Methodologies and frameworks:
The methodology used in the current project are successful proven methodologies used in several projects in the organization. SAP's Accelerated Implementation Project's (AIP) methodology is used for implementing SAP Business One. Below is the AIP implementation Methodology:
Ref: SAP Business One Version 9.0: Implementation tools – Implementation methodology
AIP methodology has five phases. It starts from sales team to handover to the support team. The five phases has milestones on each phases which means completing every activity on every milestone. These milestones are explained below:
1. Project preparation –
In the first phase, there is a handover from sales team to implementation. Once the sales team handover for implementation process, the team needs to create the project plan for implementation. Once the key Business Requirements Documents are made, we install the SAP Business One software and demo at the client site.
In this phase, we understand the complete sales process, understand customer's requirements and their processes. We also learn the risks involved in the process and come up with a time frame to complete the cycle in the constrained time. Once the expectations are set, we install the software on a contractual basis. AIP methodology is used to keep the project on track and finish in a timely manner.
2. Business Blueprint –
In this phase, analysis is of the expectations and requirements has been done. AIP methodology suggests to conduct workshop with the clients. We work with all the departments sales, technical, HR, finance and Marketing to migrate all the data.
3. Project realization –
This is the most important phase of the project which we have implemented with one of our client Pandya hospital. We implemented one of our SAP Business One product Integrated Hospital management solution (IHMS). In this phase, we implemented all the business processes and technical requirements by the clients. All the master data has been migrated. Our client went through all the testing and consultant need to make sure that he resolve the issue.
4. Final preparation –
During this phase, SAP Business One and client organization goes into production mode. Once the testing is done, Go Live planning is started for which training of end users is a critical part. Accounting balances and final transactions are moved to the production system from their old system. This period is called a 'cutover' period. The AIP methodology has Phase and Risk analysis tool to manage system readiness and cutover activities. The four milestones for this process are:
– End user training
– System readiness
– Cutover activities
– Client agrees for Go Live
5. Go-Live and Support –
This phase includes monitoring of new system in production, resolving issues, handover to client and support and project review. Finally, a client accept the new system and starts using it.
AIP Project Plan
AIP methodology provides the project plan which is available in Microsoft Excel. This plan is the master data for all the AIP phases. Its also accessible in SAP Business One Application. Embedded plan can be used by multiple consultants and team members.
Business processes templates are used to find business requirements analysis. The pre-sales analysis is used to get a bigger picture of the clients business. To gather details, we use Blueprint Process Questionnaire and Data migration Assessment.
Business process Master list tool is used to define complex job roles and authorization.
Data Migration Object list is used to document the data migration from the legacy system.
The Integration framework
The integration framework is a common platform to run all Integration SAP Business One integration platform. In our case, it was IHMS for hospital industry. The Integration framework is the middleware of SAP Business One to send and receive data from external system. It integrates all intercompany solutions to other SAP Business one systems. Also, it integrates SAP NetWeaver. Also, IHMS solution could be connected to mobile devices so that SAP Crystal dashboards can be used. Also, with this framework, development tools could be integrated with SAP Business One with external applications like web application and SQL database and file systems.
Pluggable Scenario Packages used in IHMS
Clients can leverage the integration package by running out of the box scenario packages or by creating new tailored ones. The scenario packages that are available to install the framework are:
– SAP Business One mobile application connectivity for phones and tabs
– SAP Crystal Dashboards
– Request for online quotation from its suppliers
– Integration of SAP Business One with the Ariba B2B network
Integration framework can be easily installed with SAP Business One which runs on SAP HANA or Microsoft SQL server. The services integration framework components are:
– SAP Business One integration service
– SAP Business One DI Proxy enabling data exchange with SAP Business One using DI API
– SAP Business One EventSender for event handling.
For connectivity, System Landscape directory is used to maintain all the systems. The integration framework uses standard APIs and protocols to send and receive information from external systems (in our case, JDBC). When the package is deployed, the sender or receiver system in System Landscape directory is supported to the scenario. We need to deploy a scenario by defining a new system in System Landscape directory for each sender and receiver. The System Landscape directory has number of system types that are pre-configured with connectivity parameters for channel types used in the scenario. We have to use one of the system type given below:
– The B1 system type is used if the sender or receiver is an SAP Business One company
– The H.AnySystem type – used for system using HTTP calls
– The J.AnySystem type – used for database system
– The W.AnySystem type – used for Web service also using HTTP calls
– The F.AnySystem type – used for file system
About Crave's Integrated Healthcare Management solution (IHMS):
Integrated Healthcare management solution (IHMS) is a complete integrated solution combining Patient care with SAP Cloud Platform and SAP Business One ERP. It contains Novel Patient Management modules such as Patient Portal, Registration, Outpatient, Inpatient, Nursing, Pharmacy, Stores, Billing, Insurance, Claims, Acceptance of the Payment, and Smart Card Integration. Office Management modules like Financials, Inventory, Logistics, and Asset Accounting. It helps in tracking and Inventory control by batch/expiry. One database, integrated with EMR application for doctors to record details on the go. Its very easy integration with external applications or devices
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