Introduction
Helping SAP scale documentation efforts to meet increased demand without adding internal strain
SAP is a global leader in enterprise applications, operating in over 130 countries and serving more than 440,000 clients. This vast reach requires an enormous volume of high-quality content. As an approved strategic supplier, we work with various SAP divisions to provide institutional knowledge solutions for partners, consultants, trainers, and customers.
When SAP needed support to seamlessly integrate with their internal teams during periods of increased demand, we quickly deployed a flexible approach that enhanced their capacity without burdening their in-house experts. Here’s how we did it.
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The challenge
Seamlessly integrating with SAP internal teams to increase user adoption
SAP needed the flexibility to expand content creation capacity during periods of increased demand for its Run Simple program. This called for a team capable of working autonomously, easing the strain on internal resources while delivering high-quality, on-time results that drive value across the organisation.
SAP required experienced writers who could quickly adapt to its tools, processes, standards, and guidelines. The external resources also required deep expertise in creating learning and training materials, with a focus on migrating documentation for new acquisitions and clearly explaining the latest technologies to target users.
When SAP needed a partner to achieve these goals, they turned to us.
Our approach
Reducing complexity for maximum efficiency and minimum business disruption
Our technical writers collaborated with SAP experts across Germany, France, the US, India, Brazil, China, and New Zealand. We supported development projects in regions where SAP couldn’t source local resources with the necessary expertise and precision. As integrated SAP team members, we:
- Managed the editing process to ensure consistent application of standards and guidelines
- Implemented quality and client reviews to incorporate feedback effectively
- Upskilled internal writers to enhance their capabilities
- Worked on-site to foster collaboration and gain knowledge of new tools and technologies
- Assisted with project planning, adapting to changing requirements and timelines, reducing the need for SAP to manage external suppliers
- Scaled up or down to meet the organisation’s evolving demands
Altuent supported SAP Education with the early development of single-source, DITA-based training material. This material is delivered globally to customers and partners in the classroom via e-learning and SAP cloud-based Learning Hub. The team worked hard to understand and work around the challenges we faced during a time of dramatic change.
Their extensive SAP experience helped them to learn quickly and partner with us. They added value not only in terms of their authoring, but by co-developing processes and tweaking how we approached a new toolset and standards and guidelines for producing written content. Having worked with other vendors, we found Altuent unique in this regard.
The results
Achieving positive results with minimal client input
Our writers quickly mastered SAP language, style, processes, and tools, freeing up internal resources for core activities like training, development, and consulting. This increased efficiency within SAP, returning capacity to their teams. In addition, feedback consistently highlighted the high quality and technical accuracy of our deliverables.
Our relationship with SAP continues to grow, generating positive results, such as:
- Improved content with minimal support from SAP management
- Greater flexibility and scalability
- Dedicated technical writing resources
- Faster time to market for content solutions
- Consistent support from a trusted partner with extensive SAP knowledge and a proven track record
We are now fully integrated with SAP team and support institutional knowledge initiatives for strategic areas like SAP HANA and SAP Fiori, while also contributing to custom development projects across many industries. Additionally, we manage content migration from newly acquired companies and train new SAP writers in various processes.
I was especially impressed by the flexibility of Altuent and how willing and able they are to scale, starting with a team of ten, growing to 45, and scaling back down in response to changing business requirements. Consistently high-quality standards have been maintained throughout our collaboration. Altuent is a highly professional and valued SAP supplier with whom we envisage maintaining a long-term relationship.