This is why companies need professional test data management
Automate SAP system copies
Database: For some databases (MS SQL Server) there is the possibility to copy the database files and reattach them on the target system. For the following SAP installation you only have to specify that no SAP loads should be used, but that the database is already there!
If the data stocks become obsolete, they can be updated by another system copy. From a technical point of view, such a refresh corresponds to the initial setup, including the associated costs as well as the load on the productive systems and manual rework. In addition, a refresh also interrupts all processes on the target system. If it is a development system, all newer development objects must be saved and transported back in after the copy. The version history is lost in the process.
Synonym(s): SAP System Refresh, SAP System Copy, SAP Client Copy, SAP Client Copy, Landscape Copy, Landscape Copy
Regular updating reduces operational risk and improves the quality of the multi-level system landscape. To update the non-productive systems of an SAP landscape, the data must be cloned from the productive system. This is time-consuming and requires very complex rework.
The third-party providers have adapted their tools to various special areas. For example, the "Clone & Test" tool from Pecaso, which is now part of Accenture, specializes in transferring data from SAP's HR module. In addition to HR data, the "Data Sync Manager" from the provider Epi-Use makes it possible to select additional objects from the areas of accounting and logistics. As with TDMS, "Infoshuttle" from Gamma Enterprise Technologies gives users the option of selecting any data from the SAP system. For transport, the tool uses Idocs, which, however, can only be used to transfer small amounts of test data. SNP's "Data Distillery" can either write extracted data directly into the tables of the target system via RFC or generate an export file that can be imported into target systems multiple times. In the source system, users can select by objects, processes and transactions. Further selection options, for example by organizational units or fiscal year, allow a percentage of the data to be filtered out of the system as consistent test data.
With "Shortcut for SAP Systems" the effort for many work steps is reduced. The work done by "Shortcut for SAP Systems" lies in the preparation and post-processing of the data - by backing up the system-specific data before the system copy and restoring it after the system copy. Efforts for preparation and post-processing are thus reduced to a minimum.
The entire process consists of three areas.
The website www.sap-corner.de offers many useful information about SAP basis.
At the same time, their system landscapes are becoming increasingly complex due to mergers and acquisitions and the use of new technologies.