2 How Does SAP Software Work?
Chapter 1 already introduced you to some characteristics of SAP systems. In addition to features such as standardization, real-time processing, and integration, these also include adaptability and extensibility.
This chapter discusses the following:
- Basic principles of SAP software
- Characteristics of standard software
- How you can adapt the SAP system to your enterprise
- Characteristics of client-server architecture
- How business processes are mapped and integrated continuously
- What real-time processing is
2.1 What Is Standard Software?
SAP provides standard software. This means that the basic functions without modifications can map many business processes in various industries. Using standard software has a lot of advantages. The customer can benefit from continuous optimizations, enhancements, and new technologies. Because the developers work closely with their customers, other users’ requirements are considered for new versions.
The opposite of standard software is individual software, which is developed for one customer and is supposed to meet only one customer’s specific requirements. In this case, this single customer has to pay the development costs and all subsequent costs.
SAP provides predefined packages, called industry solutions, for use in specific industries. Currently (in 2016), about 24 industry solutions are available, for example, SAP for Utilities (IS-U), SAP for Automotive (IS-A), and SAP for Defense & Security (DFPS). See Chapter 3 for more information on these. Industry solutions are standard software with an extended functional scope to map the processes of an enterprise from a specific industry.