Managing Project Quality Assurance

🌟 Transitioning Smoothly Post-Implementation: Sustaining SAP Beyond Hyper Care 🌟 Facing the post-implementation phase after SAP deployment can be challenging, especially when your project team and implementation partner have disbanded. But fear not! Here are some tips to ensure a seamless transition and sustain success with SAP: 1. **Documentation is Key**: Start by ensuring all documentation related to the SAP implementation is comprehensive and up-to-date. This includes user manuals, process flows, configuration documents, and any custom developments. Having this information readily available will empower your internal team to troubleshoot and maintain the system effectively. 2. **Internal Knowledge Transfer**: Conduct thorough knowledge transfer sessions within your organization. Identify key individuals who were involved in the project and have them share their expertise with other team members. Consider establishing a center of excellence or a dedicated SAP support team to centralize knowledge and provide ongoing assistance. 3. **Engage with SAP Community**: Leverage the vast SAP community for support and guidance. Participate in forums, user groups, and online communities to exchange knowledge, seek advice, and stay updated on best practices. Collaborating with peers facing similar challenges can provide valuable insights and solutions. 4. **Continuous Training and Development**: Invest in continuous training and skill development for your SAP users and administrators. Offer regular training sessions, workshops, and certifications to keep them updated on new features, functionalities, and industry trends. A well-trained team is better equipped to optimize SAP usage and address emerging requirements. 5. **Establish Vendor Relationships**: Build strong relationships with SAP and its ecosystem of partners and consultants. Engage with SAP representatives, attend user conferences, and explore support options available through SAP or certified partners. Establishing these connections can provide access to specialized expertise and resources when needed. 6. **Monitor Performance and Feedback**: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms to track system performance, user feedback, and issues post-implementation. Regularly solicit feedback from stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and address any pain points promptly. Proactively monitoring and addressing concerns will help maintain user satisfaction and drive continuous improvement. Remember, the journey with SAP doesn't end with implementation; it's an ongoing process of optimization and adaptation. By following these strategies and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within your organization, you can sustain success with SAP and drive long-term value for your business. SastraGeek Solutions #SAP #Implementation #Sustainability #DigitalTransformation #Collaboration #ContinuousImprovement #parmindersingh #sastrageeksolutuons

Can we truly trust #carboncredit validation when auditors are paid by those they audit? #Carbonmarkets rely on third-party auditors to verify emission reductions - but the current model, where project developers hire and pay these auditors, creates a serious conflict of interest. Auditors must assess subjective factors like: (1) #Additionality - would the project have happened anyway? (2) #Leakage - are emissions simply shifting elsewhere? (3) #Permanence - will the impact truly last? These are complex, often qualitative judgments - and when an auditor’s paycheck depends on developer satisfaction, the risk of bias is real. 64% of Verra-certified auditors have been linked to projects with over-credited claims. It's time to rethink the system. (1) Create a global pool of independent auditors (2) Decouple verification from developer influence (3) Prioritize transparency and scientific rigor Credible carbon markets demand credible oversight. Without that, climate action loses trust - and impact. #CarbonMarkets #ClimateIntegrity #Sustainability #ClimateFinance #NetZero #CarbonCredits #ESG #Governance #Transparency #ClimateAction https://lnkd.in/dSNGncR9

A new study assessed carbon crediting mechanisms, addressing whether carbon credit projects lead to REAL emission reductions. Analyzing 2,346 carbon mitigation projects that account for nearly 1 billion tons of CO₂ (about 20% of all credits issued), researchers found that less than 16% of carbon credits issued constitute real emission reductions. Wind power projects in China and improved forest management in the US showed no statistically significant emission reductions. Cookstove projects achieved only 11% of claimed reductions, SF6 destruction 16%, and avoided deforestation 25%. Even the best-performing category, HFC-23 abatement, reached only 68% of claimed reductions. This assessment comes at a moment of carbon market expansion. The "offset achievement gap" identified by the study - 812 million credits that don't represent actual emission reductions - exceeds Germany's annual emissions. The research reveals three systematic issues: project developers often choose favorable data for their baseline or make unrealistic assumptions, methodologies sometimes use outdated data, and adverse selection leads to crediting projects that would have happened anyway (aka not "additional"). This evidence suggests carbon crediting mechanisms need reform to raise their potential for climate mitigation. It underscores the importance of scrutinizing carbon credit quality and prioritizing direct emission reductions over offsetting for businesses and investors. Kudos to Benedict Probst, Malte Toetzke, Andreas Kontoleon, Laura Diaz Anadon, Jan Minx, Barbara Haya, Lambert Schneider, Philipp Trotter, Thales A. P. West, Annelise Gill-Wiehl, Volker Hoffmann from great institutions.

SAP Clean Core strategy includes a method to enhance SAP S/4HANA Cloud systems in a way that is safe to upgrade. The SAP Clean Core concept advocates for a strategy that maintains the core system as standard and uncluttered as possible. This approach prioritizes minimal customization to ensure the core remains streamlined and efficient. Here are some key takeaways from my assignment to achieve a Clean Core: 1.Identify custom developments (Z-objects, User Exits, BAdIs, Enhancements, etc.) -decommissioning unused custom objects. 2. Run SAP Readiness Check for SAP S/4HANA to analyze custom code impact -modernizing to ABAP cloud syntax. 3. Identify unused or obsolete customizations that can be retired. 4.Use SAP Standard Best Practices instead of custom transactions - moving to standard SAP delivered functionality. 5.Replace custom Z-tables with SAP CDS Views & Embedded Analytics. 6.In-App Extensibility (Embedded ABAP, Key User Tools) -migrating to key user extensions. 7.Build Custom Applications on SAP BTP instead of modifying SAP S/4HANA -SAP RAP /CAPM development. 8.Use API-first approach → Leverage SAP API Business Hub - maximizing use of released APIs and CDS views. 9.Replace SAP GUI-based transactions with SAP Fiori apps. 10.Use SAP Build Apps for business-user-driven custom UI development. 11.Implement Business Process Automation with SAP Workflow Management.  #Clean #Core #CloudPlatform #INDIA #TechnologySolutions #BTPInnovations #SAPLearning #ABAP #AI #Developers #SAPBTP #BusinessTechnologyPlatform #Innovation #RAP #CDS #SAPTechnology #SAPCloud #Innovation #EY #EYINDIA #SAP #SAPBuild Sean D Silva #EYGCC Wouter van Heddeghem #DigitalTransformation #EnterpriseTechnology #RisewithSAP #Transformation #SAPGROW #SAPbusinessSuite #Deloitte #KPMG #PWC #SAPHANA #CloudPlatform #TechnologySolutions #BTPInnovations #SAPLearning #LinkedInTechPost #S4PublicCloud #S4PrivateCloud SAP Wouter van Heddeghem #SAPBTP #EYGCC #S4PublicCloud #S4PrivateCloud #RISE #GROW #Business #SAPCleancore #SAPCloud #SAPIntegration #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #EnterpriseTechnology #SAPHANA #SAPDevelopment

The transition from Hypercare to AMS (Application Management Services) in the context of SAP S/4HANA implementation is pivotal in ensuring that the new system is not only effectively integrated into the daily operations of a business but also continues to evolve and align with the organization's changing needs. Hypercare is an intensive support period immediately following the 'Go Live' phase of an SAP S/4HANA implementation. Its primary purpose is to stabilize the new system as quickly as possible by addressing any critical issues that surface. Hypercare teams are on high alert, often working onsite, and consist of dedicated resources ready to tackle high-priority issues—usually gaps in knowledge or functionality not surfaced during testing. The resolution times are swift, with a focus on immediate fixes rather than in-depth analysis. During Hypercare, there is less emphasis on documenting issues in a structured manner, and the support is highly proactive with frequent communication between stakeholders to ensure a rapid return to business as usual. After the system stabilizes, which typically takes a few weeks, the focus shifts to AMS support, a phase that can last for years. AMS is the long-term strategy for ongoing system support and improvement. It covers a broader scope of issues ranging from low to high priority (P1 to P4) and involves shared resources working on a scheduled basis. The response to issues is more structured, with a focus on Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and includes comprehensive root cause analysis (RCA) to prevent recurrence. Unlike Hypercare, AMS utilizes a ticketing system to manage and track issues, which helps prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively. The communication is regular and scheduled, allowing for planned interventions and structured updates. Hypercare is critical immediately after go-live because it ensures that any teething problems are quickly addressed, thus avoiding operational disruptions. It’s a phase characterized by responsiveness and agility. AMS, on the other hand, is essential for the long-term health and optimization of the SAP S/4HANA environment. It provides a framework for continuous improvement, proactive maintenance, and enhancement of system functionalities. In simple terms, think of Hypercare as the immediate and intense care needed to nurture a new plant, while AMS is the ongoing gardening required to ensure the plant grows strong and fruitful over time. Both are necessary, at different times and for different reasons, to ensure the overall success and longevity of the SAP S/4HANA implementation. #SAP #SAPConsulting #SAPConsultant #SAPConsultants #SAPCommunity #SAPS4HANA #S4HANA #SAPHANA #RISEWithSAP #GROWithSAP NEC Corporation India Pvt Ltd. NEC Corporation

Third-party assurance of corporate carbon footprinting (CCF) is gaining importance. This is great news for climate transparency. However, this is a new topic for carbon experts. Here is some basic terminology to understand the world of assurance. 1/ There are 3 types of assurance: Validation: assess a GHG statement about the outcome of future activities (e.g., avoided emissions of investments) Verification: assess a GHG statement involving historical data (e.g., as-is CCF) Certification: assurance (by a certification body) that a product / service / system meets the requirements of a standard (not possible for CCF) 2/ There are 2 levels of assurance: Limited assurance: third party has not found issues which causes them to believe the GHG inventory is wrong (i.e., negative assurance) Reasonable assurance: third-party states that the GHG inventory is fairly stated (i.e., positive assurance) 3/ Who needs to get assurance: Mandatory: CSRD-compliant companies should get a limited assurance verification on their CCF (and all other ESRS data points) Voluntary: for all non-CSRD companies, asssurance is voluntary and company can decide if they want limited or reasonable assurance 4/ Who can give assurance: Certification: only mandated certification bodies can certify on a specific standard (e.g., ISO certification bodies) CSRD limited assurance: financial auditors are mandated by legislation do give limited assurance on CSRD/ESRS 

Carbon credits rely on one thing: #TRUST. A carbon credit isn't a tangible product; it's a quantified claim. A promise that a certain amount of CO2 was removed or avoided. A carbon credit is, for the most part, just a #digital notification. A line in a registry. A polite claim that says, “Trust me, this tonne of CO2 has been taken care of.” And in some cases, we’re told this by the same entity that designed the project, paid for it, measured it, verified it, and is now trying to sell it. In emerging carbon markets, we are increasingly seeing conflicts of interest, where a single institution acts as project #funder, technical #validator, and credit #seller. When roles blur, trust collapses. Without independent checks, carbon markets risk becoming a climate finance echo chamber—self-certifying, opaque, and easily manipulated. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Grantham Institute’s report—“Corruption and Integrity Risks in Climate Solutions”—lays this out in clear terms. It identifies systemic #governance risks across mitigation finance, including: ❗ Lack of institutional separation in project pipelines, ❗ Weak regulatory oversight, ❗ Politicization of carbon methodologies, ❗ And opaque fund flows between public institutions and credit platforms. #Policymakers and credit issuers must act now to safeguard environmental and market integrity. This includes: ✅ Establishing firewalls between funders, certifiers, and brokers; ✅ Enforcing independent third-party verification and MRV; ✅ Prohibiting credit issuance for projects already funded via national mandates or NDCs unless corresponding adjustments are applied; ✅ Public disclosure of all co-funding sources and methodologies. The future of climate finance depends not only on carbon being removed but also on claims being #credible, #auditable, and #fair. I have attached a screenshot of a figure from the report as a reference. For those who are interested in delving deeper into the report, please find the link below. 📜 Corruption and Integrity Risks in Climate Solutions: https://lnkd.in/dyuCDySP #CarbonMarkets #ClimateFinance #Additionality #MRV #ICVCM #ESG #Greenwashing #Article6 #CarbonCredits #ConflictofInterest #PublicIntegrity #ClimateGovernance #TrustInMarkets #SustainabilityPolicy #EnvironmentalIntegrity #ClimateTransparency

Most S/4HANA projects fail before they even start. Why? Missed steps. Misaligned teams. Messy execution. That’s where SAP Activate steps in. Not just a method, A risk shield for your transformation. Here’s how SAP Activate protects your project at every phase: 1. Guided Start ➛ Define value from day one ➛ Avoid scope creep early ➛ Align business + IT vision 2. Preconfigured Content ➛ Reuse proven templates ➛ Cut guesswork and delays ➛ Accelerate delivery with confidence 3. Agile Built-In ➛ Iterate with purpose ➛ Spot issues early ➛ Pivot before problems scale 4. Fit-to-Standard Approach ➛ Simplifies design decisions ➛ Reduces custom code ➛ Boosts long-term stability 5. Role-Based Roadmaps ➛ Clarity on who does what ➛ Fewer dropped handoffs ➛ Accountability at every level 6. Quality Gates ➛ Built-in checkpoints ➛ Detect risks before they grow ➛ Keep delivery on track 7. Continuous Testing ➛ Fail fast, fix faster ➛ Automation = fewer surprises ➛ Assures performance at go-live 8. Change Management Focus ➛ People-first planning ➛ Smooth adoption = lasting success ➛ Training aligned with every phase Activate isn’t just a framework. It’s a playbook for reducing risk. And delivering outcomes that last. #SAPActivate #S4HANA #DigitalTransformation #ERPImplementation #ProjectManagement #SAPConsulting #ChangeManagement #RiskMitigation

Everyone is calling for higher quality in the voluntary carbon market. But what is quality? And what aspects of quality are buyers willing to pay for? Boston Consulting Group published a report last September about carbon buyers’ willingness to pay for quality. Three interesting findings: 1 - Buyers will pay more for proof of impact Carbon buyers rated transparency and MRV as the most important dimensions of quality. This could be because these dimensions provide a form of ‘proof’ of quality that buyers can use to defend purchases in front of a board of directors, investors, or customers. [Transparency is such a squishy word. In this study, the researchers defined it as projects that had detailed, easily accessible public information and clear decision-making processes.] 2 - Buyers were willing to pay a 30-50% premium for credits with the highest rating from a third-party rating system The researchers created a simplified 'GHG impact score' to mimic what a third-party ratings agency might assign a project. It covered factors like additionality, permanence, and MRV. Buyers were willing to pay the highest premium for confidence in the climate impact of a carbon credit, as represented by the highest GHG impact score. 3 - More experienced buyers valued co-benefits more than less mature buyers Buyers were willing to pay more for co-benefits, but this increased with buyer experience. Co-benefits also weren't nearly as influential a factor on WTP as additionality, permanence, and MRV. Also, buyers tended to value co-benefits related to nature, like biodiversity, over socioeconomic ones. That could be because they didn't feel as confident about pricing socioeconomic benefits. Lots more findings to unpack in the report( 🔗 in comments). #carbonmarkets #climatesolutions #vcm ------- Authors: Paulina Ponce de Leon Barido Jesper Nielsen Oluseye 'Bayo' Owolabi Anders Porsborg-Smith Matt Gordon John Pineda

Stanford has released an important report today produced by the Stanford Law School and Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability with the support of the Bezos Earth Fund. Entitled “Investing in Nature to Fight Climate Change and Help Communities Thrive” the report builds on work that I did in the Biden White House to improve the measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) of greenhouse gas emission reductions and removals. Inadequate measurement and monitoring at the project/investment level has opened the door to exaggerated carbon credit claims that have chilled needed investments in specific forestry, agriculture and other nature-based practices that can demonstrably remove carbon from the atmosphere and/or reduce GHG emissions—and which must play a key role in the U.S.’s and the world’s fight against climate change. The report calls for a public/private collaborative that will: (1) identify scientifically-sound and consensus-based data greenhouse gas data collection and modeling protocols for specific practices; and (2) establish an open-source data sharing system that provides broad public access to credible and verifiable greenhouse gas data and analytics at the project level. These recommendations reinforce key principles that the White House laid out last November in its National Strategy to Advance and Integrated Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Monitoring, and Information System. The report also plows new ground by calling on policymakers, economists and ecologists to develop a rating system that puts significant co-benefits like resilience (protecting communities from severe climate impacts), biodiversity, clean water, and other cultural and socio-economic co-benefits into the investment mix. https://lnkd.in/eH7v4iZr #climate #climatesmart #carbon #carbonremoval #MMRV #climateresilience #biodiversity #cleanwater #naturebasedsolutions #NbS #StanfordUniversity #StanfordLaw #sustainability #NaturalCapitalProject