SAP upgrade checklist: A step by step guide

Upgrading an SAP system can be a complex process, but with proper planning and execution, it can provide significant benefits in terms of improved functionality, performance, and security. In this post, we will discuss the steps involved in upgrading an SAP system.

Step 1: Pre upgrade planning

Before beginning the upgrade process, it is essential to plan for the upgrade. This includes understanding the current SAP system's architecture, and whether this too will change, identifying the new version to which the system will be upgraded, determining the upgrade strategy, identifying the upgrade team, and developing a detailed upgrade plan. You should also consider a backup and recovery plan. Your backup and recovery plan serves as a solitary lifeline in the event that anything catastrophic takes place during the upgrade.

Step 2: Pre upgrade activities

Once the planning is done, the pre upgrade activities can begin. These activities include backing up the existing SAP system, verifying the system's hardware and software requirements, and checking for any prerequisites, such as operating system patches, database upgrades, and software updates. It is recommended to set up a reference system. Setting up a copy of your existing system is a great start. This greatly reduces risks by providing a safe space to work through any critical issues and making potential changes before reaching production. This can also be a great time to perform an SAP system health check to ensure your system has no underlying issues before proceeding with an upgrade.

Step 3: Upgrade execution

After completing the pre upgrade activities, the actual upgrade process can begin. The upgrade process typically involves installing the new software, configuring the new version, importing data from the old system, and performing necessary testing to ensure that the upgraded system is functioning correctly.  Having the reference system available allows you to perform these tasks many times without impacting the current landscape. Multiple runs of the upgrade not only allow you to uncover and remediate issues but it also provides the opportunity to tune the run time performance of the upgrade, reducing downtime for the business.

Step 4: Post upgrade activities

After the upgrade is complete, post upgrade activities should be performed. This includes verifying that all data has been imported correctly, testing the system to ensure that all functionality is working as expected, and performing any necessary system tuning to optimize performance.

Step 5: User acceptance testing

Once the post upgrade activities are complete, user acceptance testing (UAT) should be performed to ensure that the upgraded system meets the business requirements. UAT involves testing the system with real world scenarios to ensure that it is functioning correctly and meeting the business needs. 

Step 6: Go live

After UAT is complete, the system can be moved into production, and users can begin using the upgraded system. It is crucial to ensure that the system is fully tested before going live to avoid any unexpected issues.

Step 7: Post production support

After the system is live, post production support should be provided to users to ensure that any issues that arise are addressed promptly. This includes providing training to users on the new system's features and functionality and addressing any technical issues that arise.

Final words

In conclusion, upgrading an SAP system can be a complex process, but it is essential to keep the system up to date to ensure that it meets the business needs. By following the above steps, organizations can ensure that the upgrade process is successful and the upgraded system provides significant benefits.

Reach out to Avantra to find out more about SAP upgrades and how automation can help.