The SAPINSTSTACKXML parameter directs the Software Provisioning Manager (SWPM) to use a stack configuration file (stack.xml) generated by the SAP Maintenance Planner. This file contains a detailed plan for the installation or update, enabling SWPM to perform actions that are not part of a generic, base installation.

Specifically, the stack.xml includes the target Support Package levels, add-ons, and additional components like languages. Therefore, SWPM can only apply a SPAM/SAINT update, install selected language packages, and perform an automated initial setup of the Transport Management System (TMS) when it is guided by this pre-defined stack file. Without it, these actions would be manual post-installation tasks.

A. Set the password of user DDIC in client 000: This is a fundamental step in every SAP system installation. SWPM prompts for a master password to set up standard users like DDIC, regardless of whether a stack file is used.

E. Install an SAP Host Agent: The SAP Host Agent is a prerequisite for SWPM. The installer checks for its presence and installs or updates it automatically at the start of the procedure, independent of the SAPINSTSTACKXML parameter.

1. SAP S/4HANA 2021 Installation Guide: In the section "Performing the Installation with the Software Provisioning Manager

" the guide specifies that a stack configuration file generated by the Maintenance Planner is mandatory for installing a planned system state

which includes specific support packages and components.

Reference for D (SPAM/SAINT update) & B (Languages): The guide details that the Maintenance Planner calculates all required components

including Support Packages

Add-Ons

and languages

which are then packaged into the stack.xml for SWPM to execute. (See section on "Preparation" and "Running the Software Provisioning Manager").

Reference for C (TMS): The guided procedure within SWPM

when using a stack.xml

includes automated configuration steps. The initial setup of TMS as the domain controller is one such step that can be automated as part of the planned installation.

2. SAP Help Portal - Software Logistics Toolset: The documentation for Software Provisioning Manager 2.0 states: "The stack configuration file contains the information about the target system

which the tool needs for the installation or update... For example

it contains the list of installation media

the target release

and the Support Packages to be installed."

This directly supports that applying updates (D) and installing additional components like languages (B) are dependent on the stack.xml. The automation of configuration tasks (C) is a key benefit of this planned

file-driven approach.

3. SAP Note 2568783 - SAP S/4HANA 1709

1809

1909

2020

2021

2022 and 2023: Release Information and Restrictions for Mainstream Maintenance: This note and related release notes emphasize the mandatory use of the Maintenance Planner for all installations and updates

which in turn generates the stack.xml file. This underscores that any action beyond the most basic installation

such as patching or adding components

requires the stack file.