Test and training system: data anomyization, migration of master data, migration of user data / passwords
Food for thought for another productive system: until when must the system be identical, keyword: transaction log
The task of a system copy created for updates is a carefully integrated system that takes on a specific role in an SAP system landscape. That is why customizing the SAP database of the target system differs significantly from customizing the database of the production system. In a system copy-based update, the database of the target system is completely overwritten with the contents of the production system. Therefore, all SAP-specific customization of the target system must be performed after the update with the system copy. The pre- and post-processing is often performed manually while the target system is running. Specific SAP transactions are used to customize the system. Execution can take a long time and is a source of human error. To automate most transactions, UC4 Automated System Copy for SAP can also be used. Before the update, UC4 Automated System Copy takes care of downloading the required content for the SAP customization from the target system and after the update is complete, uploading the content back to the system.
Advantage of the system copy: Users receive one hundred percent consistent test data. A disadvantage, however, is the high storage space requirement of such a test system, which corresponds to that of the productive system. In addition, an authorization concept for the system copy is required to protect the authentic data it contains. Otherwise, company secrets are at risk, and there is a violation of regulations such as the Federal Data Protection Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Reliable and fast rework after SAP® system copies
Table splitting reduces the risk of losing a lot of time during export in case of an error. When restarting, the complete table does not have to be exported again, but only a subset. Simultaneous processing of a table by several R3load processes can reduce the total runtime for this table.
In order to be able to work with the most up-to-date data possible on the development and quality assurance systems, it is necessary to bring an up-to-date production status onto these systems. This is often done via a complete system copy (production system -> development system, production system -> quality assurance system) and is very error-prone and user-intensive in ad-hoc configuration (especially if each developer/customizing user is responsible for saving the transports and importing them again after the copy). Every SAP system copy then carries the risk of losing the development status achieved and can lead to inconsistencies in programs and customizing, and any damage repair is usually very time-consuming.
If you have used "Shortcut for SAP Systems" to save system-specific tables before the system refresh, several manual steps can be omitted - the data can be restored by restoring the data saved before the system copy.
Fact: BDLS is a kind of "time eater" for system copies (except when using Hana).
For the following SAP installation you only have to specify that no SAP loads should be used, but that the database is already there!