What aspect does the Run phase NOT typically include?

The Run phase is a critical part of the SAP Activate methodology and primarily focuses on maintaining and optimizing the system once it has gone live. This phase encompasses various activities aimed at ensuring the system operates smoothly and efficiently in a production environment.

Ongoing support is a key element of the Run phase; it involves providing users with assistance and resolving any issues that may arise post-implementation. System optimization is also fundamental during this phase, as it entails fine-tuning the system to improve performance and enhance user experience based on feedback and system performance metrics. Continuous improvement is another aspect of the Run phase, where organizations aim to implement changes that can help streamline processes, often informed by user input and operational data.

In contrast, initial project planning is not a part of the Run phase. This activity occurs during earlier phases of the SAP Activate methodology, such as the Prepare and Explore phases, where objectives are defined, timelines are established, resources are allocated, and the overall strategy for implementing the SAP solution is outlined. Therefore, the correct answer highlights a critical distinction between planning, which precedes system implementation, and operational activities that are characteristic of the Run phase.