SAP Notes, support packages and kernel updates — what each covers, how they are applied, and where the risk sits.
Contents
SAP systems need regular updating for bug fixes, legal changes, security and new functionality, and different needs are met by different mechanisms.
Three mechanisms
Kinds of update
Kind
Covers
Tool
Scale
SAP Note
One specific correction
SNOTE
Small
Support package
A collection of ABAP corrections
SPAM
Medium
Kernel
The executables
OS commands
Medium
Enhancement package
New functionality
SAINT / SUM
Large
Release upgrade
The whole release
SUM
A project
SAP Notes
Support packages
Modification adjustment
Code
Scope
SPAU
Repository objects — programs, screens
SPDD
Dictionary objects — tables, data elements
Kernel updates
Planning the rollout
Order and verification
Step
System
Activity
1
Sandbox, if present
Rehearse and time the procedure
2
Development
Apply and adjust modifications
3
Quality assurance
Apply and test the business processes
4
Production
Apply within the planned outage
Check your understanding
Test what you just read.
Quiz 1
Which transaction code is used to apply Support Packages?
Quiz 2
Which transaction code is used to apply individual SAP Notes?
Quiz 3
SAP Notes are periodic update packages containing multiple fixes.
Quiz 4
Support Packages should be verified in a test environment before applying to production.
Quiz 5
Which statement correctly describes the SAP kernel?
Quiz 6
How are kernel updates applied?
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