Special Edition Using SAP R/3, Third Edition

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Special Edition Using SAP R/3, Third Edition - CH 3 - Exploring R/3 Architecture Page 6 of 26 What is needed is help in describing how things are done now, and help in arranging the system so that it will work well in the future. The last thing an implementer wants is a host of problems with computer code. The last thing a managing director wants is a wonderful system that does not do what is necessary to support the business. Two methods and the tools to apply them are built in to the SAP systems: Enterprise data modeling, which helps you plot out where you are now and where you’re going. Customizing, which allows you to adjust the standard business software so that it exactly fits your future way of doing business. This is done without modifying any source code. Enterprise Data Models Input is processed to become output. This is a verbal model of a company. It is an information model, even if it is not very informative. Head office manages a purchasing department and a sales department. This is slightly more informative but not really useful. But suppose that you name all the work units--the activity centers in your company--and then write down what each one does. Then you’re on the way to assembling a useful information model of your enterprise. Chapter 5, "Consulting the R/3 Reference Model," discusses how the system contains a complete information model of itself that you can inspect in list format or explore in graphical presentation. You can see how your model of your existing company’s business processes compares with the model in the system. Chapter 6, "Optimizing Business Processing," shows how this tool can guide you through the process of designing a new system for your company that will work the first time, because all the standard business functions you need to get started have been predefined and programmed so that they integrate with each other. Tools for Adapting Software Another tool that is a fundamental part of the SAP concept and the R/3 system is the customizing system. When you look at part of the R/3 Reference Model, you can recognize many business functions that you already have in your operating departments, such as Sales and Production. With the advice and support of the R/3 Analyzer, you can select the functions of interest from the R/3 Reference Model and start to build a system that fits your own situation and your target concept of how you want things to be. This first edition of the target system could be run as it stands, because it is made up of predefined standard business functions that are fully working and properly integrated with each other. But this system will not feel like your own tailor-made system. If you call for a list of your company’s products, you will not see your specific products, because the system knows nothing about them. If file://J:\prodinfo\MEMBERS\MA\ir057.html 3/23/01
Special Edition Using SAP R/3, Third Edition - CH 3 - Exploring R/3 Architecture Page 7 of 26 you have one production plant and two warehouses, the R/3 Reference Model shows the plant as the owner of a warehouse, but it does not know that you have two warehouses until you tell it so. The process of adjusting and particularizing your model system without altering any source code is discussed in Chapter 7, "Customizing." Client/Server Multitier Architecture SAP systems are designed for the medium-to-large corporate business entity with many worldwide locations and many data-processing facilities. The size and complexity of such companies, and the increasing capability of computer systems to rapidly process large quantities of data, have combined to encourage the concept and physical construction of networks of servers providing support to a number of clients or users. Most business systems have to provide three main functions: Database services to retain information--for example, on materials and methods used in manufacture and packaging Application data processing--for example, to ensure that materials required for production are delivered to the right place at the correct time and that the stock is replenished Presentation services--for example, to report the progress of production and the state of the inventory The SAP R/3 software system provides the functionality to support all such businesses. It also allows the target system to be fine-tuned so that it reaches peak performance quickly and adapts rapidly and effectively to changes in circumstances. Your SAP system can be configured to suit your size by allocating different processing systems to the three essential services of database management, application processing, and presentation services. Central System Alone A central system by itself can provide database, application processing, and presentation services. Decentralized Presentation The central system can encompass the database and the R/3 application software, but the presentation system is a decentralized network of user interfaces. Client with Server to Database The central host system may carry the R/3 BASIS and one or more applications. The database then has to be a separate system accessed via a server. Three-Level Client/Server Configuration file://J:\prodinfo\MEMBERS\MA\ir057.html 3/23/01
Page 1 and 2: Special Edition Using SAP R/3, Thir
Page 5: Special Edition Using SAP R/3, Thir

Special Edition Using SAP R/3, Third Edition

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?