- SAP Managed Tags:
So, you’ve signed the contract with SAP—what’s next? Your onboarding journey has officially begun.
Our commitment with this journey is to ensure a smooth and successful implementation of your SAP solution, and it’s divided into four key phases: Get Started with SAP, Plan Your Implementation, Get Enabled, and Prepare to Go Live.
The Onboarding Journey Begins
When the contract is signed, the onboarding process kicks off. Within four days, your designated IT Contact Person (written in the contract) will receive a welcome e-mail from SAP. This e-mail* contains the essential info on how to get started with your SAP solution.
*To ensure that you don't miss our helpful e-mails, the IT Contact should verify the Spam folder.
What’s Inside the Welcome Email?
This welcome email is your first step on the onboarding journey. It directs you to essential assets that will be your companions throughout the implementation:
- Onboarding Resource Center: This is your one-stop-shop for all things onboarding. It houses a comprehensive collection of guides, checklists, and tools that will help you navigate each phase of your journey.
- Onboarding Webcast: These webcasts are designed to provide you with deep insights into the onboarding process, offering expert advice and best practices.
- Embedded Launch Activities (EmLA) Resources: If your solution includes Embedded Launch Activities, these resources will be invaluable. They are tailored to ensure that your launch is as seamless as possible.
- Preferred Success Information: If you’ve purchased Preferred Success, this email will also provide details on how to access this premium support service, which is designed to accelerate your SAP journey.
Note: It’s important to distinguish this Welcome Email from the Provisioning Email. The Provisioning Email, which you’ll receive later (usually on contract start date), is also sent to the IT Contact but contains critical system information necessary to complete the provisioning process, whereas the Welcome Email focuses on resources to help you get started.
What Should You Do Next?
From the moment the contract is signed until it officially starts, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the content of the onboarding journey. Here’s what we recommend:
- Explore the Onboarding Resource Center: Take the time to browse through the resources available. This will give you a solid understanding of what to expect and how to prepare for each phase.
- Register for the Onboarding Webcast: These sessions are invaluable for getting up to speed with the onboarding process. Make sure to plan, register, and join these sessions to gain insights and clarify any questions you might have.
- Incorporate the Four Phases into Your Project Timeline: Use the assets provided to map out the four phases of the onboarding journey within your project timeline. This will ensure that your team is aligned and ready for each stage.
- Confirm your IT Contact: Ensure that the IT Contact entered in the SAP contract is the correct person within your organization to receive the Welcome and Provisioning Emails. If you need to update the IT Contact, you can use the User Onboarding Token (if available in your SAP contract), or create a Case to SAP Product Support*.
*The options may vary depending on the SAP Solution.
In Conclusion
The onboarding journey with SAP is meticulously designed to ensure that you’re fully prepared for a successful implementation. By following the steps outlined in the welcome email and leveraging the resources provided, you’ll set a strong foundation for your project. Remember, this journey is not just about getting started—it’s about ensuring long-term success with your SAP solution. So, take the time to explore, plan, and engage with the resources at your disposal. The road to a successful go-live starts here.
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Check out other blogs from the series: Customer Onboarding at SAP.
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About the authors:
- Rita Cabral Silva is a Customer Onboarding Experience Owner Coordinator and Onboarding Advisor for the SAP IBP solution under Supply Chain Management area. She delivers expert guidance and support to new SAP customers from contract signature to successful go-live. Rita has previously worked as a SAP Consultant with seven years of experience, specializing in SAP IBP solutions and leading full-cycle implementation projects
- Linh Hoang is a strategy and program manager for the customer onboarding at SAP, overlooking the onboarding journey cross-solution areas. With eight years of experience in management and technology consulting, Linh has a deep understanding of customer experience and the critical role of first impressions. Linh is dedicated to ensuring seamless onboarding processes that set the foundation for long-term success.
Having questions, comments or feedbacks? Don't hesitate to comment down below or contact @RCS1 or @Linh-Hoang.
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