May 18, 2013

Quarterly SAP Patches

SAP frequently updates and improves its software.  The University of Mississippi uses a quarterly system to install these improvements on a regular schedule and we are rapidly approaching our first quarter patch.  Patches will be applied in QAS on March 19th.  This allows ten days to test and report issues before the patches are applied to the production (PRD) system on March 29th.

Some of you may soon receive a notice asking that you test in QAS all the transactions that you regularly use to do your job. This is an extremely important task, as it helps us to identify any issues or authorization changes that may result when the patch is applied to the Production system.  We appreciate your help with this task; ultimately it makes your job easier, too!

Please schedule some time early in the period after March 19th to do thorough testing of this upgrade in QAS.  You may reset your QAS password in myOleMiss. Report any issues that you encounter when testing using the SAP Issues Database in myOleMiss.
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Try Web HD. No Lines. No Waiting. No ‘Hold’ Music.

Recently, the Office of Information Technology (IT) migrated to a new call tracking platform named Web Help Desk.   In addition to supporting the needs of IT technical staff with tracking your calls and emails, Web Help Desk allows individuals with a valid UM WebID to submit service requests through a web interface.

In addition to submitting service requests with Web Help Desk, you can also check the status of your request, update the request and search the FAQ Knowledge Base. When a service request is submitted using Web Help Desk, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the request details and ticket number.

Common Tasks

To create a new service request:

  1. Login using your UM email address and password.
  2. Select the Request Type that best fits your issue from the drop down arrow.
  3. Next, in the Request Detail box describe the problem you are reporting. Be as specific about the key details of the problem as possible.
  4. If you have a file to attach, use Add File to upload and then Save.

To view your service request history:

  1. Select the History option from the Menu at the top.
  2. All of your active and closed requests will display.
  3. To view request details select the ticket number.

To edit your service request:

  1. Select the History option from the menu at the top.
  2. All of your active and closed requests will display.
  3. To view request details select the ticket number.
  4. Then, select Add Note, enter your updated information, and Save.
  5. If you need to cancel the request, simply select Cancel Ticket and then Save.

To access frequently asked questions (FAQ):

  1. Select the FAQ option from the menu at the top.
  2. Select the category to search, or search using the “contains” option.

Really! It is that simple to submit, update, and track your service requests using Web Help Desk.

If you have additional questions, please contact the IT Helpdesk at (662) 915-5222 or helpdesk@olemiss.edu.   You can visit our website for more information, or contact us Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM CST.

New Self-Help Feature: Reset Your SAP Password

Forgot your SAP GUI password?   The Office of Information Technology is excited to announce the rollout of the SAP Password Reset application that allows SAP users to reset their own SAP GUI password for the SAP Production and SAP QAS (Quality Assurance) systems. You no longer have to contact the IT Helpdesk to reset your password if your account is not locked. Prasad Choudhari, IT Systems Analyst III, developed this application for the UM SAP user community, and it is an excellent improvement over the previous process.

How Do You Reset Your SAP Password?

You can reset your password by logging into myOleMiss. Click on the Employee tab => SAP tab => Select SAP Password Reset located on the left in the “Detailed Navigation” menu.  You may also visit http://www.olemiss.edu/sappassword which will prompt you to log into myOleMiss.  Upon logging in, you will be taken to the SAP Password Reset application.  Select the system (QAS or PRD) for which you would like to change your password.

 

1. Type, then re-type the new password and click the “Submit” button.  (Note: Be sure to follow the Password Rule while    creating your new SAP password.)

 

2. Proceed to login to SAP with your new password.


What If Your SAP Account Is Locked?

Locked SAP accounts may be due to:

  • Multiple login attempts with the wrong SAP username, password or a combination of both (Note: Before making numerous login attempts, go ahead and reset your password to avoid account becoming locked.)
  • SAP account has not been used in 90 days
  • Request by your department due to resignation, inappropriate use, etc.

If your account is locked due to multiple login attempts or non-use within 90 days, you will need to contact the IT Helpdesk at (662) 915- 5222 or helpdesk@olemiss.edu to unlock your SAP account.


More Information…

For continuous updates on SAP and other technical information/projects, read TECHNews, UM Today (TECHNews section), or visit the SAP at Ole Miss Website.  For questions or assistance, contact the IT Helpdesk.

 

 

 

SAP Tips and Reminders

There are currently 814 active users of the University’s Enterprise computer system, SAP. As the SAP Training Coordinator, I’ve probably spoken with or met every one of you!  Since we’re soon to experience some quiet time with the students off for the summer, I thought it would be a good time to share some tips and reminders that might make your daily experience with SAP easier and more effective.

  • Everybody forgets a password now and then, and we do have several to keep up with.  Luckily, we’ve centralized all password re-sets at the IT Helpdesk.  Their phone number is 915-5222 and they may be reached via email at helpdesk@olemiss.edu.
  • In order to use the SAP GUI, your department must first have a license for the position you are currently holding.  All the forms required to receive or update a license to use the SAP GUI may be downloaded from the SAP Support Website.
  • The next thing a new user needs to access SAP is training.  We offer training in twelve functional areas at least once per month.  You may find the class descriptions (what they cover) and the class handouts on the SAP Support Website.
  • In order to access the SAP system, you must have the SAP GUI (Graphical User Interface) software installed on your computer. The GUI must always be maintained at the current version and patch level.
    • If you have a PC with Windows XP or a Mac, you may choose the self-install option for installation or upgrading the SAP GUI.
    • If you have a PC with Vista or Windows 7, please contact the IT Helpdesk  to have the SAP GUI installed.
    • When requesting assistance with the SAP GUI installation, Indicate if you need it installed on a Mac or a PC.  If PC, please include your operating system information (XP, Vista, Windows7, etc.).

Finally, I’d like to say a word about testing. SAP frequently updates and improves its software.  The University of Mississippi uses a quarterly system to install these improvements on a regular schedule and we are rapidly approaching our first quarter patch.  Some of you may soon receive a notice asking that you test in QAS all the transactions that you regularly use to do your job. This is an extremely important task, as it helps us to identify any issues or authorization changes that may result when the patch is applied to the Production system.  We appreciate your help with this task; ultimately it makes your job easier, too!

If you have questions or require assistance, please contact the IT Helpdesk at (662) 915-5222 or helpdesk@olemiss.edu .