Implementing APO

[Former Member]

Dear Experts

Can any body throw some light on what all things to consider before implementing SAP APO for any client?

Thanks

Prajna

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Prajna

As our expert colleague DB49 has mentioned above, you really require to see the business requirements first to see if you require APO system itself. APO mainly provides the advance capabilities. Please find below the quick comparison for your reference.

APO is additional system which surely bring additional cost and efforts to implement and maintain so first request you to check if it´s really require.

There are bunch of steps require to consider like sizing of APO box and Licence cost of SAP APO based on the use of different engine. It´s really difficult to provide you all the steps here but I think the below information will at least give some idea.

There are different functionalities that might appear to solve the problem but choosing the right one is the key. E.g., whether to use heuristics over optimizers. Evaluate the scope of the implementation. A big bang or a gradual addition of functionality needs to be decided. E.g., planning can be done at a product level and can be later extended to an aggregate level. A gradual extension would mean lesser issues to tackle at a time. Master data is a very important issue that crops up in a lot of APO implementations but never given enough preparation. A good master data management strategy needs to be established.

Request you please cross check the above information and let us know it it helps and close the thread according to steps defined in

Thanks

Amol

[Former Member]

Hi Prajna,

Its a pretty general questions which can't be answered in this forum.

Just let me know which are the modules you are implementing and be specific on your question.

[Former Member]

Prajna,

That's a bit like asking 'what are all the things to consider before implementing SAP ERP'.  The answer is 'everything that will be required to support the business requirements'.

APO is a substantial system, with many modules.  Most implementations only include a small subset of the modules that are available for implementation.  It is impossible to answer such a question without knowing more about what functionality is to be implemented.

Typically, a project team will gather information from the appropriate businesspeople in an effort to develop the scope of the project.  Only after the scope is known can you then begin thinking about what needs to be considered before implementation.

Best Regards,

DB49