Modern organizations use SAP as a central tool for managing business processes. The system contains configurations, files, and data that are essential for day-to-day operations. To protect them from loss, it is necessary to perform regular backups. The lack of an effective backup strategy can lead to serious consequences, including the loss of critical data or operational downtime.
SAP backup – how to do it?
An SAP backup includes user data, transactions, system files, and archives. When creating it, all these components must be taken into account to ensure that the system can be fully restored in the event of a failure. Keep in mind that copying the database without configuration files is not sufficient.
How to start creating an SAP backup? Begin with a plan. Define the frequency and scope of system backups based on your organization’s specific needs. Then determine where the backups will be stored. Many organizations follow the 3-2-1 rule, maintaining three copies of data on two different media, with one of them stored off-site, for example, in the cloud.
SAP backup in detail
Assigning responsibility for the backup process is extremely important. Designate the individuals responsible for performing backups and regularly verify the correctness of their actions. How does the system backup process work? Much depends on the type of database. It is necessary to use tools tailored to that specific database.
To backup SAP HANA, use HANA Studio or SAP HANA Cockpit. These tools require the administrator to select the type of backup (full or incremental) and the location where the file will be saved. In older databases (Oracle, SQL Server), SAP backup is performed using appropriate database mechanisms such as RMAN. SAP also offers its own tools, like BRTOOLS, to support the creation and management of backups.
SAP backup – monitoring and testing
When creating backups, it is extremely important to monitor the process. System logs, which record events from the operating system, make it possible to verify whether the backup was performed correctly. A simple notification that the process has been completed is not sufficient – data integrity must be verified, and the ability to restore the backup must also be checked.
To ensure that the system can be restored within the required timeframe in the event of a crisis, it is worth implementing regular backup testing in a test environment. Many companies overlook this practice, yet it is crucial for assessing the effectiveness and reliability of backup procedures. Where should an SAP backup be stored? In a secure location. Automated backup systems are becoming increasingly popular – they create copies according to a predefined schedule and allow real-time monitoring of the process. Cloud solutions, data centers, and network drives are viable alternatives.
SAP backup – what to avoid?
What should you pay particular attention to when creating an SAP backup? The backup must not be stored on the same server where the system is running, as in the event of hardware failure it would be lost along with it. In addition to carefully choosing where to store backups, it is equally important to perform them regularly. Do not skip the verification of file integrity either. Remember that even the best-planned backup process will be ineffective if the ability to restore data has not been checked.
By creating an SAP backup, you are investing in your company’s security. Performing a system backup involves creating a plan, using the appropriate tools, and taking a disciplined approach. However, it helps prevent serious losses and reduces the risk of downtime. Regular backups ensure quick system recovery in the event of a failure and guarantee the protection of business data.
