Performing SAP system copies automatically
What is System Copy as a Service?
Post system copy rework - The collected information from the system copy prework is evaluated and the corresponding transport requests are reimported. The development status before the system copy is thus restored. In addition, this package includes a tool that, when individual transports are released, checks whether there are any overlaps on the target system with transports that are still open there. This prevents a transport from unintentionally "overtaking" an earlier released one with the same objects.
Advantage of the system copy: Users receive one hundred percent consistent test data. A disadvantage, however, is the high storage space requirement of such a test system, which corresponds to that of the productive system. In addition, an authorization concept for the system copy is required to protect the authentic data it contains. Otherwise, company secrets are at risk, and there is a violation of regulations such as the Federal Data Protection Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Tools for SAP test systems
Powerful and sophisticated automation tools for the creation of SAP system copies provide a remedy here and demonstrably make it possible, in addition to time and cost savings, to increase the process quality of system copying, for example, or to maintain it at a consistently high level. In effect, they free up SAP Basis.
The freeware Scribble Papers puts an end to the confusing paper chaos. The tool is also suitable for storing, structuring and quickly finding text documents and text snippets of all kinds in addition to notes.
Checklist for preliminary work: Comparison of database sizes (target system must be the same or larger), comparison of database versions, kernel, host agent (ideally the same software version), dump of kernel files (export via SAPINST), saves download via SWDC, compile RFC connection passwords, inform third-party system administrators, provide memory, hard disk on the system for database and software import. Perform database dump, if necessary with transaction log, if possible with downtime, then without jobs or stop running jobs with report BTCTRNS1. Adminsitration passwords (DDIC, DB-Admin, Winadmin), create system snapshots (recovery), perform database import.
SAP system copy is made much easier by the "Shortcut for SAP Systems" application.
Technically, it is quite possible to build up a degree of automation here as well, but officially certified consultants ("migration consultants") are required to perform the heterogeneous system copy.
A disadvantage, however, is the high storage space requirement of such a test system, which corresponds to that of the productive system.