SAP Transports using ChAI

Transport requests are packages that are used to transfer code and configuration changes from one SAP system to another. Managing transport requests involves developers initiating the transport request, performing adjustments in the queue, and running export tasks. Then the SAP Basis team (or Transport administrator) schedules it in the queue for later import once approved. Overall, it takes too much time and effort, especially when fully executed manually.

SAP Transport Automation simplifies the process of moving transport requests in SAP from the source system to the target system. The IT-Conductor ChAI (Change Automation Intelligence) solution manages ticketing, tracking, and transport execution. After approvals, ChAI automates the movement of changes across SAP environments, reducing manual involvement by approximately 50%. This approach decreases errors and speeds up deployment.

Prerequisites

• Configure your SAP systems for monitoring. See SAP NetWeaver Monitoring for more details

• Navigate to Support → Downloads → SAP Transport Downloads and download the following file.

System	Name	Description	Version	Transport Number
SAP Transport Automation	IT-Conductor Function Modules	IT-Conductor Custom Function Modules Transport	6.84.1	ZO2K900029

• Download and import the SAP NW STMS Management Role file from the Support → Downloads → SAP Security Downloads menu.

Name	Description	Version
SAP NW STMS Management Role	SAP NW Transport System Management Role Import File	6.74

Note: If Single Sign-On (SSO) is required for users (SAP developers/requesters, Managers/Approvers, and Basis administrators, etc.), please consult with IT-Conductor Project Team for specific Active Directory (AD) integration onboarding tasks.

Note: If you have a specific process for transport requirements into the QA/Consolidation system, as well as the Production/Delivery system, please provide and discuss a custom workflow/logic for the IT-Conductor project team to configure.

• Make sure that an SAP user with the STMS role has been created and assigned to the IT-Conductor robot account (See Create Robot User for more details). Please reach out to IT-Conductor Support for this step to complete the configuration and testing of the initial workflow.

How to Initiate a Transport Request Using the ChAI for SAP Dashboard

The ChAI for SAP Dashboard is a centralized platform where users can initiate, track, monitor, and approve all submitted customizing and workbench transport requests in real time This dashboard enables SAP Basis teams to effortlessly monitor request statuses, ensuring smoother approvals and streamlined transport management. To start a transport request, follow the instructions below.

1. Visit service.itconductor.com and enter your login credentials.

2. On the main menu, navigate to Dashboards → ChAI for SAP. Here, you can initiate the following 3 types of transports:

   1. Emergency Transports.

   2. Transports into a Production system.

   3. Transport from a DEV System to a QA System.

3. To demonstrate the process, select the Transport Import Request QA option in the Transport Request forms service catalog.

Figure 1: ChAI for SAP Dashboard in IT-Conductor

1. Click on the Checkout Service Request icon.

Figure 2a: Initiate a Transport Request

1. On the Request Transports Import (QA) wizard, enter the following parameters

   1. Source System - refers to the SAP system where changes are developed and packaged into a transport request.

   2. Target System - refers to the SAP system where the transport request is imported after approval.

   3. Target SAP Client - refers to a specific client within the target system where the transported changes will be applied.

   4. Transport Requests - refers to packages that contain SAP system changes, such as configurations or custom developments, for deployment.

   5. Start Time (optional) - refers to a scheduled time when a transport request begins the import process into the target system.

2. Click on the icon to execute the transport request.

Figure 2b: Initiate a Transport Request

1. Check the activity log.

Figure 3: Transport Request Log

Note: The processes for emergency and production transports are very similar to each other, with the only difference being that production transports trigger an approval workflow.

How to Approve Transport Requests

Approval workflows are triggered after creating a Transport Import Request into a Production system, ensuring changes are reviewed and authorized before deployment. If you’re a designated approver, follow the instructions below to approve a transport request.

1. After the workflow has started processing, an email notification will be sent to the respective approver. Click the link in the email to go to the workflow.

Figure 4: Approval Request Email Notification

1. Click on the Instances icon, then on the check icon to approve the workflow.

Figure 5: Approving a Transport Request in the ChAI for SAP Dashboard

1. Once the transport is approved, go back to the workflow and monitor the status of each process definition by clicking on the Refresh button, or the logs if necessary.

Figure 6: Transport Workflow Post Approval

1. When all the boxes have turned green, it means the transport was successful. You may check the transport status by going back to the ChAI for SAP Dashboard, or by checking on your SAP system. You will also get an email notification with any status changes or incoming errors during the transport process.

Figure 7: Status of Transports in the ChAI for SAP Dashboard

How to Monitor a Transport Request Status

Once the transport is submitted, a process definition is created, and appropriate notifications will go out to the requester and approvers. Upon approval, the transport will follow the logic for either a normal scheduled import date/time or an emergency import path. To monitor the status of an ongoing transport request, follow the instructions below.

1. Navigate to the ChAI for SAP Dashboard.

2. Click on the recently created transport request to see its workflow

Figure 8: Transport Request Submissions in the ChAI for SAP Dashboard

Note: IT-Conductor provides real-time insights into the status of each Transport Request, including whether it has been successfully processed or if any errors or warnings need attention. There are 4 main statuses in the IT-Conductor workflows: Red/Failed, Yellow/In Progress, Green/Succeeded, and Light blue/Initial (or not yet started).

1. Refresh the workflow to track its status by clicking on the Refresh icon.

Figure 9: Initiated Transport Request Workflow

1. Additionally, you will also receive an email notification indicating that a transport request has been initiated.

Figure 10: Transport Request Email Notification

1. If one of the process definitions turns red, you can check its activity log and troubleshoot accordingly by clicking on the Transport icon → Log.

Figure 11: Checking Log of a Specific Process Definition in the Workflow

1. Once the entire workflow has turned green, it means the transport was successfully imported. You will also get an email notification with the details. For further confirmation, you may check your SAP system

Figure 12: Successful Transport Request Workflow

For more information, check our FAQ section.

Demo Video

Video 1: IT-Conductor ChAI for SAP Transports Demo

Related Information

• Leveraging SAP Transport Automation by IT-Conductor