultants are jazz musicians, they are trained to play inspiring improvisations to deliver the added scope while staying close to the original song within the rapid-deployment solution.  Jazz musicians are a special breed, due to their ability to improvise, and similarly, our SAP consultants are unique for their capability to apply a flexible approach to implementation thanks to rapid-deployment solutions and A2O.

     

    Here is an example of a lead sheet from my own composition “Passion”, written in typical jazz notation – the notes capture the melody, while the chord symbols represent the harmony.  By following the lead sheet, musicians can execute the full song as a Step-by-Step guide through its phases (Start > Deploy > Run).  While the scope of the song is fixed, the jazz artist is able to improvise on the theme to create a bigger result (Assemble-to-Order = rapid-deployment solution + improvisation):


    (click image to enlarge)

    Jazz2.jpg

    (You can hear the result of what I am talking about: “Passion”, from my CD “Notes”, recorded live in Honolulu, Hawaii.  NOTE: SoundCloud is a flash-based application that may not work on some VPN connections.  In that case, copy the URL and play on a direct internet connection.  Like most rapid-deployment solutions, technical pre-requisites apply)

     

    There are various styles in jazz, do SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions offer the same variety?

    Absolutely! Once you start exploring jazz music, you find many styles to suits particular tastes – from gospel and blues, to dixieland, ragtime, swing, be-bop, cool jazz, mainstream jazz, hard-bop, free jazz, jazz fusion, jazz funk, rock jazz, latin jazz, smooth jazz, and world jazz.  These styles feature various instruments from western to ethnic, acoustic and electronic, sampled and synthesized, unplugged or wireless.  You get the connection here.  Similarly, there is a rapid-deployment solution for every taste. From a traditional ERP for manufacturing to CRM sales/service/marketing, to HANA powered operational reporting, BW on HANA, and the latest sales plays for Suite on HANA or SAP 360 Customer, all based on rapid-deployment solution packages (150+ available now) created for every desired style. 


    Stay tuned for the next blog in this series (will post in early May). In the 2nd blog, we will finish our Q&A with Francesco and upload Francesco’s new ‘RDS Jazz song’ (instrumental)!!! The song is already in the works – take a look at Francesco’s piano tuner working away at calibrating the instrument in preparation for the video shoot.  Just like the comprehensive bill of material for rapid-deployment solution packages, looking under the hood you will find workmanship and precision – 88 piano keys worth…

     

    Jazz3.jpg

     

    Explore Francesco Crosara’s jazz at:

    http://www.francescojazz.com/
    https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/francesco-crosara/id31239330
    http://www.youtube.com/user/fcrosara

     

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS


    Whether you are or are not attending the 2013 SAPPHIRE / ASUG Annual Conference, there is a series of preconference deep-dive seminars for everyone on May 13, 2013 in Orlando, FL on the day before to the Annual Conference.

     

    Do you only have a day to spare to learn about the latest cutting edge topics and technology?  Many people wear multiple hats in their jobs (especially if you're from a smaller enterprise or consulting company) and might not be able to spare the time or budget for a full week of Annual Conference activities. But, maybe you can join us for one day on May 13th in Orlando to get a deep dive on one or two strategic topics choose from. Check out the selection of sessions ranging from CRM, HANA, Mobility, Cloud, UI technology, Analytics, Ariba, SAP rapid-deployment solutions, SuccessFactors and more. Some seminars include hands-on exercises, and some include customer panels who share their experiences with attendees.

     

    Sessions are delivered as half-day or full-day sessions.  And even better, the registration is handled separately from the main conference and attendance at the ASUG Annual Conference is NOT a requirement to attend (although the greater SAP ecosystem would like you there too of course).  SAP customers, partners, and ASUG, and non-ASUG members are welcome! 

     

    Learn more and register at:  http://www.sapandasug.com/asug-preconference.html

     

    Hope we can see you there!

    It is a well-known and digested fact by now that the mobile revolution is unstoppable! And the mobile phone to us today, is what the Towel was in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.


    Why do I say that?

     

    1.jpg

     

    Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/smartphone-tablet-shipments-could-hit-billion-worldwide-year-2B9113122


    Personally speaking, whether it is to: check my corporate email, private email, appointments, the weather forecast, driving directions to a SAP customer/partner or a friend, taking a good quality picture, Googling, or interacting with my friends and customers on social networking apps - my mobile device is my Towel and the lines between private usage and corporate usage are blurring. Fast.

     

    Also, the fact is that with more employees bringing their own devices into their company and with more companies permitting this trend, it is becoming increasingly important and urgent that companies slow down and understand the full picture before trying to ride the wave of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) successfully.

     

    2.jpg

    Source: http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2263115


    While it is widely believed that BYOD can be more cost effective for organizations - as employees buy their own devices thereby reducing the IT spend - it is crucial to understand the end-to-end device lifecycle and the subsequent costs attached before we celebrate a quick win.

     

    3.jpg

    Source: http://www.computerweekly.com/news/2240158445/Forrester-The-costs-and-benefits-of-BYOD


    Organizations need to have a scalable and comprehensive Mobile Device Management strategy in place before BYOD starts being an advantage.

    If handled inadequately, BYOD can quickly become a nightmare…

     

    A simple example is the hidden drain these devices can cause to an Enterprise’s Wi-Fi network. Not only are we talking about an explosion in data consumption, we’re also looking at the apps on the devices potentially infecting the corporate network and other user devices with Trojans/viruses and other malicious code.  Not to forget corporate data theft from these devices when the user logs on to a public Wi-Fi network in a café or airport or such.

     

    4.jpg

    Source: http://www.forbes.com/sites/netapp/2013/03/18/secure-byod-mcc/


    This is the point where I see the need for a reliable Mobile Device Management solution from an Enterprise that understands your business and your business processes.

     

    This is where I see SAP being in a position to offer your business exactly what it takes to make BYOD a winning proposition instead of a Trojan horse. Pun intended.

     

    Since the speed of evolution in the mobilesphere is in minutes, hours and weeks and not months or years, SAP offers a bullet proof Mobile Device Management solution (SAP Afaria)  via a rapid-deployment approach that will be up and running in your organization in just a few weeks. Not months or years!

     

    Why the need for speed?


    According to a recent survey, 64% of respondents said that ‘completing enterprise software deployments on-time is extremely or very challenging’… but not with rapid-deployment solutions. Currently, the SAP Afaria rapid-deployment solution is up and running in a few weeks but keeping ahead of the curve, we’re working on making it up and running in just a few days. Check out this video to learn how you can implement SAP Afaria in as little as 6 weeks:

     

    “The proof of the pudding is in the eating”


    Why don’t you see what our one of recent customers, Lexmark, has to say about the SAP Afaria rapid-deployment solution:

     

    If this peaked your interest in finding out what the SAP Afaria rapid-deployment solution can do for you, contact us so we can discuss how we can best address your needs. If you’d like to get a hands-on feel of Afaria for 14 days, simply access this link: TEST DRIVE!

     

    To learn more about SAP's Mobile strategy, check out this interview with Sanjay Poonen: Securing Mobile Devices for Business

     

    Wishing you a very successful 2013,

    Hari SUBRAMANYAM

    Global Rollout & Partner Enablement – SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions for Mobile

     

    For more info about SAP Mobile rapid-deployment solutions, check out my other blog: The Mobility Game

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS

    SAP Consulting is an integral part of SAP’s strategy with Rapid Deployment Solutions. Here are a few success stories that show our customer's experiences with SAP rapid-deployment solutions delivered by SAP Consulting:

     

    (click on images to enlarge)

    ConAgra.jpg

    Tamko.jpg

    Grupo.jpg

    Farmers.jpg

    Briigen.jpg

    Make sure to attend the SAP Services & Rapid Deployment Solutions sessions at SAPPHIRENOW Orlando (May 13 – 15)

     

    Follow SAP Rapid Deployment Solutions on Twitter: @SAPRDS

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