In the current business landscape, where regulatory compliance and data integrity are of utmost importance, the implementation of the SAP Data Retention Tool (DART) plays a crucial role in managing and retaining data for auditing purposes. Understanding the factors that determine the best practices for SAP DART functionality is paramount, as it directly impacts an organization’s ability to meet regulatory requirements, maintain data integrity, and optimize storage resources.

SAP DART is a powerful tool that enables organizations to extract, store, and manage data from various SAP systems. As a result, relevant information can be available for audits, legal proceedings, or compliance purposes. By implementing DART effectively, businesses can streamline their data management processes, enhance transparency, and maintain a comprehensive audit trail.

Understanding Audit Requirements for SAP DART Strategy

The frequency of audit requests, the industry and jurisdiction reporting requirements, and the amount of data stored on the SAP system are critical factors that shape every organization’s uniquely optimal SAP DART strategy. Comprehending these audit requirements is the most important factor in determining the appropriate DART approach to align with responsible data management practices and optimize storage costs.

Different industries and jurisdictions have varying regulations and standards that govern data retention and auditing practices. For instance, the financial services industry is subject to stringent regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Basel Accords, which mandate strict data retention policies and regular audits.

Aligning the DART strategy with these industry-specific regulations and standards is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or legal consequences. Organizations must carefully assess their audit requirements, including the types of data that need to be retained, the retention periods, and the specific information required by auditors.

Case Study

A leading banking institution in the United States recognized the importance of tailoring its DART strategy to meet the stringent regulatory requirements of the financial sector. They worked closely with Platform 3 Solutions to implement a comprehensive DART solution that not only met their audit requirements but also optimized storage resources and ensured data integrity across their SAP systems.

SAP DART Rule of Thumb

Running DART extracts

The long-standing rule of thumb for SAP DART has been to run DART extracts periodically to appropriately capture relevant data from various SAP systems. These extracts serve as a comprehensive repository of critical information that may be required for audits, legal proceedings, or compliance purposes. By consistently executing DART extracts, organizations can ensure that they have access to up-to-date and accurate data when needed.

Storing extracts in Archon Data Store before archiving

Generally, SAP DART extracts are generated to retain necessary data. These extracts are flat files in the DART format (such as .zip files) and include critical information needed for compliance with tax and governmental regulations. Once DART extracts are generated, the next step in the process is to store them in a secure and reliable cloud storage solution such as Archon Data Store (ADS).

By storing these extracts in ADS, organizations ensure that the data is securely preserved in a cloud environment, safeguarded against loss, and easily retrievable when needed. The data remains in the core SAP system and gets deleted only post-archival. This process ensures the extracted data fulfills the legal or commercial requirements and remains available for tax or government authorities later.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that DART is like ADK in its functionality and purpose. By leveraging ADS, we can redefine the approach to storing and managing DART extracts, enhancing the overall data archival and retrieval process.

Platform 3 Solutions’ SAP DART Implementation Expertise

Here at Platform 3 Solutions, we have extensive experience in implementing SAP DART for large clients across various industries (including aviation, consumer, and banking). DART implementation is offered as part of our core archiving services suite, which expands DART’s role in both Classic and Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) archiving solutions.

With our team of certified SAP experts and consultants, we provide specialized guidance and support throughout the entire DART implementation process to deliver a tailored solution that addresses each client’s unique requirements.

What’s next?

Navigating the complexities of SAP DART implementation can be a daunting task, but with the right expertise and guidance, organizations can unlock the full potential of this powerful tool. At Platform 3 Solutions, our team of certified SAP experts and consultants are well-equipped to provide dedicated support with a full suite of products and solutions to help you leverage SAP DART.

Don’t leave your organization’s data integrity and compliance to chance. Partner with Platform 3 Solutions today and take the first step toward a comprehensive and efficient SAP DART implementation.

Contact us anytime to schedule a 1:1 consultation with one of our experts and discover how our SAP DART implementation services can drive your business forward.