Top Tips From Chris Salis on Managing a Successful SAP Implementation

Chris Salis
2 min readJul 30, 2022

Most SAP implementation failures result from actions taken without clearly defined objectives, a lack of a plan, a lack of due diligence, leading with an SAP inexperienced team, and missing the connection between the requirement and the solution. The proper preparation and team to manage the SAP implementation are vital to success. However, SAP implementation isn’t rocket science, and a clear understanding of a few aspects can improve and improve SAP project delivery.

So, do we have any recommended and tried-and-tested strategies that are simple to understand and implement? We’ll now go over a few of them advocated by Chris Salis.

See the Bigger Picture

SAP implementation shouldn’t be viewed as just another IT project because it can result in a complete business change. As a result, it should be planned for and monitored at the program level. Because SAP implementation requires significant investment, the interest and stake of executive business management and other divisions are equally important.

Though an SAP project can be completed as part of the IT management and finance responsibilities, other business functions must prioritize the assisting functions because SAP does not only affect IT but also other functions. It also has a significant business impact. As a result, the SAP project must conduct a requirement and impact analysis across the organization.

Business Involvement is Crucial

While we were discussing the scenarios that would impact the project before and during its execution, it is also critical to note that a successful SAP implementation may face challenges to sustain due to a lack of business acceptance and insufficient participation of business representatives. If the SAP solution does not meet the business expectations, it attracts a lot of repetitive work implementing corrective measures, negatively impacting time and cost. A significant scope revision, delays, or postponement of go-live can be seen in a few cases where corrective actions are limited.

Emphasize Having Resources in Place

A successful SAP implementation project requires the proper resources to be in place. SAP implementation necessitates a range of competencies at various project stages; however, being prepared with resources early on is advantageous.

Because an SAP project has a business impact, you will need representation from many functions and verticals, including business people, senior management, project management, change management, an operational team, risk and quality requirements identifiers, and an SAP competent technical team. As a result, when acquiring resources for the project, care must be taken to accommodate and incorporate specific facets of competency assessment.

These are quintessential tips from Chris Salis on successfully managing SAP implementation. Now, we’ll explore more about him on a personal level.

About Chris Salis

Chris Salis is a celebrated name in the tech industry. Known for his SAP consultation expertise, he has extended his proficiency and is now acknowledged as a top startup advisor.

Chris is happily married and is a father of 2 sons. Presently he lives in San Mateo, CA, with his family.

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