When verifying the competences of a service partner, check the scope of the services it offers. In SAP application service, module competences are crucial, yet technological experience, especially in Basis and ABAP, is also important.
In observing our current and potential clients, we have noticed that companies require comprehensive support. During the execution of support services, needs are often identified that require in-depth technological know-how: integration with external applications, development of interfaces, implementation of non-standard solutions, etc. In such cases, a lack of broad competences in the technological sphere can result in an inability to solve a problem, and this disqualifies an SAP provider as a service partner, Robert Stiller explains as he shares his observations.
Another element affecting the price of support services is the site from where the services are rendered. Working from the service provider’s office or operating remotely as a standard feature allows support costs to be kept down. Providing adequate safeguards, such as secure VPN connections, ensures that required safety standards are maintained. When verifying the competences of a potential service partner, make sure you know from what location services are provided and what level of security is guaranteed.
Application support in companies with corporate services
SAP application support services are required by every company using SAP systems. However, companies where the system has been implemented on a corporate level are often unable to make use of external service providers, and have to rely solely on the support of the corporate SAP Competence Center. The Competence Center may, however, have little knowledge about local tax laws or regulations, which is of great significance for the proper operation of financial and accounting modules in particular. A possible solution in such a situation is the indirect use of the services of a local service partner through the in-house Competence Center. In this type of arrangement, the local service partner takes responsibility for the execution of service requests in a given area, and reports to the corporate Competence Center. Cooperation between the company and the service partner can be as follows: the company reports a problem to the Competence Center, which then orders the local partner to solve the problem, and oversees the operation to ensure that the solution meets the required levels in terms of quality, lead time, and compliance with corporate standards.
At Hicron, we attach great importance to being as close to the client’s business as possible. Thanks to this, we not only propose tailored solutions, but also think long-term, always taking into account the good of long-term relationships. This approach flows through our DNA and is evident in the keynote.
We are Hicron. VisiON Architect. SolutiON Maker.
