7 Tips for Choosing the Right SAP Support and Maintenance Provider

It’s no secret that SAP solutions are found in most of the globe’s top revenue-generating enterprise’s business-critical toolkits. SAP is providing these companies with the power to connect their business processes, optimize operations and create innovative customer experiences. SAP’s products have been designed with this in mind so businesses can get the most out of their solutions.

Yet while aftermarket SAP online support service is available for its many products, more is needed to keep enterprises running smoothly. For maximum uptime and a steady user experience, businesses must rely on an SAP support and maintenance provider.

But how do you choose the right SAP support and maintenance provider? Here are seven tips to ensure your selection is the best fit for your business.

1. Only a Certified SAP Consulting Partner Will Do

Your SAP solutions are complex digital ecosystems uniquely tailored to your business’s processes and needs. Maintaining, monitoring, and securing your system requires expert training from people with an unyielding commitment to its upkeep and care.

The best way to do that is to work with a team with a relevant SAP certification (such as PCoE) that can prove they can keep your digital tools in good working order. For instance, Ameri100 is an SAP Gold Partner for application development with countless hours of SAP support experience.

2. Use SAP Vendors with Expertise in Your Industry

Look for a vendor with an SAP certificate, deep expertise in your SAP products and your industry sector. This will ensure that the provider can provide tailored advice and identify potential issues before they arise.

For instance, if a manufacturer of spare parts for cars uses SAP S/4HANA as their ERP integrated with an SAP CRM, their SAP maintenance provider should have experience with integrated systems, SAP S/4HANA, as well as an understanding of the automotive manufacturing industry and the company’s licensing needs.

That may sound like a tall order, but it’s not.

At Ameri100, our engineers are experienced in SAP products and the industries we serve, offering expertise that other providers can’t match. We provide unrivaled scalability and tailored support services to ensure your SAP solutions run at peak efficiency.

3. Choose a Solution-Relevant SAP Maintenance Provider

Having someone with proven experience maintaining the SAP products your company is currently using is as important as having someone with industry-specific expertise.

Your SAP support and maintenance provider should have extensive experience with your chosen products. This is essential for them to proactively prevent problems, provide fast resolutions when they arise, and offer guidance on enhancing the system’s performance and capabilities.

4. Consider Your Scalability Goals

If your company wants to grow, select a provider with experience supporting scalable implementations. This will help you avoid costly disruptions for any future expansions of your SAP environment.

A provider with experience supporting multiple SAP solutions, such as SAP S/4HANA and SAP Ariba, is a valuable asset for any organization that plans to scale in the future.

Note: Companies that currently operate with SAP HANA should work with someone who can guide them through a potential migration to S/4HANA.

5. Explore Support and Preventive Maintenance Offerings

When choosing prospective SAP maintenance vendors, ask about their support and maintenance offerings. It’s vital to ensure that your provider can provide tailored support services and access to the latest updates and patches.

A service level agreement (SLA) should also include the following parameters:

• Preventative Maintenance: Including monitoring, optimization and security
• Preemptive Problem Detection and Resolution
• Maintenance Requests Process
• 24/7 Support Services
• Expected response and resolution times

Important: Be strict about response time

6. Is Security Included?

Examine the security protocols of each potential vendor you consider. SAP systems require rigorous security protocols to ensure your data is safe and secure. Ask every potential provider about the measures they take to protect customer data. What assurances will they provide in the event of a security breach?

7. Check References From SAP Support Services Clientele

Review vendor references before committing to an SAP software maintenance package. Ask selected vendors for customer references or case studies so you can get a better sense of their capabilities and track records.

Ameri100: Gold Star SAP Maintenance & Support

Ameri100 is here to help businesses leverage their SAP investments and maximize their ROI – that means providing comprehensive preventative maintenance and ongoing support. We have a proven track record of success with large enterprises, and our team of engineers has extensive experience in SAP products and the industries we serve.