In every SAP implementation, almost without exception, the need will arise for one or more developments, popularly known as FRICE-W (Forms, Reports, Interface, Conversions and Enhancements and Workflows). In the current SAP ASAP methodology, these are normally identified during the blueprint phase, but developed during the Realization Phase.
Specifically, the methodology allows you to wait until the Realization Phase to finish the Functional Specifications. No good can come of this .
Why? This chart should make it clear that the closer you are running to full capacity, the higher the impact of any delays.
Per the SAP ASAP methodology, you, the Project Manager, need to revalidate the project timelines at the beginning of each phase. If you have not yet finalized all of your FRICE-W Functional Specifications when you've finished the blueprint phase, then you have made the following 5 mistakes:
Well, in my experience, and as it turns out, in many other SAP implementations, a project review almost always yields a statement like the following from 3 rd party project evaluators.
“Delays in writing functional specifications and in completing required legacy
system interfaces could put additional strain on implementors' off-shore
resources to generate code for a large number of objects in a short amount
of time. Delays caused by poor or rushed off-shore development may not
As you can see, the above evaluation result clearly misses the root cause of project delays - failing to get the functional specifications completed during the blueprint phase. As you recall from your SAP Academy training, the Business Blueprint documents how the business intends to run it's business using SAP solutions post Go-Live.
Solution: As soon as a gap is identified, get the functional specification completed, even if in only a preliminary state. To ensure your specifications are up to par, you can use our template.
Want to benefit from these and many other experienced based pieces of advice? We've made a series of Project Management videos you might enjoy.
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About the Author: Lonnie Ayers is a Hubspot Certified Inbound Marketing consultant, with additional certifications in Hubspot Content Optimization, Hubspot Contextual Marketing, and is a Hubspot Certified Partner. Specialized in demand generation and sales execution, especially in the SAP, Oracle and Microsoft Partner space, he has unique insight into the tough challenges Service Providers face with generating leads and closing sales using the latest digital tools. With 15 years of SAP Program Management experience, and dozens of complex sales engagements under his belt, he helps partners develop and communicate their unique sales proposition. Frequently sought as a public speaker in various events, he is available for both inhouse engagements and remote coaching.
He also recently released a book "How to Dominate Any Market - Turbocharging Your Digital Marketing and Sales Results", which is available on Amazon.
