Anti-Agile ways in SAP
Vikram Abrol
Enterprise transformation Leader at Infosys , IT Process consulting | Lifelong learner | AI enthusiast | Blogger Helping Organizations and systems become "simpler , better , faster "
SAP is a big mammal ( a White Elephant ) and Agile looks for fox - quick and spontaneous . Agile and DevOps are still in cribs with SAP implementations when many have caught up a decade back on this movement. Many manufacturing companies are looking to draw operational efficiency , quick response to customer feedback via imbibing Agile ways of working . The road is long drawn as with my experience there are a few challenges in this set up vs what core Agile wants .
If you have any other challenge please do share..
#1
Agile Core says : Short iterations that is break down of requirements to fit in short iterations
SAP challenge
Typically SAP needs big-bang approach with high visibility of the end to end (E2E) process/requirements.
?How will these E2E processes be broken into sub-processes and how to ensure that after consolidation of the sub-processes, the E2E process performs as expected by business
?How will the above be achieved in an iterative approach
Most important ask always has been : How should we break down our Epics ? How can create user stories / accommodate our User stories to be done in 1 Sprint ?
#2
Agile core expects : Each iteration with demo-able functionality
SAP challenge is
?A typical E2E business process cuts across various SAP modules and may not be fully configured in a single sprint/iteration.
?A working E2E process may only be ready for demo after several sprints/iterations
#3
Agile Core says Close collaboration among all team members
SAP challenge is
Functional consultants work closely with business owners . Developers and testers are not usually involved in this activity
#4
Agile Core : DevOps and automation play an important role in short sprints and quick deployments
SAP : Automation may not be easily applicable / maintainable to be consumed for quicker deployment / sprints
#5
Agile Core : Speaks of a constant steady team
SAP : Functional Consultants, Tech experts, Business Owners, Developers, Testers etc. may need to move between teams based on the requirement. There may not be a steady formation.