SAP GRC 10 vs. 12: Understanding Key Upgrades and Enhancements

SAP Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) solutions help organizations manage risks, streamline compliance processes, and make informed business decisions. As technology evolves, SAP GRC solutions have undergone significant upgrades, most notably the jump from GRC 10 to GRC 12. This blog will delve into the key differences and enhancements offered in SAP GRC 12.

User Interface and Navigation

One of the most striking changes in SAP GRC 12 is the transformation of the user interface. The new version introduces a Fiori-based launchpad, offering a simplified and persona-focused approach to navigation. This UI overhaul streamlines processes and improves user experience, making GRC tasks more intuitive.

Enhanced Access Risk Analysis

SAP GRC 12 expands its access risk analysis capabilities to include SAP Fiori apps within SAP S/4HANA environments. This enhanced feature enables organizations to identify and mitigate potential Segregation of Duties (SoD) conflicts and other risks associated with the new generation of SAP interfaces.

Identity Management and Provisioning

GRC 12 integrates SAP Identity Management for centralized user provisioning. This powerful feature automates user account creation, modification, and deactivation across the entire system landscape. Centralized provisioning brings greater efficiency, security, and regulatory compliance to user lifecycle management.

Streamlined Emergency Access Management (Firefighting)

SAP GRC 12 prioritizes efficient emergency access procedures. It empowers you to manage firefighter access while enhancing the control and logging involved in these processes. Changes have been made to streamline firefighter owner and controller maintenance for ease of administration. Additionally, GRC 12 opens the potential for Emergency Access Management for SAP HANA databases, furthering its scope of protection.

Upgrading Considerations

Before you leap SAP GRC 12, there are crucial points to consider:

• Technical Prerequisites: GRC 12 depends on NetWeaver 7.52 SP0x or higher. You’ll need to ensure your underlying system architecture is compatible.
• Ruleset Migration: Custom rulesets developed in GRC 10 might require adjustments. Plan for the migration process, which could involve reworking and testing your existing rules for compatibility.
• Upgrade Path: It’s important to note that SAP does not recommend a direct upgrade from SAP GRC 5.3 to 12.0. The recommended path involves upgrading to GRC 10.1 first, followed by the jump to 12.0.

Should You Upgrade?

SAP GRC 12 introduces valuable enhancements that can benefit your organization. Here’s how to decide if the upgrade is right for you:

• Fiori Apps: If you extensively utilize SAP Fiori applications within your SAP S/4HANA environment, GRC 12’s extended risk analysis capabilities become highly relevant.
• User Experience: GRC 12’s improved UI can boost productivity and satisfaction for your GRC administrators and users.
• Identity Management: Organizations with a diverse SAP system landscape may find significant advantages in SAP Identity Management’s centralized provisioning.

Getting Started

The upgrade to SAP GRC 12 requires meticulous planning and execution. To ensure a smooth transition, consult SAP’s official documentation, engage experienced SAP GRC consultants, and plan for a comprehensive testing phase.