Troubleshoot errors
Technical implementation and typical tools in the SAP Basis environment
The SAP basis requires a separation layer to upstream and downstream IT departments, which is clearly defined. In the direction of the infrastructure, for example, this can be the upper edge of the operating system. This distinction must also be drawn in the direction of application development. Here there are various services offered today by the SAP basis, which are more closely related to application, such as control of background processing, transport or also the automation of certain activities. In principle, it is necessary to examine which tasks can continue to be carried out in the SAP basis due to the requirements and which can be given in expert units.
Through a sound expertise in the SAP technology environment, it is recommended to bring the know-how of the SAP basis into the IT strategy and IT roadmap. For this, the responsibility lies primarily with the CIO as the carrier and responsible of the IT strategy and the IT organisation. Likewise, the SAP basis should serve as a sparring partner for individuals and boards (such as enterprise architects) that significantly influence the strategy.
Ensuring operational readiness
Costs: 75% savings on subsequent corrections. Significant reduction in development and maintenance costs. ABAP code: 84% faster and more fail-safe programs. Improved performance reduces runtime and hardware utilization. Targeted corrections minimize system errors and downtime.
At best, for the time in which an emergency user is in service, a separate log of the activities undertaken is written, which can then be evaluated. In the following chapter I would like to explain our best practice approach to implementing an emergency user concept. Our approach to using an emergency user concept We have had good experience with the use of the Xiting Authorizations Management Suite (XAMS) in this area. This suite consists of various modules for creating role concepts, managing permissions including a permission concept, and also enables the implementation of an emergency user concept. XAMS works here with a limited time assignment of reference users with extended privileges to enable the emergency user concept. A self-service application may be made with a justification and a period for allocating special rights. The application window is illustrated in an example in the following screenshot: Evaluation of the use of the Emergency User Concept Once this request has been initiated, a new mode will be opened for the user, in which he can work with the extended rights. In addition, depending on the configuration, a stored workflow can be initiated as an approval process, or pre-defined controllers will be notified by email to verify activities. Once the session has ended with the emergency user, the responsible persons will receive another email with the logged activity of the user with the extended permissions. One of these logs is shown in the next screenshot: These logs can also be viewed in the system. Here you will get an overview of all the sessions that have been run. In addition, it is possible to approve activities with special rights after an evaluation. This allows the controller to get an overview of the activities undertaken with the emergency user. If you are using this Emergency User Concept and following these steps, you can ensure: Each user on the production system retains his or her original necessary rights.
With "Shortcut for SAP Systems" a tool is available that greatly facilitates some tasks in the SAP basis.
This includes the documentation of key and mission critical processes and their verification for timeliness and validity.
The legal requirements (e.g. EU guidelines) to secure your business processes and IT systems have not yet been implemented and the increasing networking with business partners presents new challenges to your security system.