Optimization of SAP operations with alm360 Operations from blue.works

SAP landscapes are rarely purely on-premise these days. Many companies are now juggling hybrid setups – a mixture of on-premise systems, cloud applications and externally hosted solutions. This puts IT teams under increasing pressure: updates, security, performance and compliance not only have to be guaranteed, but also constantly monitored. Our Stefan Thomann has already explained this problem in more detail HERE and also presented possible solutions. But who takes care of implementing and operating these solutions when the day-to-day business already ties up more than enough resources?

This is exactly where our approach comes in: With the alm360 operations packages from blue.works, we take the pressure off your internal teams and at the same time ensure that your SAP landscape remains stable, secure and performant – regardless of whether it is hosted internally, operated via a provider or as part of RISE with SAP.

The importance of SAP Cloud ALM in modern operations

SAP Cloud ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) is a cloud-based tool that supports companies in efficiently implementing and operating their SAP solutions. It offers functions such as monitoring, troubleshooting, performance optimisation and security management, which are essential for smooth operation. By integrating SAP Cloud ALM, companies can monitor the health of their SAP landscape in real time and respond proactively to potential problems.

SAP Cloud ALM is also the official successor to SAP Solution Manager, which will be phased out of maintenance at the end of 2027. Companies that are currently still using Solution Manager should switch to SAP Cloud ALM at an early stage to ensure that they continue to have a comprehensive and future-proof ALM solution.

Our offer: alm360 Operations – precisely tailored to your needs

With alm360 Operations, blue.works has developed a service offering that is specifically designed to support and optimise SAP environments with the help of SAP Cloud ALM. We have already described in more detail why we see this as added value HERE. Regardless of whether the systems are hosted internally, with an external hosting provider or as part of ‘Rise with SAP’, alm360 Operations ensures the stability, performance and scalability of the SAP landscape. Two packages are available: Basic and Advanced. Our Marko Laius has already described the two packages HERE and further details can be found on our website HERE.

alm360 Operations Basic

In this package, blue.works ensures that SAP Cloud ALM always runs smoothly – whether after fortnightly updates, interruptions or system copies.

The Basic package offers the essential services for maintaining and optimising the SAP landscape:

Configuration management: Ensuring correct configuration of SAP Cloud ALM and seamless integration of all systems.
Connection continuity: Ensuring a stable connection between the systems and SAP Cloud ALM, even when expanding the landscape.
Vulnerability monitoring: Continuous monitoring for potential security risks and proactive notification of new vulnerabilities (CVEs).
Expert Support: Specialist support for the elimination of identified weaknesses and general operational issues.

alm360 Operations Advanced

The Advanced package builds on the Basic package and offers additional services:

blue.works Health Check: A detailed health check based on best practices that goes beyond standard monitoring and provides deep insights into the system status.
Extended system maintenance: Comprehensive maintenance services, including the implementation of SAP notes and validation of backups.
Safety audits: Quarterly audits to ensure system compliance and preparation for external audits.
Configuration and security analysis: Setting up and monitoring analyses to ensure compliance with security standards.
Synthetic User Monitoring (SUM): The implementation of Synthetic User Monitoring makes it possible to continuously monitor business-critical processes by executing simulated user actions in real time. This helps companies to identify problems in the user experience at an early stage and react quickly. blue.works takes over the setup, hosting and ongoing maintenance of the SUM scripts to ensure that the monitoring always remains up-to-date and functional.

Advantages of the alm360 operations packages

Implementing the alm360 operations packages from blue.works offers companies numerous advantages:

Proactive monitoring: Continuous monitoring enables potential problems to be recognised and rectified at an early stage before they affect business operations.
Security management: Active monitoring and elimination of security gaps protects the integrity of systems and data.
Efficient system maintenance: Regular maintenance work and updates ensure optimum system performance and longevity.
Compliance and audit readiness: Thanks to regular audits and analyses, companies are always prepared for external audits and meet compliance requirements.

The added value that blue.works delivers

blue.works takes on numerous essential tasks to ensure the operation and efficiency of SAP Cloud ALM:

Ensuring that systems and services are added correctly in Cloud ALM.
Clean and clear grouping of systems and services.
Continuously check the connection status of all systems and services.
Ensuring a smooth data collection process without interruptions, including direct communication with SAP when required.
Checking and adjusting the system configuration after the regular fortnightly updates.
Restoring and ensuring the functionality of activated use cases after system copies.
Proactive notification of required updates (ST-PI) or notes in connection with Cloud ALM.
Monitoring of alerts with active contact to the customer or SAP, including direct processing.
Proactive support in solving recognised problems – in close cooperation with the customer, external partners or SAP.
Support for the operation of the entire SAP landscape that goes beyond pure cloud ALM.
Direct access and communication with SAP Cloud ALM product developers for the benefit of the customer.

Conclusion

With the alm360 Operations packages from blue.works, we offer a comprehensive solution for optimising your SAP operations with the help of efficient application lifecycle management. By combining SAP Cloud ALM with blue.works’ customised services, companies can make their SAP landscape efficient, secure and future-proof.

Another decisive advantage is the relief of internal teams. Instead of using valuable resources for time-consuming monitoring, internal employees can concentrate on more strategically important tasks. The implementation of alm360 Operations enables companies to deploy their IT and SAP experts specifically for innovation projects and business-relevant topics instead of reactively responding to system problems.

What sets us apart from other providers? We are not only SAP Cloud ALM experts, but are also closely involved in the further development of the tool – including a direct line to SAP product development. As a result, we often implement optimisations more quickly before they are officially published. Our packages grow flexibly with your system landscape – without rigid service boundaries. And we communicate clearly, without unnecessary escalation levels – because we know that every minute counts during operation.

For SAP departments that want to maximise the added value of their SAP investments, the alm360 Operations packages from blue.works are a worthwhile investment in the future of the company. You gain full control over your SAP landscape, reduce operational overheads and free up time for what really counts: focussing on innovation and added business value.

Thomas Hochstrasser

Thomas works as a Senior ALM Consultant and has extensive knowledge in the technical SAP areas. He has extensive experience in the areas of SAP Basis, provider management, hosting and system architecture.