2.4    Orientation toward the Process

Business processes are defined sequences of steps in the enterprise. When you order goods, you trigger a process, for example, a purchase requisition is implemented, the incoming goods posted, and, finally, the invoice verified. The SAP system focuses on the business process because it needs to be mapped continuously within the system.

It’s critical that you as the user visualize the process when working in the system. Make sure you understand what the process is supposed to achieve, where it starts, and where it ends before you begin.

Figure 2.3 shows the sales process from the perspective of the SAP system and makes it easy for you to understand the individual substeps: The customer inquires about the availability and price of a specific product. He then places an order with your enterprise. Your enterprise executes the order and creates and posts the invoice.

Figure 2.3    Sales Process as Mapped in the SAP System

For enterprises that use SAP software, it’s common that multiple departments are involved in a business process. For example, the sales process involves the sales department, the warehouse, and invoice verification (which is usually integrated with accounts receivable accounting as a part of financial accounting). The SAP system ensures that the individual processes integrate seamlessly and can be processed.

The system records all processes, steps, and user activities so that they are continuous, transparent, and reproducible at any time. The basic principle of “Don’t post without documentation” also applies to IT systems because business processes have to be effective and auditors must be able to trace all processing steps and documents.