Proactive SAP operations with the alm360 operations packages from blue.works

In today’s business world, it is no longer enough for companies to simply operate SAP system landscapes passively. With our alm360 Operations packages, we rely on SAP Cloud ALM  to offer companies proactive management of their SAP system landscapes. We do not replace the existing hosting partner, but actively work together with them. We help to manage the hosting provider and take proactive measures to ensure continuous optimisation, scalability and security of the systems.

It’s all just blah blah blah…

It is already possible to argue why another level should be added between the hosting partner and the internal technical consultants. At this point, arguments regarding the costs are immediately put forward. In my experience, the internal technical staff are very often busy with other plans, projects and/or support cases and the proactive maintenance of the systems is neglected.

In the whirlwind of everyday life, there is no time to read through the EWA report again, even though you can already see the red dots on the first page. In today’s hectic world of emails and meetings, who has time to sit down and take a look at the system? Simply call up a few transactions: ST22, SM06, SE06, DB02, ST03N, SM21, SLG1, etc. Look at the values and search for anomalies, identify conspicuous system behaviour that is repeated periodically, identify and question performance peaks. Finding them is one thing, evaluating, correcting or initiating measures is quite another.

This is precisely the reason why we at blue.works have been thinking about how we can support customers here. The solution we see is alm360 Operations by blue.works. Read on to find out the reasoning behind it.

Proactivity as the key to long-term success

One of the biggest challenges for companies is that many hosting providers tend to take a reactive approach to the operation of SAP system landscapes. From my personal experience in 10 years of SAP operations, these providers often only focus on technical maintenance without looking ahead. They fix problems as soon as they occur instead of pre-emptively identifying risks and providing solutions before they become real challenges.

With alm360 Operations, we take a completely different approach: proactive monitoring of systems makes it possible to recognise problems at an early stage and make continuous improvements in areas such as security, performance and scalability. This allows companies to work more efficiently while minimising the risk of unforeseen outages. Our aim is to make systems more stable and reduce the number of tickets that arise.

Cooperation with the hosting provider

It is important to know that we do not take on the role of the hosting partner, but rather complement and manage their work. In many cases, companies already have a hosting provider that takes over the technical operation of SAP system landscapes. We provide support through various activities and services such as (details can be found HERE) by monitoring, coordinating and optimising the activities of the hosting partner.

This partnership ensures that the company’s SAP system landscapes are not only technically supported, but also optimised and secured with foresight. This ensures a continuous improvement in performance without having to replace the existing hosting partner.

Added value also for self-operated on-premise landscapes

The services of our alm360 Operations packages are not only of interest to companies that work with an external hosting provider. Companies that operate their SAP system landscapes on-premise or in their own data centres also benefit from the proactive approach. We offer a solution that supports internal SAP teams in monitoring SAP landscapes, identifying potential bottlenecks and making adjustments at an early stage.

Proactive optimisation and security of SAP system landscapes

An outstanding advantage of the alm360 Operations Service is the possibility of proactive optimisation. Instead of only fixing problems when they occur, we rely on regular checks (EWA checks, health checks and security checks) and preventive measures. Real-time data and continuous monitoring make it possible to recognise anomalies and potential bottlenecks at an early stage and adapt the SAP system landscapes accordingly. This results in a more stable and efficient environment that is optimised to meet business requirements.

System security is also a central component of the packages. Through continuous monitoring, security gaps can be recognised and rectified at an early stage before they become serious threats to the company. This proactive approach not only protects sensitive data and business processes, but also increases confidence in the long-term stability of SAP system landscapes.

Scalability for growing companies

Another decisive advantage of the combination of SAP Cloud ALM and alm360 Operations is its scalability. Companies are growing and their SAP system landscapes need to adapt to these requirements. Through proactive monitoring and analysis, we can recognise at an early stage when capacity bottlenecks occur and when it is time to expand the systems. This ensures that companies can seamlessly adapt their SAP landscapes to new requirements without the risk of performance collapses.

Conclusion: A solution for every SAP landscape

Whether companies work with an external hosting partner or operate their SAP system landscapes on premise, our proactive approach offers decisive advantages in both cases. The use of SAP Cloud ALM enables continuous monitoring and optimisation of the systems, which significantly increases stability, security and efficiency. What’s more, SAP Cloud ALM is available free of charge. This means there are no additional licence costs.

By working closely with hosting partners or internal SAP teams, we ensure that SAP system landscapes are not only operated securely and stably, but are also future-proofed. Companies benefit from improved performance, less downtime and greater scalability, which supports long-term growth and success. We therefore offer a holistic solution that goes beyond mere system maintenance and creates real added value for companies of all sizes.

Personally, I have often heard the statement: “We have a hosting partner and we have to tell them what to do. We miss the proactive suggestions on what can be improved.”

In my time as a person responsible for the global system operation of international corporations, I often wished for such a service. Even just a tool like Cloud ALM, which offers a good insight and overview with little configuration effort, would have been enormously helpful. Assigning a long-standing employee to look after the systems because the hosting partner doesn’t deliver what is required would be a waste of time. Such an employee should use their knowledge of the company to take care of a complex issue, which no external employee can do so quickly.

Have we piqued your interest? Get in touch with us and let’s talk about your challenges in operating SAP solutions.


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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.

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