SAP ChaRM has been a trusted solution that has proven itself through its reliable functions. But as the end of maintenance for Solution Manager approaches, SAP users need to rethink their change and transport management strategies. In particular, SAP teams that heavily rely on Change and Request Management (ChaRM) feel let down.
ChaRM has served us well, but it also had its weaknesses, such as the lengthy implementation, high maintenance costs and limited flexibility.
With SmartChange you get a lightweight tool for flexible management of SAP transports. The stand-alone solution offers a wide range of options for automating repetitive tasks, simplifies the retrofitting of DEV systems and ensures risk-free approval processes with integrated quality checks.
| Feature | ChaRM | SmartChange |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Change and release management | Flexible transport automation |
| Implementation | Usually more than 30 days | Less than 5 days |
| Personnel costs | SAP Solution Manager experts required | Can be managed by existing SAP Basis team |
| Dependencies | Enterprise Support | none |
| 3rd party integration | Complicated (proprietary architecture) | Simple (standard web services) |
In contrast to ChaRM, which usually required implementation in rollout projects with consulting costs and an implementation period of more than 30 days, SmartChange offers a significantly faster implementation process. SmartChange can be implemented easily and without extensive projects – implementation takes less than five days and eliminates the need for SAP consultants.
SmartChange can simply be taken over by the existing SAP Basis team. This allows you to avoid additional personnel costs associated with the use of ChaRM.
As it is a stand-alone software, SmartChange can be used independently of SAP support status, unlike ChaRM, which is usually dependent on SAP Enterprise Support.
A decisive advantage lies in the integration possibilities of SmartChange. While integrating ChaRM with third-party tools proved difficult due to its proprietary architecture, SmartChange offers effortless connectivity with various third-party software. Users can benefit from the bidirectional connection between SAP and ITSM platforms such as ServiceNow or Jira.
In contrast to the SolMan ChaRM, the REALTECH software, which has also greatly simplified the release/approval process for us, is small, fine, and flexible.
SAP Team, Ariane Group
So how do you manage your SAP transports without ChaRM? It’s time to say goodbye to Solution Manager and consider a new solution. Don’t wait for the end of life of SolMan. Act now and find your ideal SAP ChaRM alternative.
SmartChange supports you in importing SAP transport requests easily, quickly and without risk from the development system to the target systems. The tool is a suitable solution for teams that do not want to hire additional specialist personnel for transportation management.
The REALTECH solution offers you the following advantages:
SAP ChaRM (Change Request Management) is characterized by its comprehensive functionality for managing and controlling change requests in SAP systems. However, many ChaRM functions will be discontinued with the upcoming end of maintenance for Solution Manager 2027.
ChaRM offers seamless integration with other SAP Solution Manager functions such as Test Management, IT Service Management and Documentation. This integration facilitates the management and traceability of changes throughout the entire life cycle.
SAP ChaRM enables the automation of approval and release processes as well as adherence to compliance regulations. This minimizes human error and ensures that all steps are carried out in accordance with company guidelines.
SAP Solution Manager ChaRM helps organizations meet compliance requirements and prepare for audits by providing a structured and documented change history.
However, there are also disadvantages to using SAP ChaRM:
Overall, using Solution Manager requires expertise and many resources to use the tool efficiently and benefit from its features.
Even after the end of the Solution Manager, SAP change management remains a central task for SAP teams. Make sure that your change documentation is archived and ideally integrated into the new solution. The search for a new solution is certainly part of the process, but the transition itself is also a challenge. You may be wondering what will happen to your existing change documents.
SmartChange is not only a successor to SAP Solution Manager ChaRM, but also supports you in the migration process. The tool-based approach is extremely efficient, cost-effective and reliable. The focus is on automation, which not only saves costs and reduces errors, but also quickly leads to a high-quality migration result.
Do you have any questions? I would be happy to show you SmartChange in a personal live demo. I am looking forward to meeting you!
