Automated V/S Manual V/S Pre-assembled RDS

[Former Member]

Hi All,

I am absolutely new to RDS and have been going through the RDS documents . I have come across the types of activation methodologies in RDS and might need your guidance in understanding which one should I go for.

Activation Methods:

1. Automated
2. Manual
3. Pre-assembled

We want to implement CRM using RDS. The client is willing to integrate it with their already existing/implemented ERP system.

I understand that we need to install in Installation Data Files and Solution Files into SAP solution builder for Automated Activation. I do not know how to use Sol Builder as well. Completely new to it.

Are we also supposed to do this for manual activation as well?

When to use Manual and when to use Automatic?

Please help.

Info given by SAP in the RDS is given below for reference.

Activation	Recommended Use
Automated	To implement the business processes in a new system or client To evaluate the business processes in a sandbox environment. Automated activation is the fastest way to get the new business processes up and running, typically within a few hours. Procedure Download the installation data files from the Implementation Content Files area for a specific country and release. These files contain the configuration data. For information about the correct implementation content files, see the Quick Guide attached to the SAP Note. Download the related solution file from the Implementation Content Files area. Import the solution file into your SAP system using the SAP Best Practices solution builder. Upload the installation data files into your SAP system using the SAP Best Practices solution builder.
Manual	To integrate the business processes in your already running and productive business environment. Manual configuration is typically the safest way to activate the new business processes integrated in your system.
Pre-assembled	In a pre-assembled system environment, some of the configuration steps have been done already.

Regards

Vaibhav Verma.

[Former Member]

Dear Mr. Vaibhav Verma,

Thanks for your interest in implementing the SAP CRM rapid-deployment solution.

For different use cases we offer different implementation options, as you already mentioned.

In your case, when you want to implement the SAP CRM rapid-deployment
solution and integrate it to an existing SAP ERP System, you can either use the
ready-to-activate or semi-activated software appliance and connect it to your SAP
ERP System.

The difference between these two software appliances is:

• Ready to activate appliance means, that the configuration
  in the SAP CRM system has been prepared (for example, necessary SAP notes have
  already been implemented) but the activation of the configuration content has not
  been started yet. All necessary configuration steps need to be executed to implement
  the business process scope.
• With the semi-activated software appliance a
  relevant portion of the required configuration steps has already been activated,
  with only a smaller portion left for activation during your actual project (for
  example, the connection of the SAP CRM system to customer's SAP ERP system).
  That means that the system has not been completely configured yet, but can be
  completely configured in really short time.

Find more detailed information on the different software appliances offered via related SAP note 1992121.

When performing an automated activation, the SAP Solution Builder tool is needed for both software appliances. In the context of SAP rapid-deployment solutions, the solution-specific
implementation content (like solution files and installation data files) is available via the SAP Service Marketplace.

The automated activation, as you have already mentioned, is
the fastest way to get the new business processes up and running, but the
configuration steps are not really transparent for the user.

Manual configuration is typically the safest way to activate the new business processes in your system. Since the configuration steps are described in detail in the Configuration Guides
delivered with the SAP CRM rapid-deployment solution, the learning effect for the user will be very good. Of course manual configuration will take more time.

Both options are tested and working, so the decision is up to the project team.

Best regards

Susanne-Maria Steimel

Solution Assembly & Packaging (CRM)