Go-Live Readiness Check: 15 Points Before Production

The go-live of an SAP system is the most critical moment in any transformation programme. Defects discovered only after production start cost many times more than prevention. A systematic go-live readiness check ensures that your system, processes and organisation are truly prepared. Here are 15 checkpoints you should verify before going live.

Technical Infrastructure

1. Hardware sizing verified: Confirm that production system resources (CPU, RAM, storage, IOPS) match the final sizing. Compare load-test performance against the requirements from the business blueprint.

2. High-availability setup tested: Conduct a failover test. Verify cluster configuration, database replication and automatic recovery processes. Document recovery times (RTO/RPO).

3. Backup & recovery validated: Perform a complete recovery test – not just at database level but as a full-system restore. Ensure backup frequency meets RTO/RPO requirements.

SAP Basis & Performance

4. System configuration finalised: Check all profile parameters (RZ10), operation modes (RZ04), background-job scheduling (SM36/SM37) and RFC connections (SM59). Ensure all settings match the production standard.

5. Performance baseline established: Document performance metrics after the final load test: average dialog response times, batch runtimes for critical jobs, and database-access statistics. This baseline serves as the reference for post-go-live monitoring.

6. Print landscape configured: Test all printers, output devices and spool configurations. Pay particular attention to forms (SAPscript, Smart Forms, Adobe Forms) with real data.

Security & Authorisations

7. Authorisation concept implemented: All roles are assigned according to the approved authorisation concept. SoD analysis is complete; all critical conflicts are documented and mitigated. The emergency-access concept is implemented and tested.

8. Security hardening completed: All security parameters are configured per SAP recommendations. Current security notes are applied. Security Audit Log is activated and configured. Encryption (SNC, SSL/TLS) is active for all communication channels.

Data & Integration

9. Data migration completed and validated: All migration objects have been loaded successfully and signed off by the business. Reconciliation reports show no discrepancies. Legacy-system references are correctly mapped.

10. Interfaces tested: All inbound and outbound interfaces have passed end-to-end testing. Error handling and monitoring are configured. Fallback processes for interface failures are documented.

11. Third-party confirmations obtained: All external partners (banks, EDI partners, logistics providers) have confirmed their readiness for go-live. Production endpoints and certificates are set up.

Organisation & Support

12. Cutover plan finalised: The detailed cutover plan is in place with tasks, owners, timelines and go/no-go criteria. At least one dry run has been completed successfully.

13. Support organisation established: The hypercare team is named and available. Escalation paths are defined. The incident-management process is communicated. Key users are trained and established as the first point of contact.

14. End users trained: All end users have completed the required training. Training materials and quick-reference guides are available. A helpdesk or support portal is operational.

15. Rollback plan created: Define clear criteria under which a rollback is triggered. Document the technical rollback process (database restore, interface switchback). Establish decision authority for the rollback.

Go/No-Go Decision

All 15 checkpoints culminate in a formal go/no-go decision. Define in advance which items are showstoppers. A readiness score can help objectify the maturity level. The decision must be endorsed and documented by the steering committee.

Conclusion

A systematic readiness check is not bureaucracy but insurance against costly go-live issues. Take the time for a thorough review – it pays dividends many times over. Hupp Consulting supports you in conducting go-live readiness assessments and managing critical cutover phases. Contact us for an independent evaluation of your go-live readiness.

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