SAP license management is:
- A process to track, document, and monitor SAP software licenses.
- Ensures compliance with End User License Agreements (EULA).
- Involves regular audits comparing active users to purchased licenses.
- Aims to optimize SAP license usage and costs.
- Critical for legal use and avoiding penalties.
SAP License Management – A Comprehensive Guide
1. Introduction to SAP License Management
What is SAP License Management?
SAP License Management is a process that involves monitoring, documenting, and managing the use of SAP software licenses within an organization. It ensures that all SAP software usage complies with the licensing terms set forth by SAP.
Effective license management helps companies avoid non-compliance issues, reduce unnecessary licensing costs, and optimize software usage to align with business needs.
Why is SAP License Management Important?
Effective SAP License Management is essential for several reasons:
- Cost Control: Companies may purchase licenses they donโt need or under-license without proper management, leading to hefty penalties. Proper license management can prevent such inefficiencies and reduce overall costs.
- Compliance Assurance: SAP licensing agreements are complex, and non-compliance can lead to significant financial and legal repercussions. A proper license management system ensures the company meets all SAP compliance requirements.
- Optimization of IT Resources: SAP License Management ensures that the right licenses are allocated to the right users, enabling businesses to use their IT investments best.
Common Challenges Faced by Organizations
Managing SAP licenses can be quite challenging due to a variety of factors. Here are some of the common challenges organizations face:
- Complex Licensing Models: SAP offers various licensing models, making it difficult for organizations to determine which licenses are needed for different users. Misunderstanding these models can lead to over-licensing or under-licensing.
- Managing Compliance and Costs: Compliance with SAPโs licensing terms is not just about having the correct number of licenses. It also involves correctly classifying users and ensuring all software use complies with licensing agreements. The complexity of compliance and the high cost of SAP licenses often create a significant burden for organizations.
2. SAP License Types
SAP offers various license types to suit different business needs and user roles. Understanding these license types is crucial for proper license management.
Overview of SAP License Categories
- Professional User License: This is the most comprehensive type of SAP license, offering full access to all SAP functionalities. It is ideal for users who require extensive capabilities across multiple SAP modules, such as project managers and senior analysts.
- Limited Professional User License: The Limited Professional User License offers restricted access compared to the Professional User License. It is suitable for team members who need access to a limited set of SAP functionalities, such as approving purchase orders or accessing specific reports.
- Employee User License: This license type is for users who need basic access to SAP for self-service activities. For example, employees must enter timesheets, request leave, or update personal information.
- SAP Business One (Professional and Limited): SAP Business One is designed for small and midsize enterprises (SMEs). The Professional License provides complete access to the ERP features of SAP Business One, while the Limited License offers access to specific functionalities, such as accounting or sales management.
- Developer User License: This license targets users responsible for customizing and developing SAP systems. Developers use this license to build custom reports, integrate external systems, and create unique features in the SAP environment.
- SAP S/4HANA Professional and Functional User License: SAP S/4HANA is the next-generation ERP platform. The Professional License provides full access to all functionalities. At the same time, the Functional User License is more limited and suitable for users who focus on specific tasks within a particular module, such as procurement or finance.
SAP Licensing Models
- Named User Licensing: This model assigns licenses to specific individuals. It ensures that only authorized users access the software; the cost is typically based on the number of users.
- Engine Licensing: Engine licensing is based on usage metrics such as CPU usage, data volume, or number of transactions. It suits companies using specific SAP components requiring a metric-based licensing approach.
- Indirect/Digital Access Licensing: This model applies when non-SAP systems interact with SAP software. Any access to SAP data through third-party systems must be licensed appropriately to avoid non-compliance issues.
3. Benefits of Effective SAP License Management
Cost Optimization
- Reducing Over-Licensing and Under-Licensing: Effective license management helps organizations avoid buying unnecessary licenses while ensuring all users have the necessary licenses. Regular audits can identify and correct over- or under-licensing, leading to significant cost savings.
Risk Mitigation
- Avoiding Non-Compliance Penalties: Non-compliance with SAPโs licensing terms can lead to hefty financial penalties and legal consequences. SAP License Management helps maintain compliance by ensuring all software usage is documented, authorized, and in line with the licensing agreement.
Operational Efficiency
- Ensuring Correct User Access and Permissions: SAP License Management helps allocate the correct license type to each user based on their role. This ensures compliance and prevents issues where users either have insufficient access to perform their jobs or too much access, which can be costly.
Improved Negotiation Power
- Leveraging Accurate Data for Contract Renegotiations: Accurate data on license usage can provide leverage when renegotiating contracts. Organizations that understand their current license utilization can negotiate better terms, ensuring they arenโt overpaying for underutilized licenses.
4. Best Practices for SAP License Management
Understand SAP Licensing Models
- Named User, Engine, and Indirect Access Models: Familiarizing oneself with the different licensing modelsโsuch as Named User Licensing (licenses assigned to specific users), Engine Licensing (based on metrics), and Indirect Access (third-party applications accessing SAP)โis crucial for effective management.
Regularly Review and Update User Roles
- Align Licenses with Current Job Functions: Employee roles can change, and the licensing requirements may shift. Regularly review user roles and adjust licenses to match current needs. For example, suppose an employeeโs role changes from department head to a more junior position. In that case, they may no longer need a full Professional License, and a downgrade could result in cost savings.
Monitor Usage and Analyze Data
- Use SAP License Administration Workbench (LAW) or Third-Party Tools: Tools like SAP LAW or third-party license management tools, such as Snow Optimizer for SAP, provide detailed insights into license utilization. They help identify underused licenses, ensure optimal allocation, and avoid unnecessary expenditures.
Stay Informed About Policy Changes
- Ensure Compliance Amid Evolving SAP Rules: SAP regularly updates its licensing policies. License managers need to stay informed about these changes to avoid non-compliance. Subscribing to SAP newsletters, attending webinars, and consulting experts can help you stay abreast of policy updates.
Implement Indirect/Digital Access Strategy
- Avoid Unforeseen Licensing Costs from Third-Party Interactions: Indirect access is a common compliance issue when third-party systems access SAP data. Organizations should establish clear strategies for monitoring and managing indirect access. Regular reviews of systems and interactions help mitigate potential risks.
Conduct Regular Audits
- Internal and External Audits to Ensure Compliance: Conducting regular internal audits is a proactive approach to ensuring compliance with SAP licensing. Internal audits help to catch potential issues early, allowing corrective action to be taken before they result in compliance penalties. Additionally, external audits by third-party specialists can provide an unbiased view of compliance and license usage.
5. Common Reasons for Non-Compliance with SAP Licensing
Misunderstanding Licensing Terms
- Lack of clarity on complex licensing terms: SAP licensing agreements are often highly detailed and filled with intricate requirements. Many organizations fail to fully understand the implications of these terms, leading to accidental non-compliance. This lack of clarity can lead to under-licensing or purchasing unnecessary licenses, which can have significant financial repercussions.
Neglecting Indirect/Digital Access Regulations
- Underestimating indirect SAP usage is indirect access when third-party applications interact with SAP software. Such access must be properly licensed, but many organizations fail to understand this aspect or underestimate the extent of indirect access within their systems. Ignoring indirect access can lead to surprise costs and non-compliance issues during audits.
Inaccurate Role Assignment
- Misclassifying users leads to unnecessary costs. Proper user classification ensures that each employee has the right license type. Misclassifying users by giving high-level licenses to users who only need basic access can result in significant cost inefficiencies. Conversely, not giving adequate licenses to users who need more capabilities can lead to non-compliance issues.
Failure to Conduct Regular Audits
- Missing the opportunity to identify and address issues proactively: Regular audits are essential to identify discrepancies between deployed software and purchased licenses. Without internal audits, discrepancies are often left unnoticed, which can lead to non-compliance when SAP conducts external audits.
Overlooking Policy Updates
- Not adjusting strategies in response to SAP licensing changes: SAP frequently updates its licensing policies, impacting how licenses should be allocated or managed. Organizations that fail to stay updated with these changes may find themselves non-compliant simply because their licensing strategy has not evolved alongside SAP’s policy changes.
6. Reasons for Failure in SAP License Management
Lack of Understanding of Licensing Models
SAP offers various licensing models, including Named User, Engine, and Digital Access Licensing. Many organizations struggle to comprehend the differences and nuances of these models, which often leads to either over-licensing or under-licensing. A lack of understanding about what each license model entails directly impacts the organizationโs ability to manage costs and ensure compliance.
Inadequate User Monitoring
Proper user monitoring is crucial in SAP License Management. Many organizations do not systematically monitor user access and usage, which can lead to inefficiencies. Without monitoring, licenses often remain assigned to users who have left the company or no longer require SAP access, leading to unnecessary costs and mismanagement.
Neglecting Digital Access Rules
Digital or indirect access is one of the trickiest aspects of SAP License Management. When third-party systems access SAP data, those interactions must be licensed correctly. Organizations that neglect to monitor and manage indirect access are at significant risk of non-compliance, as these scenarios often require special licensing that can be easily overlooked.
Poor Contract Management
- Missing opportunities for cost savings: Effective contract management is essential for optimizing SAP licenses. Poor contract management can mean missed opportunities for renegotiating terms or consolidating licenses, which could lead to substantial cost savings. Understanding contract terms and identifying negotiation leverage points is key to managing costs effectively.
Ignoring Organizational Changes
- Failing to adjust licenses during company growth, mergers, or downsizing: Businesses constantly evolve, and changes like mergers, acquisitions, or internal restructuring can impact SAP license needs. Organizations that fail to adjust their license allocations to match their new operational reality often end up with either excess licenses (leading to wasted spending) or insufficient licenses (leading to non-compliance risks).
7. Tools for SAP License Management
SAP License Administration Workbench (LAW)
- For system data consolidation and measurement: SAP LAW is a built-in tool designed to help consolidate license usage data from different systems. It enables companies to generate system measurement reports, essential for identifying and reconciling license usage.
Snow Optimizer for SAP
- Helps identify underutilized licenses: Snow Optimizer for SAP Software provides visibility into SAP license utilization. By analyzing user activity, the tool helps identify unused or underutilized licenses that can be reallocated or terminated, leading to significant cost savings.
Flexera FlexNet Manager
- Compliance Monitoring: Flexera FlexNet Manager for SAP Applications is designed to help organizations monitor their license compliance. It provides real-time insights into how licenses are used, helping organizations avoid costly non-compliance penalties.
8. SAP License Optimization Strategies
Optimizing License Allocations
- Ensuring the Right Users Have the Correct License Types: SAP licenses are categorized by functionality, such as Professional User, Limited Professional User, and Employee User. To optimize costs, it is crucial to ensure that users are assigned the correct license based on their role and required functionalities. For example, a user who only needs access to basic HR features should not be assigned a full Professional User License, which would cost significantly more. Evaluating user roles and mapping them accurately to the appropriate licenses ensures the most cost-effective use of SAP resources.
Downgrading and Reallocating Licenses
- Rightsizing License Usage Based on Current Needs: Business needs and license requirements evolve. Rightsizing involves reassessing the license types allocated to each user and adjusting them to reflect current usage. For example, if a userโs role no longer requires advanced functionalities, a Professional User License can be downgraded to a Limited User License. Organizations can also reassign licenses from former employees or individuals who no longer need SAP access. Rightsizing helps eliminate waste and optimize costs.
Use Case Examples
- Real-life Scenarios Where License Optimization Led to Cost Savings: Consider an organization that had provided Professional User Licenses to all its financial department staff. After conducting an internal audit, the company found that many employees only used a small fraction of the features available in the Professional license. By switching a majority of these users to Limited Professional Licenses, they could save over 20% of their annual SAP licensing costs.
- In another case, a company merged two departments using different SAP modules. An internal license review allowed them to reallocate unused licenses across the combined team, thus avoiding additional purchases and saving the company thousands of dollars.
Leveraging Cloud Capabilities
- Using Hybrid Licenses for Flexibility and Scalability: The rise of cloud solutions has provided new opportunities for SAP license optimization. Organizations can now leverage hybrid licenses with a mix of on-premises and cloud capabilities. This approach offers flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to adjust their licensing as their needs fluctuate. For instance, hybrid licenses can be particularly useful during temporary expansions, enabling companies to quickly scale up their capabilities without committing to permanent on-premises licenses.
9. Implementing an Indirect Access Strategy
Understanding SAPโs Indirect Access Policy
- What Constitutes Indirect Access?: Indirect access occurs when a non-SAP system or application interacts with SAP data. This could be through an external CRM, e-commerce platform, or even third-party software that pulls data from or writes data to SAP. SAP requires that such interactions be properly licensed to avoid non-compliance.
- For instance, if your organization uses a third-party customer management tool that integrates with SAP to fetch order details, it may be considered indirect access. Understanding what SAP classifies as indirect access is crucial for staying compliant.
Identifying Indirect Access Scenarios
- Integration with CRM or E-Commerce Systems: Many organizations unknowingly create indirect access scenarios when integrating systems like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or e-commerce platforms with SAP. These third-party systems might read data from SAP or write new data into SAP modules. This interaction typically falls under indirect access, and failure to license appropriately can lead to compliance issues.
- For example, an e-commerce platform processing customer orders might access SAP to confirm stock levels and later update sales data. Such interactions are classified as indirect access and require corresponding licensing.
Best Practices for Managing Indirect Access
- Tracking and Documenting All Third-Party Interactions: The best way to manage indirect access is through a proactive approach. Organizations should track all third-party applications interacting with SAP and document every type of interaction. Implementing an automated tracking system can help maintain an accurate record of indirect access and ensure proper licensing.
- Regularly review all SAP data flows, particularly when onboarding new software or expanding system capabilities. Establish clear policies that require IT teams to assess the licensing implications of all new integrations.
10. SAP License Audits – Preparing and Navigating Successfully
Types of SAP Audits
- System Measurement Reports: SAP periodically requests System Measurement Reports (often referred to as LAW reports) from customers. These reports measure the number of users and engines in use, allowing SAP to evaluate whether the organization complies with licensing agreements.
- License Usage Audits: SAP also performs more comprehensive audits involving a detailed license usage examination. This type of audit assesses both direct access (users directly using SAP software) and indirect access (external systems accessing SAP). Understanding these different audit types can help you prepare more effectively and reduce non-compliance risk.
Steps to Prepare for an SAP Audit
- Maintaining Documentation and Usage Reports: A well-prepared audit strategy involves maintaining detailed records of license purchases, assignments, and user activity. Start by ensuring you have a comprehensive inventory of all licenses, including named users, engine licenses, and indirect access licenses.
- Keep updated records of user roles, activity logs, and any modifications made over time. Establish a central repository for all licensing documents, including agreements and renewals.
Common Mistakes During Audits
- Lack of Accurate License Data: One of the most common mistakes during an audit is the failure to provide accurate data about current license usage. Inaccurate or outdated information can lead to non-compliance findings, penalties, and the need to purchase additional licenses to cover discrepancies.
- Not Understanding Indirect Access Implications: Many organizations underestimate the impact of indirect access. Failing to account for every third-party integration can leave gaps in compliance that could become costly during an audit. It is important to proactively identify and document all instances of indirect access.
Mitigating Audit Risks
- Proactive Internal Reviews and Remediation: Regular internal license audits can help identify discrepancies before SAP audits them. By proactively reviewing system usage and license allocations, you can remediate any issues before they become significant compliance problems.
- Engage with SAP licensing experts or third-party consultants to carry out independent reviews. Their expertise can often reveal gaps or optimization opportunities that might be overlooked. Additionally, accurately understanding indirect access scenarios and managing license usage helps mitigate audit-related risks.
11. SAP Contract Negotiation and Renewal Strategies
Using Usage Data to Negotiate Contracts
- How Data Transparency Helps Gain Favorable Terms: It is essential to have a clear picture of how your organization uses SAP licenses when entering contract negotiations or renewals. Usage data provides transparency, showcasing precisely what licenses are needed, which are underutilized, and where there is room for optimization. For example, data indicating high underutilization of specific licenses can be leveraged to negotiate for more appropriate license types or additional benefits, like bundled features at no extra cost.
- Data transparency strengthens your negotiation position and helps avoid unnecessary spending by aligning licensing purchases with actual usage.
Negotiating Flexibility in Contracts
- Bundled Licenses, Volume Discounts, and Hybrid Models: Flexibility is key to maximizing cost efficiency during contract negotiations. Organizations should look for opportunities to negotiate bundled license agreements, which can lead to cost savings by packaging multiple products together. Volume discounts are another valuable aspect, particularly for enterprises purchasing licenses in bulk. Hybrid models, which combine on-premises and cloud licensing, offer additional flexibility, allowing companies to scale their licensing according to dynamic business needs.
- For example, negotiating a contract with a mix of on-premises and cloud-based licenses can provide scalability during rapid business expansion or contraction.
Engaging SAP Experts
- How Licensing Consultants Can Help in Negotiation: SAP licensing consultants bring deep knowledge and experience, which is invaluable during contract negotiations. They understand the nuances of SAP licensing terms, the typical pitfalls, and where there may be room for negotiation. A licensing consultant can analyze your organizationโs usage data and offer strategies to optimize license agreements, ensuring favorable terms that align with your business needs.
- Engaging experts can also be beneficial during renewals. They can help you identify opportunities for cost savings, such as transitioning to subscription-based licenses or opting for hybrid solutions that combine cloud capabilities with existing on-premises infrastructure.
12. Leveraging SAP Licensing Experts
When to Consider Hiring SAP Licensing Experts
- Complex Environments and Large User Bases: In large organizations with complex SAP environments and thousands of users, tracking licenses and ensuring compliance can become overwhelming. Consider hiring professional SAP licensing experts if your SAP environment involves multiple modules, indirect access scenarios, and varying user roles. They can assist with managing license types, ensuring optimal allocation, and preventing compliance issues before they arise.
Benefits of Consulting SAP License Management Specialists
- Industry Insights and Risk Mitigation: SAP license management specialists can provide industry-specific insights that are not readily available to in-house teams. They bring a wealth of experience from working with similar organizations, which helps identify potential compliance risks and optimization opportunities. Specialists can offer tailored solutions for managing indirect access, reducing over-licensing, and navigating complex SAP licensing models.
- Risk Mitigation: By working with specialists, organizations can reduce the risk of non-compliance, which can be costly and damaging to reputations. Specialists help to ensure that all user roles are properly assigned, that indirect access is correctly accounted for and that all contractual obligations are met.
Case Study
- Example of Cost Savings Through Expert Intervention: A global manufacturing company engaged SAP licensing experts to help optimize their SAP environment. Through a thorough review of their license usage and an in-depth understanding of their operations, the consultants identified several underutilized Professional User Licenses. The company saved over $500,000 annually in licensing costs by downgrading these to Limited Professional Licenses. Additionally, experts helped negotiate more flexible terms during the renewal phase, allowing the company to adapt its licenses as its workforce evolved.
13. Future Trends in SAP Licensing
Introduction of Document-Based Licensing
- Overview and Potential Benefits: SAP has introduced document-based licensing to simplify how certain interactions are licensed, particularly regarding indirect access. Under this model, organizations pay based on the number of documents processed by third-party systems interacting with SAP instead of licensing per user or system. This new model aims to make costs more predictable and simplify compliance by focusing on actual usage.
- Benefits: Document-based licensing helps organizations that struggle with the complexities of indirect access. Licensing based on the volume of documents provides a clearer and often fairer pricing structure, which can be especially beneficial for organizations with high but manageable integration needs.
SAP Cloud Licensing Trends
- The Move Towards Subscription-Based Models: As more enterprises shift toward cloud solutions, SAP is also moving its licensing structure towards subscription-based models. These subscription licenses offer more flexibility and scalability than traditional perpetual licenses, allowing businesses to adjust their license usage as their needs change. This trend reflects a broader industry shift towards cloud-first approaches, where subscription models provide a balance of cost efficiency and adaptability.
- Hybrid Cloud Solutions: Another trend is the adoption of hybrid cloud licensing, which allows businesses to utilize a combination of on-premises and cloud licenses. This allows organizations to manage their infrastructure according to their strategic goals while maintaining control over costs.
Impact on Enterprises
- Preparing for Future Changes and Planning Licensing Strategies: Organizations need to reassess their long-term SAP strategy with these new licensing trends. This includes considering when to migrate to subscription models, effectively utilizing document-based licensing, and determining whether hybrid licensing suits their needs. Preparing for these changes will help businesses stay compliant while optimizing costs and ensuring scalability as their operations grow.
14. SAP License Management Checklist
User Inventory Assessment
- Tracking Users and Assigned Licenses: Regularly assess the list of active users and the corresponding licenses assigned to them. Ensuring that the right licenses are assigned according to user roles helps minimize costs and reduce compliance risks. Identifying inactive users or employees who have left the organization and ensuring their licenses are reallocated or canceled is particularly important.
License Reconciliation
- Compare Usage with Purchased Licenses: Conduct regular reconciliations to compare actual license usage with purchased licenses. This step helps identify underutilized licenses that can be repurposed and ensures that your organization is not at risk of non-compliance due to unauthorized use.
Audit Preparedness
- Regular Internal Audits and Documentation Maintenance: Preparing for SAP audits involves keeping detailed records of license purchases, user assignments, and any license changes over time. Regular internal audits help identify discrepancies and allow for corrective actions before an external audit occurs.
- Establish a schedule for conducting internal audits, at least annually, to verify that all SAP licenses are being used appropriately and that all users have the correct licensing.
Monitor and Manage Indirect Access
- Keeping Track of Third-Party Systemsโ Interaction with SAP: Monitoring indirect access is crucial for maintaining compliance. Any third-party system accessing SAP data may require an indirect access license. Maintain a detailed list of all third-party integrations, including CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and other applications that interact with SAP.
Negotiation and Contract Management
- Align Contracts with Business Growth and Usage Needs: As your business evolves, so will your licensing needs. Negotiating contracts that allow for flexibility, such as adding or reducing licenses as needed, is important. Keep track of renewal dates and start the renegotiation process well in advance to ensure you have enough time to secure favorable terms aligned with your growth and operational requirements.
SAP License Management – Frequently Asked Questions
What is SAP License Management?
SAP License Management involves tracking and managing licenses to ensure compliance and cost-effectiveness in using SAP software.
Why is SAP License Management important?
Proper license management helps avoid non-compliance penalties, ensures cost efficiency, and maximizes SAP software utilization.
How can I optimize SAP licenses?
To reduce costs, license usage should be regularly reviewed, unnecessary licenses downgraded, and each user assigned the correct license type.
What is SAP indirect access?
Indirect access occurs when third-party systems interact with SAP data, which may require additional licensing to comply with SAP rules.
How often should internal SAP audits be conducted?
Internal SAP audits should be conducted annually or bi-annually to identify discrepancies and rectify non-compliance risks.
What are the benefits of conducting SAP license audits?
Audits help maintain compliance, identify unused licenses, and optimize cost efficiency by accurately mapping usage against license entitlements.
How can data be used to negotiate SAP contracts?
Usage data shows how licenses are utilized, which can help negotiate better terms, such as bundling or downgrading unused licenses.
What are the challenges in managing SAP licenses?
Challenges include understanding complex license models, managing indirect access, and keeping up with SAP’s frequent policy changes.
Why hire an SAP licensing consultant?
Consultants provide industry insights, help mitigate risks, and can assist in optimizing and negotiating license agreements.
How do I prepare for an SAP audit?
Maintain up-to-date documentation, conduct internal audits regularly, and understand indirect access implications to ensure youโre prepared.
What is SAPโs document-based licensing?
Document-based licensing is a new model that licenses third-party access based on document transactions instead of user numbers.
What are volume discounts in SAP contracts?
Volume discounts allow businesses to purchase large quantities of licenses at a reduced price compared to individual purchases.
How does SAP subscription licensing work?
Subscription licensing involves paying periodically for SAP usage, offering more flexibility than traditional perpetual licenses.
Can I combine cloud and on-premises licenses?
Yes, hybrid models allow businesses to combine cloud and on-premises SAP licenses, offering greater resource management flexibility.
How can I manage SAP licensing costs effectively?
Regular audits, assigning proper user roles, and negotiating flexible contracts are effective ways to manage SAP licensing costs.
How do organizational changes affect SAP licenses?
Mergers, downsizing, or growth impact license requirements. Adjusting licenses accordingly helps avoid over-licensing or non-compliance.
What tools can help manage SAP licenses?
Tools like SAP LAW, Snow Optimizer, and Flexera FlexNet Manager help track usage, ensure compliance, and optimize license management.
How can I manage indirect access in SAP?
Track all third-party interactions with SAP and document usage to ensure indirect access licenses are accurately managed.
What are the different SAP licensing models?
SAP licenses include Named User Licensing, Engine Licensing, and Indirect Access Licensing, each designed to suit specific business needs.
How do I stay informed about SAP licensing changes?
To stay updated on the latest licensing policies and models, subscribe to SAP newsletters, attend industry webinars, and consult SAP experts.