Customer Confusion
SAP regularly changes its software license categories (user types, software engines etc) and the functionality each of these covers to accommodate their sales offerings at any particular point in time.
Many companies invest in SAP software on a long term basis - resulting in regular purchases of software licenses over a number of years, through different projects and covering various SAP solutions. Invariably this leads to several contracts or contract addendums - each with different functionality usage rights.
Additionally, in order to meet specific customer requirements, SAP often create new user types with specific conditions, which are only obvious in the small print of the contract!
A recent customer audit showed that over time 18 different types of license had be purchased across different divisions, including:
- Pre-2000 R/3 user types
- Individual SAP solution user types (e.g. Finance, HR, BI)
- Professional, Limited Professional, Employee Self Service, and "Limited" Employee Self Service user types
- Specifically-created user types for specific projects
- SAP Business Suite (multi-solution) user types
With such a variation of license types, it is no wonder that many customers find it very difficult to understand exactly what each of their licenses allows them to do - not to mention trying to assign users to the correct license type!
Furthermore, licenses are often managed separately in different divisions within a customer organisation and each Customer User Administrator must make a decision on how to classify each system user at the time of registration. Without a consistent view across the organisation this process will inevitably be less than optimal.
DNASTREAM Can Help Bring Clarity
With our Software License Optimization Stream, we can help our customers to understand their SAP license coverage and cut through the confusing mixture of contracts and user types. Our proven approach helps put customers in the best position to:
- Maximise the potential of the existing licensed software
- Accurately assign users to the most appropriate license type for their job role
- Achieve consistency across organisational divisions
- Negotiate with SAP from a point of strength on future software requirements
- Ensure accurate cross-charging across the organisation
- Achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory and internal controls
The DNASTREAM Process
With DNASTREAM's experience and knowledge of SAP licensing, we offer a standardised service based on a three step process:
Step 1 - Information Gathering
- Review and consolidation of current SAP license contract documentation
- Review of current user classifications on the SAP system(s)
- Analysis of user behaviour including user types, frequency and type of usage across the SAP system(s)
- Review and documentation of immediate and future SAP software needs
Step 2 - Information Analysis
- Comparison of collected information and system usage with current SAP license contract coverage
- Evaluation of collected information and system usage with the current and future business needs
- Analysis of complete position across all SAP installations to give a consolidated view
Step 3 - Report and Recommendations
- Findings from the review process
- Specific advice regarding the licensing position highlighting any areas of risk
- Recommendations and options available in terms of SAP functionality and licenses
- Advice regarding the set up of a regular review process including management reports, to maintain an optimal position
If you would like further information or wish to discuss your needs please
contact us.