SAP S4 HANA Migration Strategy
The introduction of SAP S/4 HANA is associated with several major changes, which is why companies are advised to prepare thoroughly for the project.
Aspects to consider relate to the IT infrastructure, business processes, operational processes, and every SAP client’s individual SAP roadmap. Furthermore, it is advisable to examine whether and to what extent external service providers can support the project. A number of companies are already working on implementation strategies for SAP S/4 HANA.
- Streamline your SAP Systems prior to the Migration
For companies that have already been using SAP
systems for some time, it is advisable to “streamline”
data stocks as well as to explore existing programs,
reports, permissions and interfaces.
This applies particularly prior to a switch to SAP S/4 HANA.
In this way, a “clean” system without any unnecessary data and
tables is migrated or one containing only those
programs, reports and interfaces to third-party systems
that are needed.
- Technology Transformation instead of a release change
The technological roadmap should not be
considered a release change but rather a
technological transformation. S/4 HANA results in
considerably more infrastructure-related changes.
- Rethink Business Processes- Include SAP Solution Manager
It should be examined what changes will result in the
business processes and what qualifications the SAP
business organization requires. The SAP Solution
Manager should be considered. Furthermore, it is
advisable to also include SAP operations as a hosting
service/via a cloud data center as well as the
purchasing of SAP Application Management Services in
the considerations.
- Do not plan a pure IT Project
The SAP S/4 HANA project should be set up as a
cross-departmental and cross-business area initiative.
Innovation cannot be installed via a software but rather
is created through interdisciplinary cooperation and a
willingness to change.
- Ask for Innovation Potentials to be demonstrated
The innovation process around SAP S/4 HANA is without a
doubt a challenging undertaking. It is above all
accompanied by technological and organizational changes
and that should not end when the S/4 HANA systems go
live. However, the effort put in here will pay off many times
over if companies receive business benefits as a result.
Prerequisites are a willingness of customers and experts
with methodological expertise. They need to have a
thorough knowledge of the opportunities for process
transformation offered by SAP S/4HANA.
