Install & Upgrade (Patching)

What We Do

New SAP system installations (ECC, S/4HANA, BW, Solution Manager)
SAP version and support package upgrades
Kernel upgrades and security patching
Database version upgrades
OS patching and upgrades
Unicode conversions
System copies and refreshes
Add-on and component installations

Why It Matters

Controlled installations and upgrades are critical for:

Security: Patches close vulnerabilities that could be exploited
Stability: Bug fixes prevent system crashes and data corruption
Support: Staying current ensures vendor support availability
Functionality: New features enable business process improvements
Compliance: Audit requirements often mandate minimum patch levels
Performance: Optimizations in newer versions improve transaction speed

However, upgrades also carry risk. Poor planning or execution can cause extended downtime, data loss, or functional regression. Our structured approach controls these risks.

How We Do It

Step 1: Planning & Assessment

Review SAP release notes and known issues for target version
Check add-on and custom code compatibility
Identify prerequisite patches and configuration changes
Estimate downtime window based on system size
Define success criteria and validation procedures
Coordinate with application teams for testing requirements
Preventive maintenance activities as recommended by SAP
Database optimization and kernel updates
Authorization audits and parameter reviews

Step 2: Test Environment Execution

Perform upgrade in development or sandbox first
Document actual steps taken and timing
Identify any unexpected issues or manual interventions
Validate system functionality post-upgrade
Refine procedure based on lessons learned

Step 3: Rollback Plan Preparation

Create complete system backup before upgrade
Document rollback procedure with step-by-step instructions
Test rollback in non-production environment
Define go/no-go decision criteria
Establish communication plan for stakeholders

Step 4: Production Execution

Schedule during approved maintenance window
Execute pre-upgrade checklist (backups, health checks)
Perform upgrade following documented procedure
Monitor system logs for errors or warnings
Execute post-upgrade validation tests
Obtain sign-off from application teams before releasing to users

Step 5: Post-Upgrade Stabilization

Monitor system performance and error logs closely
Address any issues discovered during initial usage
Collect feedback from key users
Document lessons learned and update procedures
Plan follow-up patches if needed

Risk Control Measures

Change Freeze Calendar

We coordinate upgrades around business-critical periods:

Avoid month-end, quarter-end, year-end
Respect industry-specific busy seasons
Schedule during low-usage periods
Allow buffer time before major events

Test Scenarios

Validation procedures cover critical functions:

User login and authorization
Key transaction execution
Interface connectivity
Batch job scheduling
Reporting and data extraction

Rollback Readiness

We prepare for rapid recovery if needed:

Complete system backup verified
Rollback procedure documented and tested
Go/no-go checkpoints defined
Decision authority clearly assigned

Communication Plan

Stakeholders stay informed throughout:

Pre-upgrade notification to users
Status updates during maintenance window
Go-live announcement when complete
Post-upgrade summary report

Deliverables

Upgrade Plan: Detailed procedure with timing, prerequisites, and dependencies
Compatibility Assessment: Analysis of add-ons, custom code, and interfaces
Test Scenarios: Validation procedures for critical business functions
Rollback Plan: Step-by-step recovery procedure if upgrade fails
Execution Checklist: Go/no-go criteria and status tracking
Post-Upgrade Report: Summary of activities, issues, and lessons learned
Updated Documentation: Revised system specifications and configuration

Typical Downtime Windows

Activity Type	Typical Duration	Factors Affecting Duration
Kernel Patch	1-2 hours	System size, number of instances
Support Package	4-8 hours	Number of packages, custom code conflicts
Version Upgrade	8-24 hours	Database size, number of customizations
Database Upgrade	4-12 hours	Database size, platform-specific procedures
Unicode Conversion	12-48 hours	Database size, data volume

Note: These are estimates based on typical systems. Actual duration determined during planning phase based on your specific environment.