Introduction
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, implementing cloud solutions effectively is crucial for businesses aiming for agility, scalability, and operational efficiency. ASAR, with its deep expertise in SAP applications, introduces the Build Smart and Run Simple (BSRS) methodology, a project delivery framework designed specifically for the seamless implementation of public cloud solutions. This document outlines the BSRS methodology, elaborating on its phases, objectives, and key activities, underscoring how it enables businesses to achieve their digital transformation goals efficiently.
The Essence of BSRS
The BSRS methodology encapsulates a holistic approach to project delivery, emphasizing smart construction and simple operation. It is constructed around the principles of agility, transparency, and user-centricity, ensuring that implementations are not only effective but also adaptable to the ever-changing business landscape. The methodology is structured into five distinct phases, each tailored to facilitate a smooth transition from conceptualization to deployment, ensuring that every stage of implementation is aligned with the project’s ultimate objectives.
Phase 1: Discover
The Discover phase is the cornerstone of the BSRS methodology, setting the stage for a successful project. This initial phase is dedicated to understanding the client’s digital aspirations, project scope, and the specific objectives to be achieved.
Key Activities:
- Simplified Digital Discovery: Leveraging workshops and sessions to explore and map out the client’s digital journey, identifying key areas of improvement and innovation.
- Scope Finalization: Collaboratively defining the project’s scope, ensuring all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the deliverables, timelines, and expectations.
- Statement of Work Sign-off: Formalizing the project’s scope and commitments through an official sign-off, ensuring alignment between ASAR and the client.
Phase 2: Plan & Prepare
Transitioning from discovery to detailed planning, the Plan & Prepare phase lays the groundwork for the project’s execution. This phase is critical for establishing a solid foundation, encompassing everything from technical setup to team readiness
Key Activities:
- Kick-off: Initiating the project with a comprehensive kick-off meeting, aligning all stakeholders on the project’s vision, goals, and execution plan.
- System Provisioning: Setting up the necessary infrastructure and systems required for the project, ensuring they are aligned with the project’s technical specifications and requirements.
- Team Onboarding: Introducing the project team, defining roles and responsibilities, and ensuring all members are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools.
- Fit-to-Standard Workshops: Conducting workshops to align project requirements with standard solutions, minimizing customizations and leveraging the best practices embedded in public cloud solutions.
- Finalize MVP: Determining the Minimum Viable Product to quickly deliver value and enable early feedback loops.
- Configuration, Enhancements, and Migration Approach: Finalizing the approach for system configuration, necessary enhancements, data migration testing, and training strategies.
Phase 3: Iterative Build and Test
The Iterative Build and Test phase is where the planned solution begins to take shape through a series of iterative and incremental steps. This phase focuses on building the solution in alignment with the defined MVP, incorporating feedback, and ensuring quality through rigorous testing.
Key Activities:
- Incremental Configuration and Development: Applying an agile approach to configure and develop the solution iteratively, allowing for flexibility and adjustments based on feedback.
- Weekly Sprints and Playback/Walkthroughs: Conducting weekly sprints to ensure continuous progress, with regular playback sessions to demonstrate developments and gather stakeholder feedback.
- Mock Data Migration and System Integration Testing: Testing the migration process and integration points to ensure seamless data flow and connectivity between systems.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Sign-off: Facilitating UAT to ensure the solution meets business requirements and obtaining formal sign-off from stakeholders.
- End-user Training: Providing comprehensive training to end-users to ensure smooth adoption and proficiency in using the new system.
Phase 4: Deploy
The Deploy phase is critical for transitioning from a test environment to a live production environment. This phase involves final preparations for going live, ensuring the system is fully functional and ready for operational use.
Key Activities:
- Production System Setup: Establishing the production environment, including the final migration of development and configuration.
- Complete Data Migration: Migrating all necessary data to the production system, ensuring integrity and readiness for go-live.
- Onboarding Business Users: Preparing business users for the transition, ensuring they are familiar with the new system and processes.
- Smoke Test and Cut-over: Conducting final testing to confirm system readiness and executing the cut-over plan to switch from the old system to the new solution.
- Go-Live Readiness Sign-off: Obtaining formal confirmation that the system is ready for go-live
Phase 5: Go-Live & Support
The culmination of the BSRS methodology is the Go-Live & Support phase, where the application transitions from project mode into a live, operational state. This phase is not just a milestone but the beginning of a new era of digital operations for the client, underpinned by ongoing support to ensure continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Activities:
- Go-Live: The official transition of the system to live production, marking the commencement of its operational use. This step involves a carefully planned sequence of activities to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition.
- Post Go-Live Support: Immediate support following the go-live to address any issues swiftly, ensuring that business operations continue smoothly and without significant interruptions.
- ASAR Shield:Introducing the ASAR Shield, our commitment to ongoing support and maintenance. This includes monitoring system performance, providing regular updates, and ensuring the solution remains optimal through its lifecycle.
- Continuous Improvement: Establishing a framework for continuous feedback and improvement, ensuring the solution evolves in alignment with the client’s changing business needs and technological advancements. This includes regular review meetings, performance analytics, and the implementation of enhancements to optimize the system’s functionality and user experience.
- Training and Knowledge Transfer: Continuing to offer training sessions and knowledge resources to empower users, ensuring they fully leverage the system’s capabilities and remain updated on new features and best practices.
The ASAR BSRS (Build Smart & Run Simple) methodology is more than just a project delivery framework; it’s a strategic approach designed to ensure the successful implementation of public cloud solutions. By adhering to its five-phase process, ASAR guarantees a comprehensive, client-focused journey from discovery through to continuous support post go-live. This methodology not only facilitates a smooth digital transformation but also empowers businesses to harness the full potential of their SAP applications, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape.