Features
SmartChange FAQ
Everything you need to know about SmartChange
SmartChange is an SAP-certified add-on for automated SAP change and transport management. It is a comprehensive alternative to SAP ChaRM and offers intuitive workflows as well as integration into ITSM tools such as Jira, ServiceNow or Freshdesk – without any consultant projects.
In contrast to SAP ChaRM, SmartChange can be used immediately, is flexibly adaptable and requires significantly less maintenance. It automates the entire transport process and reduces manual intervention. SmartChange also offers modern user interfaces, a clear distribution of roles and rights and integration into third-party systems – all without the need for costly in-house developments and completely independently of SAP Solution Manager.
REALTECH combines over 30 years of SAP expertise with a practical product approach. SmartChange was developed with a focus on simplicity, automation and fast time-to-value. Unlike many other solutions, REALTECH offers a transparent fixed price, full audit capability and native integration into ITSM processes.
Yes, REALTECH provides a free, preconfigured test environment. You will receive personal access data and can test SmartChange directly. Alternatively, interested parties can also test the solution in their own system landscape as part of a proof of concept without any obligation – without risk and with little effort. Security is guaranteed at all times, as only selected users work with SmartChange, while everyone else continues to use the SAP standard.
The introduction begins with an onboarding workshop in which goals, systems and processes are defined. This is followed by setup based on best practices and with the support of our experts. With good preparation, a productive go-live is possible within just a few days.
Support is provided directly by REALTECH experts – in German or English. It includes troubleshooting, configuration advice and support during operation. Support is fully included in the license.
Yes, with the SmartChange Approval app, approvals and authorizations can also be carried out on the move – available for iOS and Android.
SmartChange is based on a modular architecture with a central controller that is operated on any SAP ABAP runtime environment. This communicates with the target systems via RFC. The controller can be installed on any existing SAP system (e.g. production system, development system or dedicated system). The range of functions is supplemented by a web interface for user interaction and optional ITSM integration modules.
SmartChange requires an SAP NetWeaver system (currently at least SAP_BASIS 7.31 SP15) as the execution environment. The target systems can be connected in a downward-compatible manner from approx. SAP_BASIS 7.00. Stable RFC communication and optional HTTPS access for ITSM integrations are required.
No, SmartChange works completely independently of SAP Solution Manager. It can be used both as a replacement for ChaRM and as a stand-alone solution.
Yes, SmartChange is an officially certified SAP add-on and meets the technical standards for SAP add-ons.
SmartChange supports classic on-premise landscapes as well as hybrid scenarios with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, Private Cloud or SAP BTP. Transports via CTS, CTS+, gCTS and SAP Cloud Transport Management (cTMS) can be mapped.
No. SmartChange can be installed on an existing ABAP system (e.g. development or production system). No dedicated infrastructure is required.
SmartChange automates the entire transport process: from order creation, approvals, sequencing and imports to dependency checks, backups and logging. Special cases such as emergency transports or parallel projects are also supported.
Yes, ToCs are supported and can be controlled automatically, e.g. in the context of parallel development, integration tests or transport corrections.
The Synchronization Management module allows objects to be synchronized between two development systems (e.g. Maintenance and Project). Synchronization is traceable and automated.
SmartChange supports all common transport types: classic ABAP transports, SAP HANA content, SAP UI5, BW objects and cloud transports via cTMS/BTP. The solution can work with several transport technologies in parallel.
SmartChange contains predefined check rules, such as for checking for missing objects, collisions or dependencies. This reduces the error rate and makes the go-live more secure. Automated checks enable SmartChange to avoid typical risks for productive SAP systems.
SmartChange actively informs those involved about relevant process steps, status changes or errors – by email, SAP inbox or via a connected ITSM system. Examples of this include notifications after a successful import or a request to approve a change.
As part of the escalation concept, complex or critical decisions, such as the handling of certain quality checks, can be forwarded to authorized users (so-called super signers). These have the necessary authorizations to decide on exceptions or special cases and move the process forward accordingly.
SmartChange uses a role-based authorization concept based on standard SAP roles. Preconfigured SmartChange role profiles are also available – e.g. for developers, approvers or administrators. Functions such as transport release, audit and monitoring are strictly separated from each other and regulated in a comprehensible manner.
SmartChange can also subsequently import existing or approved transports and retroactively transfer them to the control system. This is particularly helpful for system changes or partial migrations.
SmartChange has certified out-of-the-box interfaces to Jira and ServiceNow. Transports can be linked directly to tickets and controlled via the respective tool. Other tools can be flexibly connected via standardized REST APIs.
SmartChange offers standardized REST APIs, OData services and preconfigured RFC interfaces for connecting ITSM systems and other third-party solutions.
The SAP-ITSM integration is bidirectional. Actions such as transport releases, status changes or approvals can be carried out both in the ITSM system and directly in SAP – and are automatically synchronized in the other system. This means that ticket status and transport progress remain consistent at all times
In addition to Jira and ServiceNow, other systems such as Freshdesk, Azure DevOps or REALTECH’s SmartITSM can also be connected.
ITSM integration is part of the SmartChange solution. Additional costs are only incurred for very individual adaptations or special developments. On the part of the ITSM platform used, it should also be noted that additional costs may arise for the use of the respective plugin.
The technical connection of SmartChange to ITSM systems such as Jira or ServiceNow is usually completed within a day. The actual project effort usually results from organizational coordination and internal approvals. Those who plan technical preparation and coordination in parallel can reduce the overall duration of the integration to around 3-4 weeks.
All relevant actions – from order creation and approvals to import – are automatically documented. This also includes errors, exceptions and manual interventions.
SmartChange generates complete documentation. Every action is fully traceable and assigned to a user. Audit trails and compliance reports can be generated at the touch of a button.
The data is stored in the system in an audit-proof manner and can be exported via web UIs, reports or interfaces – e.g. for external audits or internal controls.
SmartChange can be fully operational in less than 5 days. The implementation is possible completely without SAP consultants.
In addition to the license (depending on the scope of the project), expenses are incurred for individual consulting or setup. These are agreed transparently in advance with your REALTECH contact person.
REALTECH offers a tool-supported data extraction that backs up your existing ChaRM documents. Change documents, transport links and histories can be exported, archived or transferred to SmartChange in a fully traceable and compliant manner.