Mastering the Art of Preparing for an SAP SuccessFactors Regular Release

Let's learn Mastering the Art of Preparing for an SAP SuccessFactors Regular Release

Introduction:

As the vibrant months of May and June (or the enchanting period of
November and December) roll around each year, SAP SuccessFactors unveils
its magical new releases popularly known as 1H and 2H respectively. However, do you find yourself wondering about
the secret steps to ensure a flawless testing and release experience?
Look no further! In this captivating blog, we will unravel the hidden
gems that will guide you on an exhilarating journey to testing and
releasing SAP SuccessFactors with finesse.

Properly preparing for an SAP SuccessFactors regular release is essential for ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of new features.

In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process to help you stay ahead of the game and avoid any unexpected challenges. By following these recommendations, you can become one of the well-prepared Consultants/Customers who eagerly embrace new features and enhancements.

Step 1: Know your Dates :

To begin your preparation, it's crucial to stay informed about the release schedule. SAP SuccessFactors maintains a comprehensive product update blog that provides valuable insights into upcoming releases.

Regularly check the blog to stay up to date with the preview and production dates, which are crucial milestones in the release process.

Familiarize yourself with the preview and production environments by recognizing the URLs associated with each, as this will help you identify the correct data center for testing purposes.

Step 2: Read the Documentation :

SAP has made changes to its documentation process, and it's important to adapt accordingly. Start by reading the Road to Release document, which is available on the SuccessFactors Community Product Updates blog. This document offers information on how to sign up for newsletters and provides an overview of the release process. While the document primarily focuses on new features, it's essential to supplement this information with additional resources.

Access the comprehensive documentation by visiting the official SAP Help Portal. This portal allows you to search for specific features and provides detailed instructions for administrators and end-users. Furthermore, leverage the "What's New Viewer" tool available on the same page to filter features by module and gain a comprehensive understanding of what's relevant to your organization.

Step 3: Analyze and Plan :

Once you have the necessary information, it's time to create a detailed plan of action. Take into account the preview release date and start organizing resources accordingly. Schedule a meeting with your IT team and relevant stakeholders to review the release documentation and discuss potential regression testing requirements. This collaboration ensures a clear understanding of key features and the allocation of necessary resources.

Follow a structured plan that includes milestones such as

Regression testing,
Reporting defects to SAP,
Attending Q&A sessions with SAP (aka Office Hours)
Exploring opt-in features, and
Drafting communication and
Training materials (Reuse what SAP has given)

By adhering to a well-defined plan, you can streamline the process and minimize any potential disruptions during the release.

Step 4: Regression Test :

To ensure the stability of your system, consider conducting regression testing of your key business processes. Although SAP SuccessFactors is a cloud-based solution that undergoes rigorous testing, it's advisable to perform your own tests specific to your organization's workflows.

Focus on processes affected by universal changes and update your test scripts accordingly. By identifying and reporting any issues to SAP before the production release, you can proactively address them and find resolutions promptly.

Step 5: Explore New Features :

Once you have successfully conducted regression testing and are confident in the stability of your system, it's time to explore the exciting new features. Before enabling any opt-in features, thoroughly familiarize yourself with the detailed documentation to understand the necessary steps. To avoid confusion, it's recommended to execute regression testing before turning on new features, ensuring any issues encountered are isolated and easier to troubleshoot.

Step 6: Release Friday – Stay Away!

During the release weekend, SAP will be actively deploying code and restarting services to implement the updates. It is strongly advised to refrain from accessing the system during this period. Any changes made or data saved might not be retained, as the release process is still in progress. Take this opportunity to relax and enjoy your weekend, confident in the fact that your cloud-based SAP SuccessFactors system is in good hands.

Step 7: Release Monday – Be on the Alert!

Upon returning to work on Monday, exercise caution and monitor the system closely. While SAP diligently works to address any issues that may arise during the release, it's crucial to report any problems immediately. Understand that SAP may be busy addressing a high volume of tickets related to the release, so prioritize reporting critical issues that impact multiple customers. For non-urgent or organization-specific issues, be prepared for potential delays in resolution.

Step 8: Turn on Your Production Opt-Ins

After ensuring system stability and resolving any initial issues, you can confidently activate your opt-in features in the production environment. Refer back to the detailed documentation and follow the outlined steps or leverage instance sync functionality, depending on your configuration. This step allows you to fully leverage the new features and enhancements available in SAP SuccessFactors.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on successfully navigating an SAP SuccessFactors regular release! By following these steps, you have demonstrated your commitment to staying ahead of the curve and leveraging the latest advancements. Remember to mark your calendar and start preparing for the next release. With proper planning and proactive measures, you can continue to optimize your SAP SuccessFactors experience and drive success for your organization.

Categories: : SAP SuccessFactors