Same Initials, Different Meaning
SAP customers are no strangers to the GLAC team, formerly known as Global License Audit and Compliance. However, SAP has recently rebranded this group as Global Adoption Insights and License Compliance, signaling a shift in focus while introducing a range of new services.
Although the GLAC abbreviation remains unchanged, the removal of the word audit is a deliberate move by SAP. According to SAP’s support portal, this reconfiguration aims to establish an independent center of excellence for license, deployment, and compliance verification.
Understanding SAP’s Audit Evolution
Previously, SAP had two primary types of audits:
- Basic Audit – Customers were required to run system measurements and submit evaluation reports.
- Enhanced Audit – Customers provided additional usage details, and SAP could conduct on-site or remote verifications.
With the recent changes, SAP has introduced new naming conventions and service offerings that impact how audits are conducted.
What Changed in SAP’s Audit Methodology?
SAP’s marketing strategy around GLAC is to position the audit team as an independent organization, separate from sales. However, customers must still comply with SAP’s licensing terms, making it essential to understand the new audit classifications.
1. Yearly Measurement (USMM)
SAP continues to encourage customers to run the USMM measurement annually. This helps businesses track user and engine consumption across all SAP systems.
2. License Audit Measurement Service (On-Premise)
Previously referred to as the basic audit, SAP now exercises its right to audit customers regularly. Under this service:
- Customers must perform license measurement using SAP’s tools (USMM, LAW).
- They must submit a self-declaration form regarding their usage.
- SAP’s GLAC team may request additional clarifications, potentially escalating the audit to a Premium Engagement.
3. Premium Engagement
Formerly the Enhanced Audit, this in-depth service examines:
- User licensing compliance
- HANA Database usage (Runtime and Full Use)
- Indirect and Digital Access risks
- BusinessObjects consumption
Because it involves a deeper compliance check, customers face a higher compliance risk and an increased workload.
4. Cloud Metering
For businesses using SAP Cloud solutions, Cloud Metering:
- Analyzes monthly cloud consumption.
- Explains how user authorizations impact licensing.
- May be contractually required under a Cloud Order Form. This service is often bundled within Premium Engagement or provided separately for private and public cloud customers.
5. License Rights Management Service
Rather than measuring usage, this service helps customers align SAP software usage with their contract. It includes:
- Workshops and educational events
- Risk assessment reports with recommendations While not officially an audit, this service can highlight compliance gaps that may require further SAP review.
6. Additional Advisory Services
SAP provides optional services to assist customers in license compliance and transition planning, including:
Digital Access Evaluation Service
SAP continues its Digital Access Adoption Program (launched in 2021), helping customers transition from indirect access licenses to the Digital Access licensing model, which calculates licensing costs based on third-party document generation.
SAP S/4HANA Trusted Authorization Review
For businesses migrating from ECC to S/4HANA, SAP offers support in user license classification through the Object Analyzer tool.
⚠ Warning: While this service is free of charge, granting SAP access to your data could trigger a formal audit if non-compliance is detected.
Customer Measurement Services
Customers can initiate this service to gain education on measurement practices. However, SAP still reserves the right to initiate a full audit if discrepancies are found.
How to Identify Your SAP Audit Type
Understanding the type of SAP audit you’re facing is crucial for proper preparation. Here’s what you should do:
Ask SAP:
-What is the purpose of the engagement?
– What is the scope of the audit?
– What resources will SAP require from your team?
-What data needs to be provided?
-What is the timeline and expected outcome?
Internal Preparation Checklist
-Involve your Procurement Lead, IT Asset Manager, SAP Admin, and Integration Architect to assess compliance internally before sharing data with SAP.
-Engage your Legal Advisor to review the scope and requested documents to ensure compliance with internal policies.
-Consider hiring an independent third-party advisor to conduct an internal audit before SAP’s review.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for SAP Customers
SAP positions its new GLAC team as independent from sales, but its findings still influence revenue through licensing reviews.
Although the word audit has been removed from SAP’s official terminology, the purpose of these services remains the same—ensuring that customers comply with SAP licensing agreements.
Businesses must stay informed about SAP’s new audit structure, understand the implications of these “advisory” services, and proactively manage their compliance risks.
Have You Received an Evaluation Letter from SAP?
If you’re unsure about the service SAP wants to initiate, contact us today! Our experts will review your evaluation letter and guide you through the next steps to ensure compliance while protecting your organization from unnecessary costs.
