SAP Project System

SAP Glossary

 

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Below is a comprehensive glossary of SAP terms that can help anyone, from end users and managers to consultants and technical experts, navigate the SAP landscape. This list covers core components, modules, technical terms, and key business concepts used in SAP environments:

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1. SAP (Systems, Applications, and Products): An enterprise software company providing integrated business solutions across various industries.

2. SAP ERP: The core enterprise resource planning system that integrates key business processes across finance, HR, procurement, and more.

3. SAP ECC (ERP Central Component): The earlier version of SAP’s ERP suite, which provided the foundation for many business processes before the advent of S/4HANA.

4. SAP S/4HANA: The next-generation ERP suite built on the SAP HANA in-memory database, offering real-time analytics and streamlined processes.

5. SAP HANA: An in-memory database and application platform that enables high-speed processing of large volumes of data.

6. ABAP (Advanced Business Application Programming): SAP’s proprietary programming language used to develop applications on the SAP platform.

7. SAP Fiori: A design language and a collection of apps that deliver a modern, user-friendly experience across devices.

8. SAP UI5: A development toolkit for building responsive web applications that follow the SAP Fiori design principles.

9. SAP NetWeaver: An integrated technology platform that supports the development and integration of SAP applications and solutions.

10. SAP Business Technology Platform (formerly SAP Cloud Platform): A cloud-based platform for developing, integrating, and extending SAP solutions and third-party applications.

11. SAP BW (Business Warehouse): A data warehousing solution that consolidates and transforms data for reporting and analysis.

12. SAP BI (Business Intelligence): Tools and applications for analyzing business data and generating insightful reports.

13. SAP CRM (Customer Relationship Management): Solutions designed to manage customer interactions and improve sales and service processes.

14. SAP SCM (Supply Chain Management): Software that optimizes supply chain processes from planning and procurement to production and logistics.

15. SAP SRM (Supplier Relationship Management): A tool that helps manage interactions and processes with suppliers to improve procurement efficiency.

16. SAP PI/PO (Process Integration/Process Orchestration): Middleware used to integrate SAP systems with other internal or external applications, ensuring smooth data flow.

17. SAP SuccessFactors: A cloud-based human capital management suite focused on talent management, payroll, and workforce analytics.

18. SAP Ariba: A cloud-based procurement and supply chain management solution that streamlines buying and sourcing processes.

19. SAP Concur: A travel and expense management solution that simplifies travel booking, expense reporting, and reimbursement processes.

20. SAP Business One: An ERP solution tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises, covering financials, sales, inventory, and more.

21. SAP Business ByDesign: A cloud ERP solution designed for mid-sized companies, offering integrated business processes.

22. SAP GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance): Tools to help organizations manage regulatory compliance, risk assessment, and internal controls.

23. SAP Analytics Cloud: A cloud-based analytics solution that combines business intelligence, planning, and predictive analytics.

24. SAP Data Services: Software for data integration, quality management, and migration across different systems.

25. SAP Fiori Launchpad: The entry point for SAP Fiori apps, offering a unified and personalized user interface.

26. SAP HANA Studio: An integrated development environment (IDE) for modeling, developing, and administering SAP HANA databases and applications.

27. SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface): The traditional client interface for interacting with SAP systems.

28. SAP Solution Manager: A centralized application lifecycle management tool for monitoring, testing, and managing SAP landscapes.

29. SAP APO (Advanced Planning and Optimization): A set of tools for optimizing supply chain planning and execution processes.

30. SAP TM (Transportation Management): A solution designed to manage transportation logistics, including planning, execution, and monitoring.

31. SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management): An advanced warehouse management system for controlling and optimizing warehouse operations.

32. SAP PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): Software for managing the entire lifecycle of a product from design and development to maintenance and disposal.

33. SAP BPC (Business Planning and Consolidation): A tool for financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and consolidation processes.

34. SAP BusinessObjects (BOBJ): A suite of front-end applications for business reporting, visualization, and data analysis.

35. SAP MDG (Master Data Governance): A solution for centrally managing and ensuring the quality of master data across the organization.

36. SAP Industry Solutions (IS): Tailored solutions and functionalities designed to meet the unique requirements of specific industries.

37. SAP BTP (Business Technology Platform): A unified platform that integrates databases, analytics, application development, and intelligent technologies.

38. SAP Cloud for Customer (C4C): A cloud-based CRM solution that supports sales, service, and marketing functions.

39. SAP IBP (Integrated Business Planning): A solution for supply chain planning that integrates forecasting, demand management, and inventory optimization.

40. Core Data Services (CDS) Views: A framework within SAP HANA for defining and consuming semantically rich data models.

41. OData (Open Data Protocol): A standardized protocol used in SAP to create and consume RESTful APIs for data exchange.

42. SAP Workflow: A tool for automating business processes and tasks within the SAP system.

43. SAP IDoc (Intermediate Document): A standard data structure used for electronic data interchange between SAP systems and external applications.

44. SAP RFC (Remote Function Call): A protocol that enables communication and data exchange between different SAP systems or between SAP and non-SAP systems.

45. SAP ALE (Application Link Enabling): A framework for the asynchronous transfer of data between distributed SAP systems.

46. SAP CPI (Cloud Platform Integration): A cloud-based integration service that connects on-premise and cloud applications seamlessly.

47. Customizing: The process of configuring SAP system settings to tailor the solution to an organization’s specific business processes.

48. Master Data: Core data entities (such as customers, vendors, and materials) that are essential for business operations across SAP modules.

49. Transaction Data: Data generated from day-to-day business activities, such as sales orders, invoices, and production orders.

50. Module: A functional component within SAP ERP (e.g., FI, CO, MM) that addresses a specific business area.

51. FI (Financial Accounting): The module that manages financial transactions, reporting, and statutory accounting.

52. CO (Controlling): The module responsible for internal cost management, budgeting, and performance analysis.

53. MM (Materials Management): A module covering procurement processes, inventory management, and material valuation.

54. SD (Sales and Distribution): The module that manages sales order processing, shipping, billing, and customer relationship activities.

55. PP (Production Planning): A module that handles manufacturing processes, planning, and scheduling production orders.

56. QM (Quality Management): The module focused on quality planning, inspection, and control throughout the production process.

57. PM (Plant Maintenance): A module used to plan, schedule, and execute maintenance activities for plant equipment.

58. PS (Project System): A module for planning, executing, and monitoring projects, integrating with finance, materials, and human resources.

59. HR/HCM (Human Capital Management): Modules dedicated to personnel administration, payroll, talent management, and employee self-services.

60. SAP BASIS: The technical foundation that manages system administration, installation, configuration, and performance of SAP environments.

61. Functional Consultant: A professional who designs and implements business processes within SAP, ensuring the system meets organizational needs.

62. Technical Consultant: An expert in the technical aspects of SAP, such as coding in ABAP, system integrations, and infrastructure management.

63. SAP Add-On: Additional software components that extend the functionality of SAP’s standard solutions.

64. Client: An independent unit within an SAP system that holds its own set of data and configurations, allowing for multiple environments in one system.

65. Transport Request: A package used to move custom developments, configurations, or customizations from one SAP system to another.

66. Batch Job: A scheduled background process that automates repetitive tasks or large data processing operations within SAP.

67. SAP Query: A tool that enables users to create custom reports without the need for advanced programming skills.

68. Report Painter/Writer: Tools used for creating financial and management reports tailored to an organization’s requirements.

69. Data Migration: The process of transferring data from legacy systems to an SAP system during implementation or upgrades.

70. S/4HANA Migration: The transition process from SAP ECC to the modern SAP S/4HANA platform, often involving data, process, and system changes.

71. Business Process Integration: The seamless flow and synchronization of data and processes across different SAP modules or between SAP and other systems.

72. SAP Fiori Elements: A framework that uses pre-designed templates to streamline the development of SAP Fiori apps.

73. SAP CoPilot: A digital assistant that helps users interact with SAP systems using conversational interfaces and guided workflows.

74. SAP Jam: A collaborative platform integrated with SAP solutions that enables social business networking and team collaboration.

75. End User: The individual who interacts directly with the SAP system to perform daily business tasks.

76. Key Performance Indicator (KPI): Metrics used within SAP to measure and monitor the performance and success of business processes.

77. Custom Report: A report developed to meet an organization’s unique needs, often leveraging SAP Query or custom coding.

78. BADI (Business Add-In): A standardized enhancement technique that allows developers to add custom functionality to SAP applications without modifying standard code.

79. User Exit : Predefined spots within SAP programs where custom code can be inserted to extend functionality.

80. RFC Destination: A configuration that defines the parameters for establishing remote function calls between SAP systems or with external applications.

81. Integration Scenario: A defined set of interactions or processes that ensure data flows correctly between various SAP modules or external systems.

82. Authorization: The set of permissions and roles assigned to users, determining what actions they can perform within the SAP system.

83. Role: A collection of authorizations grouped together and assigned to users based on their job functions.

84. SAP Support Portal: An online resource offering support, downloads, documentation, and updates for SAP users and consultants.

85. SAP Notes: Official SAP documents that provide guidance, fixes, or enhancements for known issues within SAP systems.

86. SAP Roadmap: A strategic guide outlining SAP’s future development plans, product updates, and technology innovations.

87. Change Request: A formal proposal for changes to business processes or system configurations, often tracked throughout an SAP implementation.

88. Test Script: A documented set of steps used to verify that system functionality meets the specified requirements during testing.

89. End-to-End Process: A complete business workflow from initiation to completion, as managed and integrated within the SAP system.

90. Data Warehouse: A centralized repository used for storing, consolidating, and analyzing large volumes of business data, often built on SAP BW.

91. Master Data Governance: Processes and tools used to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and accountability of master data across the organization.

92. Batch Management: The method of managing and tracking batches of materials, ensuring quality and traceability in production and inventory.

93. Document Flow: A feature in SAP that displays the chain of related documents generated during business processes, aiding in traceability and process understanding.

94. Workflow Automation: The use of SAP Workflow to streamline and automate business processes, reducing manual intervention and errors.

95. Service Level Agreement (SLA): A formal agreement outlining the expected service performance, response times, and quality standards for SAP system support.

96. System Landscape: The overall architecture of SAP environments, typically including development, testing, and production systems.

97. User Training: Programs and resources designed to educate end users and administrators on effectively using the SAP system.

98. Project Implementation: The process of configuring, customizing, and deploying an SAP solution within an organization.

99. Cutover Plan: A detailed strategy and timeline outlining the steps for transitioning from a legacy system to a new SAP environment.

100. Go-Live: The official moment when the SAP system becomes operational in a production environment.

101. Post Go-Live Support: Ongoing assistance and troubleshooting provided after the SAP system has been deployed to ensure smooth operations.

102. Data Archiving: The process of transferring historical data from the live SAP system to an archive to improve system performance and manage storage.
     
      

This glossary is designed to cover a wide range of essential terms you’ll encounter when working with SAP. Whether you’re deep into technical development, managing business processes, or guiding strategic projects, understanding these terms will help you communicate effectively and navigate the SAP ecosystem.