ARIS Expert Paper - Community Archive...ARIS Expert Paper Fig. 5: The SAP scenario “Inventory Manage-ment” is to be implemented in the supply management process area of the compa-ny

Business Process Excellence

From Business Process to SAP Configuration -Deployment of ARIS for SAP NetWeaver andSAP Solution Manager in Projects

Expert Paper - September 2006

ExpertPaper

2 © IDS Scheer AG – September 2006

From Business Process to SAP Configuration - Deployment ofARIS for SAP NetWeaver and SAP Solution Manager in Projects

Business PProcess MManagement ((BPM) wwith AARIS aand SSAPNetWeaver ccomprises pprocedural mmodels, mmethods, ttechnologies,and rreference mmaterial tthat mmake tthe fflexible aand aadaptive ccompa-ny aa rreality. An SSAP ddeployment oor uupgrade pproject iis aa mmajor uundertaking fforany oorganization iin tterms oof ccost aand rresources. PProper pproject pplan-ning aand eexecution aare eessential ffor ttrouble-ffree iimplementation.

1. Introduction

ARIS for SAP NetWeaver from IDS Scheer AG gives organizations theability to define their business requirements, which are mapped usingbusiness process models to provide a process-oriented view. Thesetransparent process models can be enriched with any necessary addi-tional information and subjected to analysis, enabling them to becomean important aid to making business decisions.

SAP’s Solution Manager provides its customers with a tool whose content and functionality supports the imple-mentation, operation, and ongoing use of SAP solutions. A support infrastructure ensures smooth operation ofthe system landscape, including solution monitoring and change management functionality. During the intro-duction and upgrading of SAP systems, SAP Solution Manager provides valuable reference content and doc-umentation, as well as support for project management, configuration, and pre-implementation testing ofprocesses. This implementation-related functionality of SAP Solution Manager is a central pillar of the strate-gic development partnership between IDS Scheer and SAP. Here, both tools can be combined for added ben-efits, with companies using the content available in SAP Solution Manager to define processes in ARIS for SAPNetWeaver and then, based on the business process scenarios defined there, to transfer configuration-rele-vant requirements to SAP Solution Manager.

Successful completion of this type of project requires that all the tools and procedures used are designed tocomplement each other. As a software and specialist consulting company with extensive exposure to BPM andSAP projects, IDS Scheer AG has leveraged its experience to develop the ARIS Value Engineering (AVE forSAP) approach. AVE for SAP guides customers through every phase of the project using ARIS for SAPNetWeaver and SAP Solution Manager.

The following discussion shows how these tools are used in an SAP project when utilizing the AVE for SAPapproach.

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About the author:

Sinje Seidlerworks for IDS Scheer AG in ProductManagement of ARIS for SAPNetWeaver. In her role she supportsthe tools and projects together withSAP AG as part of the companies’strategic development partnership.E-Mail:[email protected]

Find out how:• ARIS for SAP NetWeaver and SAP’s Solution Manager can be

used for successful SAP Implementation and UpgradeProjects;

• The combination of tools is aligned with the ARIS ValueEngineering for SAP (AVE for SAP) approach of IDS Scheer.

2. AVE for SAP

The ARIS Value Engineering approachdeveloped by IDS Scheer AG for hand-ling SAP implementation and upgradeprojects (AVE for SAP) is a holistic,model-based framework that covers allkey aspects of an ERP implementation(processes, systems, data, organiza-tion). AVE for SAP is not just a frame-work; rather – as shown in figure 1 – itis a complete cycle that includes everyphase of business process manage-ment, i.e., strategy, design, implemen-tation, and monitoring.

Standardized work packages and prod-ucts are defined for each phase. Thesebuild on each other and are created inARIS for SAP NetWeaver and SAPSolution Manager. The result is anexact definition of the content required in the individual phases of the project, the form in which it needs to becreated, and of the tools that support each of the phases. This ensures a consistent approach and a process-oriented view.

The procedure and specified work packages can also be adapted to suit individual customer situations andneeds.

Deployment of ARIS for SAP NetWeaver and SAP Solution Manager ensures that the required information iscentrally documented, re-used where possible, and properly structured.

Since the documentation includes a description of how the requirements to be met by the company’s businessprocesses are realized in terms of software, it also needs to be available to the customer after deployment asuser documentation that is updated on an ongoing basis, making it a valuable information resource when mak-ing subsequent changes. Unfortunately, with many deployment projects of this kind, little importance isattached to the quality of the documentation and keeping it updated, often making it necessary to start a newproject by redocumenting the existing processes and systems.

With the AVE for SAP approach, docu-mentation content is modeled in ARISthroughout the course of the entireproject (see figure 2), and it remainsavailable there after configuration fortesting, user training, and monitoring.The information and various views arelinked in the central ARIS repositoryand can therefore be used as the basisfor important analysis work during andafter the project.

© IDS Scheer AG – September 2006 3

ARIS Expert Paper

Fig. 1: ARIS Value Engineering for SAP—roadmap

Fig. 2: ARIS Value Engineering for SAP—work packages,models, and results in the individual phases


3. Strategy Phase

Before commencing an implementation or upgrade project, it is important to define exactly which objectivesthe company intends to achieve by introducing an SAP system, based on its business, process, and IT strate-gy. The company’s market positioning plays a key role here, but consideration should also be given to possiblescope for improvements in other areas. This involves understanding which processes underpin the company’soperations and assessing the importance of these processes. The existing business processes can be evalu-ated using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Based on the results, processes can be optimized, standard-ized, and redefined in accordance with business process transformation methods. This should initially takeplace independently of the planned SAP scenarios, thereby ensuring that the business processes in questionremain the strategic focus of the deployment project and are not subordinated to the requirements of the newIT system. If the implementation of theSAP solution needs to follow specificstandards, this is taken into account inthe process design phase.

During the strategy phase, the companycan obtain information about the solu-tions available from SAP using the SAPSolution Composer. This tool presentsthe web-based software solutionoffered by SAP in the form of “solutionmaps” providing both industry-specificand product-focused views. It enablesSAP customers to evaluate a desiredbusiness scenario without definingindividual components or to createtheir own scenario. SAP customers cantherefore identify the SAP view of theindividual processes at an early stageand establish which SAP products arerequired to support the desired sce-nario.

4. Design Phase

In the design phase, strategic requirements are turned into specific business process models. This involvesusing the ARIS for SAP NetWeaver interface to access the SAP reference processes contained in SolutionComposer and SAP Solution Manager.

The component-independent view provided by Solution Composer can simplify an organization’s choice of theright SAP solution. In addition to process documentation, Solution Composer makes other information available

that supports SAP customersduring deployment projects:detailed process descriptions,key performance indicators, andbusiness objectives and goals.

When an SAP customer has fin-ished choosing the components,they can continue working withthe relevant Solution Managercontent (SAP referenceprocesses).

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Fig. 3: Using reference content in ARIS for SAPNetWeaver

Fig. 4: Reference processes from SAP Solution Composer in theform of ARIS models

5. SAP Reference Processes

The reference processes provided by SAP are structured into three layers, comprising scenarios, processes,and process steps, which can be assembled from a component/product view and from an industry view. Thereference content also includes the SAP-relevant system organization structures and master data elements.

Additionally, the reference content is enrichedwith information needed to create blueprints(IMGs, documentation, CI templates, BC Sets).

In our example, the company has chosen toimplement the SAP scenario “Inventory Mana-gement” in the supply management processarea. An overview model is used to evaluate howthis scenario can best be integrated into thebusiness process architecture of the company.

The scenario, and the processes and processsteps it contains, can now be imported into ARISfor SAP NetWeaver via the interface to SAPSolution Manager.

There are several ways of using the SAP refer-ence content in the project, depending on thescope required. Because SAP Solution Managerneeds the relevant system landscape as the con-text, in many projects the environment is definedin SAP Solution Manager first and then the sce-narios supported using the selected componentsare identified in SAP Solution Manager and loaded into ARIS for SAP NetWeaver as part of the project struc-ture.

Another option is to import the entire SAP Business Process Repository, comprising all the processes andprocess steps available from SAP. The SAP Business Process Repository is divided into process groups (e.g.Procurement, Production, Sales, etc.). These configuration-relevant processes and process steps can then beintegrated into company-specific, self-defined business scenarios using input from the relevant departments.

If there is no specific information available yetabout the system landscape to be used, sce-narios can be downloaded regardless of con-text and then used in a project. However, itshould be noted that a specific system land-scape must be defined at some point in theproject in order to ensure that the relevantsystem release offers the necessary content.

By way of the defined project structure, a linkis then established between SAP SolutionManager and ARIS for SAP NetWeaver.

In the blueprinting phase that follows, thecompany’s future processes are described.This involves adapting the SAP reference mod-els to the company’s business process archi-tecture, always remembering to work withinthe structural layers of Solution Manager (sce-nario, process, process step).


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Fig. 5: The SAP scenario “Inventory Manage-ment” is to be implemented in the supplymanagement process area of the compa-ny. To enable this, the scenario is import-ed into ARIS for SAP NetWeaver.

Fig. 6: Process layers in ARIS for SAP NetWeaverand SAP Solution Manager


To perform this task, the business process analyst needs to understand the company’s business processes(e.g., by studying process models) and to have the necessary knowledge of the SAP processes to be imple-mented. The result is a dedicated, process-oriented blueprint containing both the configuration requirementsand the process documentation. Any additionalbusiness process-relevant information that maybe required can also be added. AVE for SAP pro-vides the business process analyst with supportwhen creating a database and modeling the lay-er concept, while also highlighting the minimumrequirements that the process models must meetfor a successful implementation.

In our example, the business process behindinventory management was modeled in ARIS forSAP NetWeaver, which involved the SAP-relatedinformation (application, SAP process) beingdepicted in a single model together with thebusiness requirements (position, manualprocess steps, documents) and the necessaryprocess logic. This process is linked to the up-stream and downstream processes (e.g., pro-curement, shipping, etc.) by way of processinterfaces.

6. Creating New Scenarios in ARIS

Since the scenarios provided by SAP do not always ful-ly correspond to the workflows needed by a specificcompany or do not cover the entire scope of a project,ARIS for SAP NetWeaver provides companies with thefunctionality to create their own scenarios. To enablethis, new objects can be modeled in ARIS, or partialprocesses or individual process steps from existing SAPreference content can be used. ARIS for SAP Net-Weaver incorporates an assistent that supports themodeling of these self-defined scenarios. The assistenttakes care of the attributes required for consistent dataexchange with SAP Solution Manager and also createsmodels and group structures. This ensures that ARIS forSAP NetWeaver delivers SAP-compliant processdesigns.

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Fig. 7: Process representation in ARIS for SAPNetWeaver with business and configura-tion-relevant information

Fig. 8: Example of the assistant used tocreate new SAP functions in ARISfor SAP NetWeaver

7. Transfer of Process Structures from ARIS to Solution Manager

When the blueprint has been created, the processstructure can be transferred to SAP SolutionManager ready for the next stage. Both existingprocess structures used and any newly createdprocess structures are transferred. If namechanges have been made to existing structures,these are also migrated. Where objects from theSAP reference processes have been used, the rele-vant documents provided by SAP are automaticallyincluded in the project.

8. Completing the Blueprint inSolution Manager

Now that the structures have been created, avail-able transactions can be added to the structure ele-ments or removed from the focus of the project. Inthe case of new process structures created to meeta company-specific need, existing SAP standard transactions from the reference content can be used or newtransactions can be defined using ARIS for SAP NetWeaver.

After completing the blueprint in SAPSolution Manager, it needs to be syn-chronized with ARIS for SAP Net-Weaver ready for the next stage of theproject. This is an important step,allowing the business view to bealigned with the configuration view andthe project documentation to be updat-ed. Synchronization is required at inter-vals as the project progresses, in bothdirections, and it is important to beaware which of the two systems is thelead system at any given time.

The business description of the pro-cesses in ARIS is used as the basis forthe process architecture, with thedetailed information needed for config-uration being added in SAP SolutionManager. Changes to the process archi-

tecture arising in the individual company departments during the course of the project are initiated via ARIS bymodifying the business processes. The transactions involved and the associated documentation can be viewedin ARIS (Function Allocation Diagram).

The business processes defined by departments across the company are then published using ARIS BusinessPublisher. The published models allow users to navigate directly into the process structure in SAP SolutionManager. This process structure is particularly important for defining test cases, with the different options inthe ARIS process models being used to determine the end-to-end company scenario where the individualprocess steps and transactions are used.

Finally, the published business process models can be added to the project structure in SAP Solution Manager.


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Fig. 9: Process structure in the SAP SolutionManager blueprint

Fig. 10: Synchronization between ARIS for SAPNetWeaver and SAP Solution Manager


9. Deployment Phase

SAP Solution Manager plays the lead role dur-ing the deployment phase. To enable configura-tion of the individual processes, the user cannavigate from a structure element in ARIS forSAP NetWeaver to the SAP Solution Managerconfiguration view.

Test scenarios can now also be created in SAPSolution Manager based on the end-to-endscenarios defined in ARIS.

In a later phase of the project, the intendedusers of the SAP system need to be trained onhow to handle transactions in the context of thebusiness processes. To simplify user training,the ARIS models are utilized, providing a con-venient overview of the process and a betterunderstanding of individual roles in theprocess.

The ability to call transactions fromwithin ARIS for SAP NetWeaver pro-vides valuable support here. The ARISmodels can be used to help define atraining strategy based on the modeledroles and responsibilities. Similarly,ARIS allows centralized access to theproject documents transferred duringsynchronization. In this way, the ARISmodels that are eventually publishedcan contain the centralized user docu-mentation and give users better sup-port, together with the process models.Documents from various sources aremade available directly by the pub-lished ARIS models.

ARIS for SAP NetWeaver also makes itpossible to incorporate informationfrom the ARIS database into the SAPHelp.

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Fig. 11: ARIS models as the basis for defining testcases in SAP Solution Manager

Fig. 12: Various Use Cases of process models during theentire project

10. Summary

This paper describes the benefits of using ARIS for SAP NetWeaver and SAP Solution Manager in an SAP proj-ect, based on the AVE for SAP approach. It shows how ARIS for SAP NetWeaver enables individual depart-ments to define their business requirements in a process-oriented way. In addition to mapping business logic,these models can include other relevant business information, such as, data flows, roles and responsibilities,process interfaces, the underlying system landscape, and manual, system-independent activities. This busi-ness information is combined in ARIS for SAP NetWeaver with the configuration elements required for theblueprint. Using SAP Solution Manager reference processes for business process modeling ensures a closetie-in between a company’s business requirements and the SAP solution portfolio. The SAP content in theseprocesses (transactions, CI templates, BC Sets, implementation guides, test cases, etc.) also delivers huge costand time savings during the project.

The end-to-end view of a company’s processes remains available in the corporate process architecture inARIS for SAP NetWeaver throughout the project and after completion. This ensures that the company’s require-ments are in line with corporate reality, the blueprint, and the corresponding implementation.

The elements of these end-to-end processes that are significant for specific system configuration are synchro-nized with SAP Solution Manager.

In the subsequent course of the project, the company can make full use of SAP Solution Manager content andtools, including adding process models to this content. This makes defining the test cases—which forms a keypart of any SAP deployment project—significantly easier.

The transparent, business-oriented view of the processes in ARIS for SAP NetWeaver makes communicationbetween the individual departments and the project team easier, facilitating the ongoing involvement of endusers in the SAP upgrade or implementation phase.

After completion of the project, the processes continue to be an important source of information and can beused for other application scenarios (e.g., enterprise architecture, process performance management, compli-ance management, etc.), as well as for supporting users.

The business process knowledge documented in ARIS for SAP NetWeaver is also a vital resource for compa-nies wishing to create and introduce an enterprise SOA of the kind that SAP intends to adopt in the comingyears.


ARIS Expert Paper

The software and consulting company IDS Scheer is the worldwide leading provider of Business Process Managementand IT solutions. With the ARIS Platform for process Excellence, IDS Scheer offers a complete tool portfolio for“Business Process Excellence”, which is highly integrated both technologically and from the content aspect. Thisencompasses methods, software and solutions for all phases of the process lifecycle – from strategy and designthrough to implementation and controlling. ARIS Platform is thus a clear unique selling point for IDS Scheer and pro-vides customers in corporations and public authorities with software support for their whole process lifecycles. Withinthe ARIS Platform for Process Excellence, ARIS Toolset is the world's most frequently purchased tool for process opti-mization. Under a strategic cooperation with SAP, the ARIS tools and methods will in future be standard in theNetWeaver platform. ARIS SmartPath is a tool that will make rapid SAP introduction a reality for medium-sized com-panies as well. Thanks to the integrated approach of ARIS Value Engineering (AVE), IDS Scheer consultants view theircustomers’ organizations holistically. AVE means building bridges between corporate strategy, the processes derivedfrom it, the IT solutions needed to support it and also the controlling of running processes. Moreover, customers prof-it from complete global services for outsourcing and support.

IDS Scheer was founded in 1984 by Prof. August-Wilhelm Scheer, who today is Chairman of the Supervisory Board andChief Technology Advisor. The company now serves about 6,000 customers in over 70 countries through a network ofits own branch offices and partners. In 2005, the company earned revenues of about 318 million Euro. About 2500 peo-ple are working for IDS Scheer worldwide. The company is listed in the TecDAX on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange(Germany).

“ARIS”, “IDS” and “Y” symbol are registered trademarks of IDS Scheer AG, Saarbruecken. “SAP NetWeaver” is a trademark of SAP AG, Walldorf.Allother trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. The contents of this document are subject to copyright. Anychanges,modifications, additions or amendments require prior written consent from IDS Scheer AG, Saarbrücken. Reproduction in any form is only per-mitted onthe condition that the copyright notice remains on the actual document. Publication or translation in any form requires prior written consentfromIDS Scheer AG, Saarbrücken.

Inventory number SAP0906-E-EP © Copyright IDS Scheer AG, Saarbrücken, 2006

Business Process Excellence

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