What do Unicorns and S/4 HANA Project Managers have in common?

A S/4 HANA project manager and a unicorn may seem like an unlikely pair, but there are intriguing parallels between them.

 First and foremost, both possess an air of enchantment and the ability to perform what appears to be magic. The S/4 HANA project manager is the sorcerer of the corporate realm, weaving digital wizardry by transforming intricate business processes into streamlined, efficient operations. In a similar vein, unicorns, those mythical creatures, have the magical prowess to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.

 Secondly, tracking down a highly skilled S/4 HANA project manager or a unicorn can feel like an epic quest, akin to searching for a needle in a legendary haystack. They are both rare and elusive, and when you do find one, it's a cause for celebration.

 In the corporate world, much like the mythical unicorn in folklore, S/4 HANA project managers often inspire awe and admiration. Their mastery in navigating the intricacies of S/4 HANA projects can be as elusive and legendary as a unicorn's horn.

 The "magic" attributed to unicorns finds a parallel in the transformative impact a skilled project manager can have on an S/4 HANA implementation. Just as unicorns possess multifaceted qualities, like healing powers and magical abilities, S/4 HANA project managers must be versatile, excelling in areas such as stakeholder management, budgeting, and technical architecture. Unicorns symbolise purity and a utopian world, much like the visionary outlook an S/4 HANA project manager must have, understanding the broader picture and how the implementation aligns with the organisation's overall strategy.

 Both unicorns in their mythical settings and S/4 HANA project managers in the corporate world need to adapt to varying circumstances. Whether in a magical forest or a corporate boardroom, adaptability is a crucial trait.

 In summary, although one belongs to the realm of myths and legends while the other operates in the practical domain of enterprise architecture, they share captivating similarities in terms of value, impact, and the challenges associated with finding the perfect fit. Recognising these commonalities can aid organisations in identifying the ideal project manager profile for their S/4 HANA implementation."

Fast and Furious Migration of Content to Signavio using API & scripting

Introduction

In the world of Business Process Management (BPM), efficiently setting up a process repository is often considered a daunting task. Whether an enterprise seeking to optimize operations or a small business aiming for streamlined workflows, the initial setup of your process repository is critical for long-term success. Most companies won’t be starting from zero. They will either be migrating from an existing (or several) BPM tools, or there will be a collection of process related documents, such as training material, IT documentation, test cases etc. The objective of setting up a fresh process repository is to tidy up, standardize and streamline the new process architecture to the specific use case, such as the HANA migration. One of the key technologies that can simplify this journey is an effective API .

Since SAP acquired Signavio at a time when many companies are engaged in their HANA migration, SAP Signavio has become a dominant BPM tool for companies following a process-driven approach as recommended by SAP.

SAP Signavio offers an API that promises to ease the initial setup process while offering a wide range of customization and integration options. This blog will explore the capabilities of SAP Signavio's API, focusing specifically on how it aids in the initial setup of a process repository.

Why APIs are crucial in migrating BPM content

Signavio has two principal functionalities

• Import / export of BPMNs

• Import / export of dictionary items

These are important, simple, and powerful tools to migrate content. However, the following challenges can result in a lot of manual work:

• Mass BPMN import and sorting into a specific folder structure

• Linking dictionary items to BPMN activities

• Assigning BPMN models to collapsed processes in BPMNs

• Cross-referencing multiple dictionary items during upload

• Beautifying BPMN models from various sources after import

Typically, during a migration, you will encounter these challenges and here SAP Signavio’s API (and some clever scripting) will help avoiding a lot of error-prone work.

5 step migration approach

1. Define your process architecture and metamodel

   • All elements of your repository meant for consistent re-use across models should be defined as dictionary items, at a minimum, the metamodel should include

     • E2E domains

     • E2E scenarios

     • Process groups

     • Business processes

     • Business roles

     • IT applications

   • Optional, but essential for HANA projects, the following dictionary items are recommended:

     • Business rules

     • Key requirements

     • Risk/Chances

     • GAPS/Change impacts

     • SAP Transactions/Fiori Apps

2. Configure all dictionary items according to your metamodel

   • Configure the dictionary items to represent all relations between each other. This is key for reporting and managing the repository. The more meaningful relations are addressed, the more value a repository has.

   • Define your folder structure for managing your models according to your architecture

   • Define your top-level entry models and hierarchies (process levels)

   • Define and configure model types and conventions for each level

3. Prepare and import your migration content in lists as dictionary items

4. Prepare and import your (BPMN) models

5. Run API-scripts to

   1. Cross-reference dictionary items

   2. Link BPMN activities to dictionary items and assign collapsed processes to related BPMN models

   3. Beautify/standardize BPMN format

Examples of API usage
The examples we are presenting are based on our best practice process repository Business Flows. The scripts were written with node.js.

SAP Signavio REST APIs offers the following basic operations:

• Traversing the repository tree

• Creating, renaming, deleting and moving a folder

• Getting a diagram revision as JSON representation (also: get diagram attributes)

• Getting a diagram revision as BPMN 2.0 XML / SVG / PNG representation

• Creating, renaming, deleting, moving and copying a diagram

• Updating a diagram by adding a new revision as JSON representation

• Full-text search for keywords in the repository

• Approving a diagram revision for publishing in the process portal POST

In order to achieve the above-mentioned operations, only the mass upload of BPMNs and sorting them into target folders is possible without having to manipulate the JSON or the BPMN files.

Case: Linking dictionary items to BPMN diagrams and assigning BPMN models to collapsed proceses

In this case we have a dictionary item representing a process (or an activity) already uploaded. The source BPMN diagram has several activities included, which need to be linked to the dictionary item.

‘Raw’ BPMN model before upload and linked dictionary items

The above figure shows a typical ‘raw’ BPMN model without the Signavio specific link to a dictionary item or an assignment to a sub-process. The link to the dictionary item is vital for managing multiple occurrences of processes within your repository. The assignment to a BPMN (collapsed) process is necessary to establish a clear process architecture over levels and enable a drill-down navigation in the Collaboration Hub.

The following figure shows the expected result in Signavio:

Result of mapping BPMN activities to dictionary items in Signavio

To achieve this in the raw BPMN file, the script would need to parse each BPMN and collect the name of the activities. The exact tag however can vary depending on the source system. In the case of a BPMN exported from ARIS XML the tag is‘<semantic:task name=’, in case of a camunda BPMN the tag is ‘<bpmn:task id="xxx" name="‘.

However, as soon as you have imported the BPMN into Signavio all key information of the BPMN is provided via the REST API in a standardized JSON format. This can easily be manipulated to achieve the above-mentioned goal.

The following diagram shows you the structure provided by the API. You can now add an ID-link to the “glossaryLinks”: {“name”:[]} entry, you link the object to a dictionary item with all its attributes.

By changing the “entry”: of an “activitytype”: “Sub-Process”, you can link the subprocess to the corresponding model.

Of course, before you set the values, you first have to identify and map all dictionary items and process models including their corresponding IDs. In our case this was accomplished based on the “name”: object, process model and dictionary item all have the same name.

The API can also be used to normalize other characteristics of your imported models. For example the diagram below is an example, where we have changed the font size and backgroud color of all “CollapsedSubprocess”.

Summary

If you are setting up a Process Repository in Signavio SAP and have a lot of models to be imported in a complex Process Architecture and you want to make use of the key features of SAP Signavio, such as dictionary items and linked subprocesses, using the API will greatly speed up the process and on the long term help you maintain the quality of your content.

In case you want to learn more or require specific help in setting up your process repository. This is what we do.

We care, We act, We deliver!

Unlocking New Possibilities: bpExperts and Simplifier Join Forces

Gülsüm Ucuran

bpExperts is thrilled to announce a collaboration with Simplifier. The Simplifier low-code platform is an ideal fit for bpExperts' portfolio. Going forward, bpExperts will be able to solve the challenges of its customers to an even greater extent and create custom-fit solutions. The partnership focuses on leveraging the existing synergies of both companies to benefit customers by combining the strengths of a low-code approach with a structured enterprise BPM methodology.

Pillars of the partnership:

Increase Efficiency: Combining bpExperts' Business Flows framework, and their process expertise with Simplifier's intuitive low-code platform, the digitalization initiatives can be scaled and integrated into a holistic business transformation approach.

Accelerate Digital Transformation: As digital transformation has become essential, this collaboration provides organizations with the tools and insights needed to accelerate their digital journey and establish long-term business ownership.

Empower Innovation: The partnership fosters innovation by offering customized solutions that adapt to evolving business needs.

Key Benefits for Clients:

Streamlined Processes: Customers benefit through optimized processes, resulting in cost savings and improved productivity.

Scalable Solutions: The collaboration provides scalable solutions to meet the individual needs of each customer.

Expert Guidance: Customers can leverage bpExperts' consulting expertise to align their processes with industry best practices.

About Simplifier

We support companies to digitize business processes efficiently and sustainably: Our low-code platform enables our customers to create business and IoT applications with ease and minimal programming effort. All processes can be used optimally as we seamlessly integrate existing system landscapes, machines and plants.   

Beyond offering the best technical solutions, we also provide systematic support to implement a successful low-code strategy. Simplifier draws from years of experience and best practices: This unique combination of low-code technology and expert knowledge is exactly what our customers benefit from. 

At Simplifier, we are incredibly honored that a wide range of companies place their trust in us and choose us as a partner for their digital roadmap. Key to this is to maintain a steady dialogue: We can therefore truly understand our customers' needs and develop our platform accordingly.

Our portfolio of customers includes medium-sized, enterprise level and international companies such as SAERTEX, Alnatura, Brückner Maschinenbau, AGRANA, Rolls-Royce Power Systems and REWE.  

We aim to expand our already strong market position in Europe by working closely with our shareholders PwC and Possehl. Through our continuously expanding partner network, we want to support companies worldwide. We are passionate about what we do and we welcome you to learn more about Simplifier and join us on our journey to drive digitalization.

About bpExperts

bpExperts is a renowned name in the realm of business management and business transformation, for their business transformation framework business flows, a comprehensive End-to-end oriented process repository and set of methods to efficiently manage SAP HANA initiatives.

Looking Ahead:

As companies continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape, the combined efforts of bpExperts and Simplifier provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive and maximize their potential.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this partnership will empower organizations to reach new heights of success.

Contact Information:

For inquiries and more information about this collaboration, please contact:

Dr. Russell Gomersall, Partner bpExperts, russell.gomersall@bpexperts.de

Florian Rühl, Vorstandsmitglied, digitalisierung@simplifier.io

Contact us

Contact us

HANA migration - On the procrastination of getting your business involved

Dr. Russell Gomersall

While talking to customers preparing for their HANA journey, I often hear a commitment from the IT departments to involve the business. To a point, everyone agrees that it is inevitable. However, the question of when and how to involve the business is disputed. It is obvious that the business will have many questions, while the project management will not be ready to give answers, yet. Open points during the project inception will involve aspects such as brown vs. greenfield, budgets, duration, and approach. 

This often leads to procrastinating to involve the business. Sometimes, there is a 'shadow project' for preparation. This neglect of open communication frequently results in duplicate efforts with business and IT initiating parallel investigations that are hard to merge later on. 

 I suggest involving the business as early as possible. 

 Open communication is key, and identifying and involving key stakeholders from both sides will work better the earlier you join forces with them. 

It is advisable to set up your own 'business readiness' stream with clear objectives to gather relevant information on current strategic guidelines, operating models, and an inventory of related end-to-end scenarios and their business processes. 

As the basis for decisions on brown vs. greenfield, an analysis of pain points and key requirements is essential to effectively challenge the status quo and identify value drivers for the HANA initiative. 

Besides gathering crucial information as input for planning and early decisions, timely activation of the business will have a fundamental, positive impact on change management during your project. 

So, if you haven't involved your business yet, I suggest you start tomorrow and set up your first alignment. 

As bpExperts, this is what we focus on. Using Business Process Management as a true management methodology, we help introduce a process-centric approach, bridging the gap between business and IT, as well as between strategy and operations. 

We care, we act, we deliver. 

Dr. Russell Gomersall

Partner

E-Mail: russell.gomersall@bpexperts.de

Phone: +49 151 222 344 96

bpexperts.de

Why is it important to assess process maturity prior to S/4 HANA transformation?

Dr. Ikemefuna Allen

Building a good business case before embarking on an S/4 HANA transformation is crucial for several reasons. It helps ensure that the transformation aligns with the organization's broader strategic goals and objectives. It also allows you to clearly articulate how the S/4 HANA implementation will support and enhance these goals. A robust business case helps in estimating and justifying resource allocations, as well as assessing risks and quantifying expected improvements in efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. 

In building a business case, knowing where your operations stand in terms of maturity will give you a clear baseline against which you can measure desired improvements made through the S/4 HANA transformation. The maturity assessment will help you identify gaps in your current processes that need to be addressed. These gaps could be in data quality, process efficiency, compliance, or technology usage. The maturity assessment will reveal how well current processes are integrated with existing technology, providing a roadmap for what needs to be updated or changed in the S/4 HANA transformation. 

A thorough assessment that shows gaps and areas for improvement in processes can help in securing stakeholder buy-in, a critical factor in the success of any transformation project. The insights from the assessment provide concrete data and context that justify the investment. Moreover, knowing the maturity level of your processes will help you better estimate the effort and cost involved in the transformation, as gaps are identified and prioritized to focus on areas that need the most attention. 

The maturity assessment can highlight dependencies between processes and other business functions. Understanding these can help mitigate risks during the HANA transformation. The assessment can reveal areas where additional training or change management efforts will be required, helping you prepare your team for the upcoming changes. 

In summary, assessing process maturity is a necessity for aligning goals, mitigating risks, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring the success of your S/4 HANA transformation. It provides a strategic and operational roadmap aligning your processes with organizational objectives. 

We at bpExperts can guide you through all the steps for performing a process maturity assessment by providing: 

1. A Process Maturity survey 

2. Advisory and support for survey respondents 

3. Evaluation of survey results and diagnosis of process maturity 

4. Detailing of action items and the roadmap required to achieve desired process maturity 

For inquiries on the maturity survey and how to conduct an assessment for your organization, please feel free to contact me. 

Dr. Ikemefuna Allen

Senior Manager

E-Mail: ikemefuna.allen@bpexperts.de

Phone: +49 162 28705 38

bpexperts.de