![Picture](/uploads/3/0/6/3/30639637/8736853.jpg?714)
With the advent of SAP's ERP version 6.0 came a new mechanism used to deploy the latest software updates and functionality from the German mega business. These mechanisms are proudly called Enhancement Packages (a.k.a. Enhancement Pack or abbreviated to EhP). An enhancement package is a simplified way for SAP's customer base to manage and deploy the newly developed software at the discretion of the customer.
This is great stuff!
Umm...Why?
Well, it allows for all the code updates to be applied to the system from a technical perspective but does not require the immediate and daunting task of testing that comes along with applying system changes. If and only when a specific enhancement is needed will it be activated and pushed through the regular software development life cycle or SDLC.
All available enhancement packages that have been applied to your SAP 6.0 system can be found in transaction SFW5. As is the case for most technically based transactions, this transaction will be limited to Basis and Systems Analysts within your IT team.
A enhancement package is active when it shows a bright yellow light next to it in the Switch Framework view as shown below.
In addition to knowing what enhancement packs are active or inactive in your respective environment, this transaction also gives you some of the better SAP documentation and release information for each pack by simply clicking on the "i" icons.
Now to the money question...what's this going to cost me and my organization for licensing costs if we activate a specific enhancement package?
Answer: Depends on your existing agreement with SAP of course. HOWEVER, there is a quick way to know if a specific enhancement pack requires you to get additional licenses. This can be done by going to this LINK to access the SAP support portal.
So let's say you want to know if the New General Ledger Accounting enhancement pack is going to cost you. Enter the name (FIN_GL_CI_1) in the search field and click the search button.
This is great stuff!
Umm...Why?
Well, it allows for all the code updates to be applied to the system from a technical perspective but does not require the immediate and daunting task of testing that comes along with applying system changes. If and only when a specific enhancement is needed will it be activated and pushed through the regular software development life cycle or SDLC.
All available enhancement packages that have been applied to your SAP 6.0 system can be found in transaction SFW5. As is the case for most technically based transactions, this transaction will be limited to Basis and Systems Analysts within your IT team.
A enhancement package is active when it shows a bright yellow light next to it in the Switch Framework view as shown below.
In addition to knowing what enhancement packs are active or inactive in your respective environment, this transaction also gives you some of the better SAP documentation and release information for each pack by simply clicking on the "i" icons.
Now to the money question...what's this going to cost me and my organization for licensing costs if we activate a specific enhancement package?
Answer: Depends on your existing agreement with SAP of course. HOWEVER, there is a quick way to know if a specific enhancement pack requires you to get additional licenses. This can be done by going to this LINK to access the SAP support portal.
So let's say you want to know if the New General Ledger Accounting enhancement pack is going to cost you. Enter the name (FIN_GL_CI_1) in the search field and click the search button.
Click on the found result.
And viola. The little $ sign icon in the middle of the page clearly shows you whether it will effect your licensing costs or not.