Transition to Cloud ALM from SAP Solution Manager 7.2: Approach and Adaption

Transition to Cloud ALM from SAP Solution Manager 7.2: Approach and Adaption

Structure of this blog

This blog is structured to understand the following:

Transition to SAP Cloud ALM from Solution ManagerApproach for TransitionTransition Overview: Cloud ALM vs Solution ManagerApproach for Transition using 3 Available Transition options

                             1.Cloud ALM for Operations

                             2.Cloud ALM for Implementation

                             3.Selective Data Transfer Capabilities in Cloud ALM

-Limitations

-Best Practice for Selective Data Transfer

-Preparing Solution Manager for Data Transfer

-Preparing Data Transfer with SAP Readiness Check

-Where goes from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM in SDT

-Library Overview in Cloud ALM      

Transition Change Management to Cloud ALM

Transition to SAP Cloud ALM

SAP Solution Manager is in mainstream maintenance until the end of 2027. SAP Cloud ALM will be the ALM platform for all SAP customers. SAP recommends completing the transition to SAP Cloud ALM before this date.

Plan the transition as per your needs, there are 3 possibilities for the transition to SAP Cloud ALM:

 3 options for the transition

Approach for Transition

Transition to Cloud ALM doesn’t happen in a day, it requires planning and execution to reap the benefits of Cloud ALM. Based on the customer requirement we can plan the transition process.

SAP recommends adopting SAP Cloud ALM for service, operations and cloud projects now as it’s ready to use.

For SAP Cloud ALM for implementation adopt in phase-based approach to leverage functionality for Testing, Deployment Management and Solution Documentation which is planned for 2025.

Eventually all the customers will have to make a transition to Cloud ALM as there are no plans for further releases after SAP Solution Manager 7.2.

Transition Planning

Transition Overview – Cloud ALM vs Solution Manager

All the functionalities available in Solution Manager 7.2 might not be available to consume As-Is in Cloud ALM, below is a representation of the Solution Manager 7.2 vs Cloud ALM functionality adoption as per the business use case:

Solution Manager to Cloud ALM mapping

Approach for Transition using 3 Available Transition options

Cloud ALM for Operations:

For leveraging Cloud ALM for operations (Various Monitoring Scenarios) follow the below process:

We can configure below available monitoring scenarios in Cloud ALM for Operations:

Cloud ALM for Implementation:

For leveraging Cloud ALM for implementation follow the below process:

We can select the SAP Activate roadmap as per the requirement and start utilizing the roadmap tasks, Q-gate with assigned Scope and Timeboxes.

Using capabilities of Selective Data Transfer in Cloud ALM:

The Selective Data Transfer app provided in SAP Solution Manager offers reports and functionalities for transfer of data to SAP Cloud ALM.

SDT steps from Solution Manager to Cloud ALM

The selective data transfer only allows for initial uploads of data from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM. Modifying previously uploaded data by another upload is not possible. However, it enables us to modify the data during the transfer process.

The selective data transfer follows a spreadsheet-based approach (XLSX). As the upload to Cloud ALM is only supported by XLSX format.

Limitations

The selective data transfer process focuses on specific applications in SAP Solution Manager 7.2:

In Scope:

 SAP Solution Manager 7.2: Process Management Focused Build 2.0: Test Step

Out of Scope

Requirements ManagementChange Control Management IT Service ManagementTest Management

Reporting Additionally, certain types of data are excluded from the transfer:

Alerting and Analytics LibraryMaster data such as landscape and business partnersTransactional and project-related data such as test plans, change documents.Analytics e.g. from the Solution Readiness Dashboard.

SAP Cloud ALM Best Practice for Selective Data Transfer

The Selective Data Transfer (SDT) process consists of two main phases:

Phases in SDT

Preparing the Solution Manager for Data Transfer

Transaction SM_CALM_DT in SAP Solution Manager (Only applicable for SPS15 and above/ Focused Build 2.0 SP10).

SPS19 and above:

Transaction SM_CALM_DT

SPS 19 and below:

Implement SAP Note: 3358439, if the note is not applicable to the Solution Manager system, please upgrade the ST Component to at least SP15.Run the report NOTE_3358439 with option “Step 2: Update & Activate”.If ST is SP15 / ST SP16, create the WD application in transaction SE80

Activate ICF service of the WD application to access the application. 

Go to transaction SICF and filter by service path “/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/calm_data_transfer”. Activate service CALM_DATA_TRANSFER.

Selective Data Transfer: Opens the app.

The application contains area for input selection.

1. From the Selection area, choose the data to be transferred based on selection criteria such as Solution, Branch, Scope, Site, System Role, and Content Language.Select the type of data be transferred by using the Object Type field.3. Choose Ok to generate a table of the selected data in the result area. .(The selected data is automatically grouped into mandatory columns and optional columns).

Once the data quality is verified and finalized, download the selected data to a local storage.

The data is downloaded as a spreadsheet in format (XLSX). If the downloaded data exceeds certain limits, the process for collecting it might run into a timeout error (500 Connection timed out).

Limitations: Value chain diagrams, universal diagrams, and interface diagrams are not included in the download.

Preparing the Data Transfer with SAP Readiness Check

SAP Readiness Check analyzes the current SAP Solution Manger 7.2 system and provides a readiness report. It helps to understand which parts of data are ready for the transfer to SAP Cloud ALM. It also highlights any gaps or prerequisites that need to be addressed before initiating the transfer.

In Solution Manager:

Execute the program /SDF/RC_ALM_COLLECT_DATA via transaction SA38 in the productive client of the production system of Solution Manager to schedule and download the data archive by performing the following three steps:Choose Schedule Analysis to schedule the master job to collect data.Once the data collection jobs finish, choose the Download Analysis Data option from within the program /SDF/RC_ALM_COLLECT_DATA.

In Cloud ALM

Create a “New Analysis” under SAP Readiness Check.

Use the SAP Readiness Check for SAP Cloud ALM to analyze your current usage of SAP Solution Manager. We can now analyze the usage of Solution Manager data in Cloud ALM and decide for the transition journey.

Refer SAP Note: 3236443 – SAP Readiness Check for SAP Cloud ALM

SAP Readiness Check analyzes the following technical prerequisites:

What goes where from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM in SDT

The following table shows which data from which areas in SAP Solution Manager can be transferred to the respective areas in SAP Cloud ALM.

Library Overview in Cloud ALM

The following library options are available on Cloud ALM as on today.

Application Library

Under the Application Library, all executable elements from the executable library (solution manager) folder are collected.

Configuration Library

Under Configuration Library, all configuration unit originals and their elements from the configuration library folders are collected and displayed in a hierarchical structure.

Interface Library

Under Interface Library, all interfaces and composite interfaces, including interface steps from the interface library, are collected and displayed in a hierarchical order.

Transition Change Management to Cloud ALM

SAP Cloud ALM offers less customization than SAP Solution Manager, regarding the Post Processing Framework (PPF).We can leverage available APIs to adapt workflows. Workflows can be extended through utilizing external workflow engines like SAP Build Process Automation – Workflow Management.SAP Cloud ALM’s transaction type concept is less extensive than Charm’s.We can analyze the current usage and assess whether the current Feature workflow in SAP Cloud ALM suffice the customer needs, if not we can extend the workflow through API’s.

Transition Approaches based on Requirement and Profile

 Conclusion:

Use the two solutions side-by-side before moving to Cloud ALM Let Solution Manager stay in the lead for existing change documents Use the SAP Readiness Check for SAP Cloud ALM

​ Transition to Cloud ALM from SAP Solution Manager 7.2: Approach and Adaption Structure of this blogThis blog is structured to understand the following:Transition to SAP Cloud ALM from Solution ManagerApproach for TransitionTransition Overview: Cloud ALM vs Solution ManagerApproach for Transition using 3 Available Transition options                             1.Cloud ALM for Operations                             2.Cloud ALM for Implementation                             3.Selective Data Transfer Capabilities in Cloud ALM-Limitations-Best Practice for Selective Data Transfer-Preparing Solution Manager for Data Transfer-Preparing Data Transfer with SAP Readiness Check-Where goes from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM in SDT-Library Overview in Cloud ALM      Transition Change Management to Cloud ALMTransition to SAP Cloud ALMSAP Solution Manager is in mainstream maintenance until the end of 2027. SAP Cloud ALM will be the ALM platform for all SAP customers. SAP recommends completing the transition to SAP Cloud ALM before this date.Plan the transition as per your needs, there are 3 possibilities for the transition to SAP Cloud ALM: 3 options for the transitionApproach for Transition Transition to Cloud ALM doesn’t happen in a day, it requires planning and execution to reap the benefits of Cloud ALM. Based on the customer requirement we can plan the transition process.SAP recommends adopting SAP Cloud ALM for service, operations and cloud projects now as it’s ready to use.For SAP Cloud ALM for implementation adopt in phase-based approach to leverage functionality for Testing, Deployment Management and Solution Documentation which is planned for 2025.Eventually all the customers will have to make a transition to Cloud ALM as there are no plans for further releases after SAP Solution Manager 7.2.Transition PlanningTransition Overview – Cloud ALM vs Solution ManagerAll the functionalities available in Solution Manager 7.2 might not be available to consume As-Is in Cloud ALM, below is a representation of the Solution Manager 7.2 vs Cloud ALM functionality adoption as per the business use case:Solution Manager to Cloud ALM mappingApproach for Transition using 3 Available Transition optionsCloud ALM for Operations:For leveraging Cloud ALM for operations (Various Monitoring Scenarios) follow the below process:We can configure below available monitoring scenarios in Cloud ALM for Operations:Cloud ALM for Implementation:For leveraging Cloud ALM for implementation follow the below process: We can select the SAP Activate roadmap as per the requirement and start utilizing the roadmap tasks, Q-gate with assigned Scope and Timeboxes.Using capabilities of Selective Data Transfer in Cloud ALM:The Selective Data Transfer app provided in SAP Solution Manager offers reports and functionalities for transfer of data to SAP Cloud ALM.SDT steps from Solution Manager to Cloud ALMThe selective data transfer only allows for initial uploads of data from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM. Modifying previously uploaded data by another upload is not possible. However, it enables us to modify the data during the transfer process.The selective data transfer follows a spreadsheet-based approach (XLSX). As the upload to Cloud ALM is only supported by XLSX format.LimitationsThe selective data transfer process focuses on specific applications in SAP Solution Manager 7.2:In Scope: SAP Solution Manager 7.2: Process Management Focused Build 2.0: Test StepOut of ScopeRequirements ManagementChange Control Management IT Service ManagementTest ManagementReporting Additionally, certain types of data are excluded from the transfer:Alerting and Analytics LibraryMaster data such as landscape and business partnersTransactional and project-related data such as test plans, change documents.Analytics e.g. from the Solution Readiness Dashboard. SAP Cloud ALM Best Practice for Selective Data TransferThe Selective Data Transfer (SDT) process consists of two main phases:Phases in SDT  Preparing the Solution Manager for Data TransferTransaction SM_CALM_DT in SAP Solution Manager (Only applicable for SPS15 and above/ Focused Build 2.0 SP10).SPS19 and above:Transaction SM_CALM_DTSPS 19 and below:Implement SAP Note: 3358439, if the note is not applicable to the Solution Manager system, please upgrade the ST Component to at least SP15.Run the report NOTE_3358439 with option “Step 2: Update & Activate”.If ST is SP15 / ST SP16, create the WD application in transaction SE80Activate ICF service of the WD application to access the application. Go to transaction SICF and filter by service path “/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/calm_data_transfer”. Activate service CALM_DATA_TRANSFER.Selective Data Transfer: Opens the app.The application contains area for input selection.1. From the Selection area, choose the data to be transferred based on selection criteria such as Solution, Branch, Scope, Site, System Role, and Content Language.Select the type of data be transferred by using the Object Type field.3. Choose Ok to generate a table of the selected data in the result area. .(The selected data is automatically grouped into mandatory columns and optional columns).Once the data quality is verified and finalized, download the selected data to a local storage.The data is downloaded as a spreadsheet in format (XLSX). If the downloaded data exceeds certain limits, the process for collecting it might run into a timeout error (500 Connection timed out).Limitations: Value chain diagrams, universal diagrams, and interface diagrams are not included in the download.Preparing the Data Transfer with SAP Readiness CheckSAP Readiness Check analyzes the current SAP Solution Manger 7.2 system and provides a readiness report. It helps to understand which parts of data are ready for the transfer to SAP Cloud ALM. It also highlights any gaps or prerequisites that need to be addressed before initiating the transfer.In Solution Manager:Execute the program /SDF/RC_ALM_COLLECT_DATA via transaction SA38 in the productive client of the production system of Solution Manager to schedule and download the data archive by performing the following three steps:Choose Schedule Analysis to schedule the master job to collect data.Once the data collection jobs finish, choose the Download Analysis Data option from within the program /SDF/RC_ALM_COLLECT_DATA.In Cloud ALMCreate a “New Analysis” under SAP Readiness Check.Use the SAP Readiness Check for SAP Cloud ALM to analyze your current usage of SAP Solution Manager. We can now analyze the usage of Solution Manager data in Cloud ALM and decide for the transition journey.Refer SAP Note: 3236443 – SAP Readiness Check for SAP Cloud ALMSAP Readiness Check analyzes the following technical prerequisites:What goes where from SAP Solution Manager to SAP Cloud ALM in SDT The following table shows which data from which areas in SAP Solution Manager can be transferred to the respective areas in SAP Cloud ALM.  Library Overview in Cloud ALMThe following library options are available on Cloud ALM as on today.Application LibraryUnder the Application Library, all executable elements from the executable library (solution manager) folder are collected.Configuration LibraryUnder Configuration Library, all configuration unit originals and their elements from the configuration library folders are collected and displayed in a hierarchical structure.Interface LibraryUnder Interface Library, all interfaces and composite interfaces, including interface steps from the interface library, are collected and displayed in a hierarchical order.Transition Change Management to Cloud ALMSAP Cloud ALM offers less customization than SAP Solution Manager, regarding the Post Processing Framework (PPF).We can leverage available APIs to adapt workflows. Workflows can be extended through utilizing external workflow engines like SAP Build Process Automation – Workflow Management.SAP Cloud ALM’s transaction type concept is less extensive than Charm’s.We can analyze the current usage and assess whether the current Feature workflow in SAP Cloud ALM suffice the customer needs, if not we can extend the workflow through API’s.Transition Approaches based on Requirement and Profile Conclusion:Use the two solutions side-by-side before moving to Cloud ALM Let Solution Manager stay in the lead for existing change documents Use the SAP Readiness Check for SAP Cloud ALM     Read More Technology Blog Posts by Members articles 

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