SAP Development: A Guide to Accurate Effort Estimation

Introduction

Embarking on the journey of SAP development, especially when it navigates the landscape of custom applications, accurate effort estimation can feel like an elusive quest for the Holy Grail. This cornerstone of efficient project management presents a formidable challenge, yet its mastery is crucial. Missteps in effort estimation can cascade into overrun timelines, bloated budgets, and, in worst cases, project derailment. This guide aims to demystify the intricate process of effort estimation in SAP development, offering a comprehensive view of both conventional and unconventional factors that play a pivotal role in this critical endeavor.

The Traditional SAP Development Effort Estimation

For decades, SAP development projects have found solace in the tried-and-true RICEFW (Reports, Interfaces, Conversions, Enhancements, Forms, and Workflows) framework for effort estimation. While it's a reliable companion for project tracking and providing real-time updates on project statuses, it stumbles when meeting the unique demands of custom applications. These tailor-made solutions, designed to cater to specific business needs, often harbor hidden complexities that escape the purview of standard estimation models. This leads to a gap between projected and actual efforts, turning the serene landscape of project timelines and budgets into a battlefield. However, where applicable, the RICEFW framework can still be used effectively in conjunction with other estimation methods to provide more accurate predictions.

The Artifacts-Integration-Complexity-Domain Knowledge (AICD) Matrix

To bridge this gap, let's step into the realm of a more encompassing framework - the Artifacts-Integration-Complexity-Domain Knowledge (AICD) Matrix. This matrix acknowledges four core components that significantly steer the course of effort estimation in SAP projects:

• Artifacts: In the intricate tapestry of an application, numerous components or artifacts interweave. These include different ABAP artifacts, databases tables, CDS views, OData services, Fiori elements or freestyle Fiori apps, and Work zone/ Launchpad deployment and integrations. Each artifact, with its unique complexity, adds to the development effort, influencing the total project estimation.
• Integration: Rarely does an SAP application exist in solitude. It often dances in harmony with other systems, internal or external. These integration points, whether through SAP PI/PO, CPI, BTP, its Integration Suite, or iFlows, add layers of complexity and inflate the overall effort. The capability and availability of these external systems can significantly impact the rhythm of this dance.
• Complexity: Both business and technical complexities, stemming from factors like artifacts and integrations, play crucial roles in effort estimation. Projects with higher complexity require more meticulous design, rigorous development, thorough testing, and intricate troubleshooting.
• Domain Knowledge: A deep well of functional knowledge within the team can be a lifeline in the stormy seas of SAP development. This knowledge guides requirement gathering, reducing rework, and smoothing the path for user adaptability. Consequently, it helps streamline development and reduce overall project effort.

The Lesser-Known Influencers of SAP Effort Estimation

Beyond the AICD matrix, there exist additional, often overlooked, factors that can significantly sway the ship of effort estimation:

• Team Experience: A team with less SAP sailing experience may take longer to navigate through the churning waves of its complexities. Therefore, the team's experience level inversely impacts the project effort.
• Customer Factors: The customer, as the lighthouse guiding the project, significantly influences the project timeline. A knowledgeable and engaged customer can provide timely feedback and aid swift decision-making, aiding in smoother and faster project progress.
• Environment Factors: The project's environment, including landscape constraints and system availability, can pose hidden icebergs on the journey of SAP development. For instance, restrictions on system availability can impede testing, inevitably lengthening the voyage and extending the project timeline.

Balancing the AICD Matrix with Lesser-Known Influencers

Navigating the intricate waters of SAP development demands a holistic approach to effort estimation. This involves not only applying the AICD matrix but also recognizing and balancing the less obvious influencers. Understanding the interplay between these components is akin to orchestrating a symphony, where each instrument contributes to the harmony of the whole.

Consider a project where you're developing a custom application that includes a mix of ABAP artifacts, CDS views, OData services, and Fiori apps. The application also needs to integrate with several external systems via SAP PI/PO. On the surface, using the AICD matrix might lead to a certain estimation.

However, consider that your team is relatively inexperienced with Fiori apps, or that the customer's representative isn't readily available for clarifying requirements. Add to this the potential delays in accessing the external systems for integration testing. These factors could significantly increase the actual effort beyond what was initially estimated.

An experienced team, for instance, can mitigate the challenges presented by complex integrations or a lack of domain knowledge. A highly engaged customer can provide clear requirements, reducing rework due to misunderstandings or changes in scope. Adequate system availability can expedite testing and troubleshooting, saving valuable time.

Therefore, successful effort estimation is not about isolating these factors but understanding their interactions and dependencies. It's about painting a complete picture of the project, where every stroke adds clarity and depth to the final masterpiece.

Case Study: Charting Unexplored Waters in SAP Development

Imagine you're aboard the vessel of a multinational corporation charting the unexplored waters of custom SAP application development. A seasoned crew of developers, a comprehensive map in the form of the RICEFW framework, and a clear destination – a custom application tailored to the company's unique needs. Yet, despite the preparation, the ship drifts off course, grappling with overrun timelines and escalating costs.

On the surface, the project appeared straightforward. Develop a custom application encompassing a mix of ABAP artifacts, CDS views, OData services, and Fiori apps, all harmoniously integrated with several external systems. The experienced team, armed with the RICEFW framework, estimated the effort based on prior voyages. Yet, as the journey progressed, it became apparent that the sea was far more turbulent than anticipated.

The first wave hit when the crew realized their inexperience with Fiori Development, causing delays as they grappled to understand the technology. Meanwhile, the customer's representative, their guiding lighthouse, was often unavailable to clarify requirements, leading to misunderstandings and constant course corrections.

Next, they sailed into the storm of external system integration. Unforeseen complexities arose, coupled with delays in accessing these systems for testing, significantly lengthening their journey. The crew, battling these challenges, couldn't help but wonder – had they underestimated the voyage?

The turning point came when the technical/project manager introduced the AICD matrix, complemented by the lesser-known influencers. They reassessed the project, considering each artifact's complexity, integration points, and the team's domain knowledge. They brought the customer more actively onboard, ensuring their engagement, timely feedback, and prompt decision-making. They also negotiated better system availability for more efficient testing and troubleshooting.

This strategic shift was the beacon they needed. Though they still faced challenges, the crew was better prepared to tackle them. The project timeline and costs, once spiraling out of control, gradually stabilized. The turbulent seas transformed into manageable waves, and the ship charted its course back on track.

This voyage underscores the critical importance of comprehensive effort estimation. While the RICEFW framework and an experienced team are valuable assets, they are not enough when sailing the complex seas of custom SAP application development. Incorporating the AICD matrix and considering the lesser-known influencers can equip you to navigate these waters successfully, ensuring you reach your destination as planned.

A Sample:

Here's a simplified example of how an effort estimation matrix for a custom application development project might look. The estimation is given in man-days.

In this matrix:

• Each Artifact is estimated based on the number of items and their complexity.
• The Integration effort is based on the number and complexity of integration points.
• The Complexity factor accounts for both business and technical complexity.
• Domain Knowledge is a negative factor here because the team is familiar with the functional area, which should reduce the effort.
• Team Experience is considered a factor that could increase the effort, because the team has only intermediate experience.
• Customer Availability is also a negative factor because of the low availability of the customer, which could delay progress.
• System Availability is a positive factor because there is a separate development and test system, which should enhance productivity.

Please note, these are just illustrative values. The actual effort can vary significantly based on the specific conditions of the project. Also, these estimations do not include buffer time for unexpected delays, which should also be factored into the overall project planning.

This matrix can provide a more comprehensive view of the effort estimation, taking into account multiple influencing factors, beyond what is typically considered in the traditional RICEFW model.

Conclusion

Effort estimation in SAP development is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. It's a complex process that requires a comprehensive, nuanced approach. The AICD matrix, complemented by acknowledging the lesser-known influencers, provides a robust framework for more accurate estimations.

Remember, the voyage of SAP development can be turbulent, but with the right tools and strategies, you can successfully navigate the storm. So, as you set sail on your next SAP project, equip yourself with this guide to accurate effort estimation. It may just be the difference between charting a smooth course or being lost at sea.