Welcome to "Cutover in SAP Activate"!

(With a handy Quick Reference for Accelerators)

This book describes the Cutover Management process "as is" defined in SAP Activate, the official SAP methodology for implementing SAP components, including SAP S/4HANA.

This book is intended for anyone seeking a solid, official standard for the Cutover in SAP projects.

This is Part 2 of the series: The Cutover in SAP(R) Projects - The Guide.

Although this is the second part, this book is intentionally independent and self-explanatory. However, it may be beneficial to read Part 1, which delves into the specific nature of the transition process known as the Cutover.

I often use metaphors to explain concepts, and a fitting one for the Cutover is heart transplant surgery. The medical procedure is akin to implementing SAP components for business solutions. The cutover represents the process from the point of the old, "sick" heart being removed until the new one starts beating.

This metaphor captures the dynamic and, at times, dramatic nature of the transition we call the Cutover.

SAP Activate is a valuable reference for any proprietary SAP implementation method, making this book relevant to a broad audience. It is particularly useful for those involved in any ERP implementation or digital transformation, including:

• SAP project stakeholders in need of a reliable reference

• Stakeholders of other ERP implementations, given SAP's role as an industry benchmark

• Cutover Managers or those aspiring to become Cutover Managers

• Headhunters tasked with finding qualified Cutover leads

• Auditors responsible for evaluating SAP projects

This book's primary source is the publicly available SAP Activate Roadmap Viewer, which allows you to access SAP's rich vault quickly.

It covers the following aspects:

Short Introduction

1. Specification of Information Sources
2. Terms and Artifacts Related to the Cutover
3. Roles and Teams Involved
4. The SAP Activate Roadmap Journey
5. Quick Reference for Cutover Accelerators
6. Roadmaps and Project Plan Templates
7. Other Useful Links

With years of professional experience executing SAP cutovers for various companies, I have observed that despite its common use, the concept of "cutover" remains poorly defined, non-standardized, and challenging to prepare and communicate. This book aims to address those gaps.

Modern SAP projects typically involve significant changes to tightly integrated IT systems, where multiple business units must continue functioning without interruption. This makes Cutover a critical, intricate operation.

I have deliberately chosen to limit my personal interpretations and present this topic in this book "as is." I will expand on the subject in future books, incorporating my best understanding and practice.

This book includes a Quick Reference list of SAP Activate Accelerators and documents published by SAP to assist customers and partners with their SAP implementation projects. It is a gateway to a wealth of publicly available SAP Activate documentation.

I welcome your feedback and will make corrections as needed.

I hope you enjoy reading it!