Automation Delivers Real Value from your SAP Systems on Azure

automation brings value to sap on azure

Automation might seem like a “nice to have” feature of moving to the Cloud. But it should be at the top of your list when it comes to an SAP on Azure digital transformation — not just for operational efficiency but for risk management as well.

Of course, there are risks in moving SAP instances to a Cloud hyperscaler because moving mission-critical workloads from one place to another — and changing the way your business operates — is a complex (and maybe even scary) prospect. These risks can include:

  • The complexity of migrating workloads, verifying code, and making sure everything works in the new location as it should
  • Unscheduled downtime due to migration issues, architecture issues, etc.
  • Service degradation and performance constraints
  • Security issues from outside forces, external connections, etc.

But automation can help you minimize or even eliminate many of these risks — and can lead to significant business benefits once you’re fully in the Cloud. Here are three ways that automation, especially when running SAP on Azure, can lead to big business benefits.

System optimization

One of the great benefits of using a Cloud hyperscaler like Azure is that you can automatically scale systems up and down for current and short-term needs. This means you don’t need to over-provision server space, and you only pay for the compute power that you use. It also increases your agility because you’re not burdened by a lack of compute power.

How to do it: Lemongrass Cloud Platform (LCP) has built-in integration with Azure that can help you automatically analyze usage and right-size your systems in real-time, allowing you to manage costs, energy consumption, and more.

Operational automation

Automating repeatable operational tasks, from manufacturing processes to financial transactions, can improve data quality, reduce human error, and speed up business decision-making. A reduced need for manual effort also frees up people to work on higher-value tasks — and can improve productivity in every facet of your business.

How to do it: Tools like Ansible can help automate your SAP to Azure migration, but they can also help you automate business processes across multiple tools and systems. Ansible can be used to automate cloud provisioning, configuration, application deployment, software installation, system patching, and much more.

Security automation

Automation can also help improve system security. For example, automated Azure processes in the Cloud can reduce or eliminate the “human error” factor, which is responsible for many security breaches. Microsoft invests around $1 billion annually in security research and development, including advanced AI and automated security processes. They also hold more than 90 compliance certifications.

How to do it: Azure Sentinel enables you to see and stop threats before they harm your network. It uses artificial intelligence — and integrated automation and orchestration — to detect, investigate, and rapidly respond to incidents. You can combine this with Microsoft Defender for Cloud to automate and streamline various security administration processes and free up IT resources for other things.

These are just some of the ways that you can leverage automation to reduce risk in both SAP and Azure by making a strong plan before you migrate SAP to the cloud. For more information and advice, contact Lemongrass: we’re proven experts in SAP Cloud migrations.

Infographic: Assembling Long-Term Value from SAP on Cloud

To find out more on how to create long-term value from your SAP Cloud migration, download this infographic for more details. 

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