Q: How do I circumvent SAPs Digital Access License?
A: Ethically you can’t. Technically you can use SFTP. Upload CSV files via AL11 and create whatever documents you want to. Ensure the jobs are scheduled by a dialog user. (just a way of saying a human did it as an act of ignorance)
Q: What if SAP says this still constitutes Digital Access License violation?
A: You need to tell SAP that you are doing something in excel and creating the documents in SAP ERP.
Q: Is this possible with SAP on Cloud? (e.g. SAP on RISE)
A: With on-premise edition on Private Cloud Yes. In Public Cloud edition (multi-tenant), you can’t access AL11. No access to OS level functions in Public Cloud.
Q: What documents construe digital access license violation?
A: Creation of any of these 9 document ‘types’ by an ‘external’ program constitutes digital access license violation (and hence costs per document imposed by SAP)
1) Sales Orders
2) Deliveries (Out/In)
3) Invoice Documents (Billing/AR)
4) Purchase Orders
5) Service & Maintenance Documents
6) Material Documents
7) Manufacturing Orders
8) Quality Management Documents
9) Financial Documents (Journal Entries)
Q: I have subscribed to RISE with SAP. Am I still expected to pay for Digital Access License Fees?
A: In Principle Yes. Unless you have specifically negotiated with SAP as part of your RISE with SAP program (to avoid paying the Digital License Fees.) At least for a certain period of time
Q: What if I use SAPs CPI? Does Digital Access License fees still apply?
A: Now it’s more than apparent that you are using an external system to create documents in SAP. So yes. But with CPI, you eliminate the nuisance value of files and offline updates and bad error handling procedures.
Q: How much does Digital Access License Cost?
A: It’s charged by number of above 9 documents created. Not all documents are charged as Full License. (e.g. Financial Docs will say 0.2x of full dialog user or FUE). Expect to pay typically upwards of 50 cents for a document. (Don’t take my word for it. With SAP everything depends on what your account manager promised you and your relationship with SAP. So the least you need to be prepared with (e.g. as CIO/CTO) is to be as direct with your questions and intentions.
Q: I want to implement a third-party / non-SAP Supply Chain Planning system. How should I integrate that with my SAP ERP or S/4HANA?
A: If it’s a public cloud, explore SAP BTP. If its a private cloud there are many ways.
Q: This sounds like arm-twisting by SAP? Can they really do that? I am paying for my SAP ERP.
A: Well, when you buy an Aircraft, you can’t attach your own jet engines or home-grown plastic wings.
