Operation modes let you flexibly adapt R/3 System configuration to varying requirements, maximizing the use of available system resources.

An operation mode defines a resource configuration for the instances in your R/3 System. It can be used to determine which instances are started and stopped, and how the individual services are allocated for each instance in the configuration.

You can define operation modes to suit specific system requirements, for example, to provide additional dialog or background processing resources during a particular period of time without having to restart the R/3 System.

Operation modes define:

• The number of work processes used for each service in the instance

• The times that the services are available

Operation modes support:

• 24 hour uninterrupted system operation

• Automatic switching of work process types