Measuring SAP

by: Marie O'Neill

The decision to purchase and implement SAP, or any other COTS application, is governed by many issues, of which cost and value-for-money are only two. Customers will expect efficient service from their suppliers and that COTS implementations will be well controlled, predictable and cost-effective. They will want to understand the expected support costs and ensure that these are less than the costs to maintain alternative solutions.

Why Measure SAP?

For the same reasons that apply for any software, ie to:

• derive the cost per unit supported
• estimate the cost of implementing other SAP functions
• monitor improvements to processes
• negotiate contracts for outsourcing support, or for charge-out.

How Cost Effective is the Sizing?

We have found it possible to provide as good a service when measuring SAP as any other software. After all, we measure the Functional Size, and not the physical environment.

Since the counting rate is similar for SAP and non-SAP measurement, we can say that there is no difference in cost per function point in hiring the expertise for measuring SAP. However, there is definitely a need for the FP Study team to have access to an application expert. The type of documentation available will determine the level of detail achievable.

Preparing for SAP Measurement

Clarify the Purpose and Type of Count

The purpose will influence where the boundary is drawn, and the investment in measurement will vary, depending on the level of accuracy required.

Assess the Available Information

SAP is designed to be adaptable to many needs, configurable through screen and parameter changes. So the documentation used must reflect what is implemented.

A list of tables, with their titles, the 'date last modified' and an indication of the number of records is important. Other useful resources include: training material, job aids, security access lists for SAP transactions, ABAP registers, in-use transaction lists, prompt cards, context diagrams etc.

Ensure Availability of Assistance

The importance of access to an application expert cannot be stressed enough. The people who provide support to the application are ideally suited to help the FP Study team. They have access to the information needed, or know who has. They can review the tables and discuss their use.

Record the Count

If your company is prepared to invest in measuring the SAP application, it is likely that you will want to quantify enhancements too, as these occur over time, so there is added value in a well documented count, both for the Business and the Support team.

Conclusion

Package selection and implementation can be treated as a project. The aim from a project management perspective, to deliver functionality to users, is no different and necessitates no special techniques.

The 'good news' is: our tried and tested techniques can put you back in control.