EDS Enterprise Solutions, the ERP-focused unit of EDS in SA, is assisting Eskom in upgrading its SAP R/3 solution. Eskom currently has one of the largest SAP implementations in SA, with around 7 500 users. This phased upgrade began in January 2002 and the intended completion date is April 2003.
The mission of the Finesse Support Centre (FSC) in Eskom is to assist the business in realising the full long-term value of the SAP R/3 solution. There has been significant investment in SAP products, and a key business driver is to maintain this investment. "When there are upgrades from SAP, it`s imperative that we consider the benefits of new functionalities," says Mike Fullerton, Director of the FSC. "Eskom also needs an appropriate business platform to ensure readiness for industry restructuring," he adds.
There are two aspects to the upgrade project - to update hardware and to upgrade the SAP system. "Both of these aspects need to take place with minimum impact on the day-to-day business environment," says Fullerton. The upgrading ties in with global industry trends, allowing for e-business initiatives and also maintaining support from the SAP vendor.
Soft issues are expected to be the make-or-break success factors for the project. "It will mean getting all role players to work together as a team," explains John de Castro, the project manager from EDS Enterprise Solutions, adding that intensive change management will also be essential to ensure success.
Factors that were critical to the success of the original SAP R/3 implementation remain equally important for the success of the upgrade project. "The single biggest challenge is the people factor. We are very aware of the need to ensure that sufficient preparation work is done from a project management perspective - that people are trained and can perform from day one," concludes Fullerton.
A Human Performance Team has been established, whose sole objective is to continually identify, monitor and carry out actions in response to these softer issues, such as Journey, Stakeholder, Change and Communications Management.
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