system copy vs client refresh

[Former Member]

guys, I am planning to setup a sandox system in our environment but not sure about taking the system copy approach or client refresh approach. I need this sandbox system to be an exact copy of production. If i decide to do install a new system and add it to the transport landscape, will i be able to refresh the new client data with the production client data including the workbench data ?? I need to get all the custom workbench reports, settings etc copied too. Would the SAP_EXPA copy profile work for me ?? If so, then why would someone do a system copy rather than a client refresh of the new system client ?? Any advantages ?? please advise.

thanks

[anindya_bose]

Already Debasis has explained.

To add something....Client copy will require more downtime in the source system and more chance of failure.

Go for System Copy. If you are copying system from source system's backup use database dependent method. It will decrease the downtime in the source system

And for large client size CLient copy is not recommended.

http://sap.ittoolbox.com/groups/technical-functional/sap-basis/advise-need-to-do-client-copy-or-homo...

Edited by: Anindya Bose on Sep 4, 2009 9:49 AM

[debasissahoo]

Hi,

Refresh over the client copy... its not an advantage, rather its a requirement. when you do a client copy between system, you need both the system's repository exactly same. it the prerequisite for doing a client copy. Installing a new system would not make sure that the repository are same.. so most chances client copy will fail.

http://help.sap.com/saphelp_nw04/helpdata/en/69/c24c4e4ba111d189750000e8322d00/frameset.htm

SAP note 557132

As you want to build a new system from a copy of existing system, you have to follow the system copy guide for your source system release.

Regards,

Debasis.