CSSTL utilizes an enhanced methodology for Release Upgrades based on SAP 's AcceleratedSAP (ASAP) methodology. As a key element of our Upgrade Services, our rapid implementation model is designed to cut the time and cost associated with technical and functional changes to the SAP R/3 system brought about by a release upgrade. Our mission is to streamline the upgrade process, improve the management of the project from beginning to end, ensure the quality and repeatability of upgrade tasks and ultimately, to bring our customers to full functionality in the shortest time possible.

Discovery & Analysis Phase
Your business needs should drive your upgrade process. Being aware of your requirements today and your requirements for the future, is the key to a successful upgrade. During this initial planning and intelligence-gathering phase, CSSTL helps customers prepare their business for the upgrade, evaluate available options, and determine the pros and cons of each SAP release.

Assessment Phase
Using the information gathered about your business needs, CSSTL works with you to evaluate the essential issues surrounding your upgrade strategy - timing, cost estimates, the budgeting process, risk analysis, etc. The Assessment Phase focuses on two primary areas:

• Technical Assessment
• Functional Assessment - Final Preparation Phase

Final Preparation
In the final preparation before launching the upgrade, the findings and analysis of the assessment phase are used to develop detailed project plans, budgets and cost estimates. Among the other critical pre-launch planning tasks and strategies, are the placement of action plans for repair and correction of custom objects, resource planning, cut-over plans to the new version, training schedules and more.

Execution Phase and "Go Live" Support
The purpose of this phase is to transit from a project-oriented, pre-productive environment to a successful and live productive operation. A support organization should be in place to service the new SAP R/3 user community to help manage change during the transition and to provide long term, ongoing support. During this phase, various system transactions are closely monitored and reviewed, and overall system performance is optimized. Finally, the actual project is closed out.