Enterprise Modeling 

Purpose

One of the first steps in configuring an R/3 System is mapping and modeling the organizational structure of an enterprise using the organizational units in the R/3 System. This section does not cover technical aspects of this process in the R/3 System.

Enterprise modeling aims to plan and represent the basic structure of all R/3 System components, taking into account strategic business processes, information flows, distribution scenarios and R/3 business objects. An enterprise model portrays the structure of an enterprise using the organizational units in the R/3 System. You may use it to evaluate the usability of an R/3 System that has been configured in accordance with an enterprise’s business requirements.

You can use the Structure Modeler to graphically portray enterprise models. You can also involve user departments and management at an early stage of the project. Users do not need in-depth knowledge of the R/3 System. This provides a binding framework for the entire project phase, increasing stability when implementing your R/3 System. This also reduces the likelihood of having to revise key organizational decisions after a prototype has been configured, that is, after a project has been running for a long time.

This handbook is intended for members of the integration planning team involved in the implementation of R/3. These are, in particular:

This handbook aims primarily to support the planning process for implementing the R/3 System in larger groups. Many of the issues discussed here may be clarified more easily and quickly in small- and medium-sized enterprises than in large enterprises. By giving due consideration to the subjects discussed here, however, even smaller and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from greater reliability with regard to system planning.

Integration

The tasks involved in organizational modeling are incorporated in SAP’s standard implementation methodology AcceleratedSAP (ASAP) and in Global ASAP.

You can find information on the relevant procedures in the pertinent work packages in the ASAP Implementation Guide and in Global ASAP.

Features

Several alternative enterprise models are drawn up at an early stage of the project or during a groupwide study conducted before the project starts based on enterprise model patterns (structure scenarios). You should answer the following questions when you evaluate these enterprise models:

In order to show you just how useful structure scenarios are, this handbook contains an example of how the structure of a fictitious company is mapped (business area scenario, company code scenario and profit center scenario).

Constraints

Some of the subject matter addressed here is extremely complex; therefore, the following sections focus on key aspects. Rather than providing specific guidelines for action, this handbook aims to provide basic knowledge for enterprise modeling and for using SAP concepts and tools.

Users should, therefore, not apply the content of this handbook in an enterprise without first receiving additional, intensive consultation from an SAP-certified consultant. SAP AG does not accept liability for the contents of this handbook.