Migrating to SAP S/4HANA offers significant opportunities for businesses to streamline processes, gain real-time insights, and drive innovation. However, choosing the optimal migration path requires careful consideration of various factors. This article explores critical decision-making points and offers guidance for a successful SAP S/4HANA transition.
New Implementation vs. System Conversion
The most fundamental decision is whether to opt for a new SAP S/4HANA implementation or convert your existing SAP ERP system. Key factors influencing this choice include:
Initial Situation: If your current system is not SAP ERP 6.0 or higher, a new implementation is necessary.
Custom Code: Extensive custom code in your existing system may make a new implementation more practical if you're open to rethinking your business processes.
Data Quality: For complex or poor-quality data, a new implementation with selective data transfer might offer advantages.
Planning Tools for Guidance
SAP offers several tools to assist with individual planning and help you make informed migration decisions:
SAP Innovation and Optimization Pathfinder: Analyzes your current SAP ERP system to identify potential innovations and optimization opportunities within the context of SAP S/4HANA. Also consider new tool in SAP product family ( Signavio ) there is on going tranning in openSAP platform that you can find below ;
SAP Transformation Navigator: Creates a roadmap guiding you towards an SAP S/4HANA-based landscape, considering your existing product landscape and desired business outcomes.
SAP Readiness Check: Provides a comprehensive analysis specifically for system conversions, highlighting potential challenges and providing detailed insights into preparation efforts.
Defining Your Target Landscape
Alongside migration approaches, defining your future system landscape is crucial. Consider;
Consolidation: If you have a decentralized system landscape, migrating to SAP S/4HANA presents an opportunity to consolidate systems, streamline processes, and reduce operational costs.
Global Views: Centralize systems that require global visibility (e.g., SAP BW or SAP BPC) to gain real-time insights across your organization.
Mission-Critical Systems: Retain essential systems like SAP EWM as single systems, but consider co-deployment where processes can be tightly integrated with SAP S/4HANA for greater efficiency.
Scenario Selection and Sequencing
Once your target landscape is defined, determine the most suitable migration scenario and the appropriate sequence of steps. Think about;
System Conversion: May be suitable if your current system provides a good basis for your target landscape.
New Implementation: Consider if significant changes to processes or extensive custom code exist.
Sequencing: Carefully plan migration steps, particularly if you're consolidating multiple SAP ERP systems.
Additional Considerations
Thorough Evaluation: Assess all relevant factors from technical checks, custom code, business processes, and more to make a well-informed decision.
SAP Services: If needed, utilize SAP's various services for a customized recommendation.
Your Roadmap: While this article provides examples, your company's specific situation will likely require a unique roadmap for a smooth SAP S/4HANA migration.
In Conclusion
Migrating to SAP S/4HANA requires thoughtful planning and careful assessment of your company-specific needs. By leveraging the tools and considerations provided, you can confidently determine the most effective path and ensure a successful transition to this powerful next-generation business suite.
Süleyman ÇELİK
F&R EWM ECC S/4 HANA ABAP-OO Developer / FIORI / Solution Architect