Types of SAP system copy
Copy only specific data
When executing a system copy, all tables, processes, databases, etc. are taken into account when copying. Logical system names must also be converted (using the BDLS trasaction code). The process of a system copy usually does not change. If no structural changes have been made to the SAP systems involved, the process is even 100% identical. Due to the very high repeatability of the nevertheless complex process, it is advisable to automate it to a large extent.
The number of R3load processes to be started in parallel is specified in the {ex|im}port_monitor_cmd.properties configuration file. The Migration Monitor stores the state of the export or import process in the {ex|im}port_state.properties file. For each package being processed, there is a = line.
Consideration of additional QA clients
With the definition of package groups, the parallel processing of packages can be configured beyond the definition of the order: All defined groups run in parallel to each other. For each group the parameters jobNum, taskArgs and loadArgs can be defined separately.
The tools we use can be easily operated either in the cloud or on premise. For this, the SAP systems to be copied must allow access at operating system level. The typical cloud infrastructures, such as AWS or Azure, are not a hurdle for this service.
With "Shortcut for SAP Systems", a mature and yet very cost-effective product is available that offers useful functions for system copies. For example, SAP system users can be backed up and restored. Likewise, system-specific tables can be backed up before the system copy and restored after the system copy. And all this can also be automated.
With the entry into force of the GDPR, the topic of system copies has been expanded to include the aspect of anonymization: In many cases, personal or other sensitive data is operated on non-productive systems that usually have lower security levels and also allow access for those persons who are not normally allowed to work with GDPR-relevant data (eg developers or external consultants).
Only then can changes be incorporated into the production system.