Selecting the right Cloud ERP Solution is a critical decision for businesses aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and adaptability. SAP has introduced a structured approach to assist businesses in making informed decisions about their ERP Solutions: the Digital Discovery Assessment (DDA). This tool is a cornerstone of the SAP Activate Methodology, designed to guide businesses through the complexities of choosing between public cloud, private cloud, or on-premise ERP Solutions.
TRC Solutions conduct a DDA with all our Clients to provide a structured approach to Implementation and ensure a successful deployment – like all SAP Best Practices, the DDA improves our Clients’ Implementation Process and our ability to effectively deploy SAP S/4HANA.
What is the Digital Discovery Assessment?
The Digital Discovery Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation tool that helps businesses identify which SAP S/4HANA Cloud Solution best fits their needs. It forms part of the Discover phase in the SAP Activate Methodology, a phase that is pivotal for setting the direction of the ERP implementation journey. Through a series of structured questions and analyses, the DDA provides insights into the most suitable deployment model—be it Public Cloud or Private Cloud—based on a company’s specific operational requirements, existing IT landscape, and strategic goals.
How Does the DDA Work?
The process begins with a Quick Qualification step, capturing high-level information about the Client, such as their current SAP usage, planned transition to SAP S/4HANA, relevant countries, industry areas, and whether their ERP needs are finance-led or operationally focused. This initial phase helps in narrowing down the vast array of options to those most relevant to the customer’s specific context.
Following this, a Detailed Discovery phase dives deeper into the company’s requirements, including integrations with other SAP Solutions, ERP business process needs, localizations, and total users. This phase is crucial for understanding the nuances of each business’s requirements and ensuring that the recommended solution aligns perfectly with their operational needs and strategic objectives.
Review the below Introduction to the DDA from our Chief Advisory Manager, Steven Maguire:
Why is the DDA Important for Businesses?
Customization: It ensures that the ERP solution recommended is perfectly aligned with the business’s specific needs, providing a tailored approach that considers the intricacies of their operations.
Clarity: The DDA demystifies the complex landscape of ERP Solutions, offering clear guidance based on a detailed analysis of the business’s requirements.
Confidence: Businesses can move forward with their ERP Omplementation, knowing that the decision was made based on a comprehensive assessment, reducing the risk of selecting an ill-fitting system.
Collaboration: The process encourages collaboration between businesses and SAP partners, ensuring that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project’s scope and requirements.
Conclusion
In an era where digital transformation is paramount, the SAP Digital Discovery Assessment stands out as a beacon for businesses navigating the complexities of ERP selection. By offering a structured, detailed, and user-centric approach, the DDA ensures that businesses can make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals, operational needs, and technological landscape. For SAP Partners, it’s a tool that amplifies their ability to deliver value, fostering a consultative relationship with their customers and guiding them towards a successful digital transformation journey.
In the rapidly evolving world of ERP solutions, the Digital Discovery Assessment by SAP is more than just a tool—it’s a roadmap for digital success, ensuring that businesses can confidently embark on their ERP Journey, supported by insights, expertise, and a clear vision for the future.
