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SAP S/4 HANA:

SAP S/4 HANA implementation

The implementation of an SAP S/4 HANA solution depends on a wide range of strategic parameters, from organizational goals and business objectives to technical capabilities and resource management. To unlock the full potential of S/4 HANA, a comprehensive process comprising Analysis, Design, Planning, and Implementation is essential. Drawing on our extensive experience of strategic SAP implementation projects spanning four decades, we have refined and tailored our approach to ensure the successful delivery of every client project.

S/4 HANA Cloud emerges as the optimal solution for enterprises seeking to forego managing their own SAP S/4 HANA system. Through the Software as a Service (SaaS) model, SAP delivers the ERP system, pre-configured and ready for operation. Conducting a thorough analysis of objectives and requirements is paramount to ascertain the suitability of the SaaS model and to identify which variant of SAP S/4 HANA Cloud provides the company with the most advantageous long-term benefits.

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Simple S/4 HANA migration in four steps

The Zircoo approach to SAP S/4HANA implementation comprises four steps. If an enterprise has already answered the initial core questions, we can jump straight to step two.

1. Strategic assessment

Determine the company's starting position and objectives, choose the most beneficial S/4 HANA model, and develop a suitable migration strategy. This lays the foundation for our successful S/4 HANA migration.

2. Analysis

Assess the company's position and objectives. Determine the optimal S/4HANA operating model and migration approach. This provides the foundation for a successful S/4 HANA migration.

3. Migration planning

Analyze the company's initial position and goals to determine the best S/4 HANA model and migration plan. This forms the basis for our successful migration to S/4 HANA.

4. Implementation

Assessing the company's starting point and goals is our first step. We determine the optimal S/4HANA model and migration plan for maximum benefit. This strategy serves as the basis for our successful migration to S/4HANA.

Three S/4 HANA migration strategies that lead to success

For migrating to S/4 HANA, three potential strategies exist, each tailored to the enterprise’s unique implementation scenario, starting position, and strategic objectives.

  • Brownfield Migration:This strategy involves transferring an existing SAP system to the new S/4 HANA environment with minimal alterations. It’s best suited for companies with current processes that are modern and future-proof.
  • Greenfield Migration: In this approach, a completely new SAP system is created, encompassing both technology and processes. It’s ideal for scenarios where existing systems are outdated or incompatible with the company’s future strategy. This option is also suitable for businesses not currently utilizing an SAP system. Even for cloud-based S/4 HANA deployments, the greenfield approach is preferred since existing processes typically don’t align with those of the cloud solution.
  • Selective Data Migration: This strategy combines elements of both brownfield and greenfield approaches. Legacy workloads are discarded, while proven processes are implemented in the new system. This approach allows for a tailored migration, preserving what works while discarding outdated elements.

How long should an S/4 HANA migration take?

The timeline for introducing SAP S/4 HANA varies depending on factors such as the complexity of the customer’s system and various other considerations. Based on our extensive experience across numerous projects, typical brownfield S/4 HANA system conversions generally take approximately eight months to complete. In contrast, fresh start (greenfield) projects typically last around 11 months. Migration to a S/4 HANA cloud solution tends to accelerate the process significantly, as it eliminates the need to establish or expand technical infrastructure. In such cases, it’s often feasible to commence operations within just three months.

Despite these timelines, it’s crucial to note that the implementation phase itself often requires the least amount of time. The majority of effort is concentrated in the analysis and planning stages, and it’s vital for customers not to rush through this phase. Decisions made during this crucial stage significantly impact the long-term success of the S/4 HANA system. Hence, thorough analysis and planning are indispensable for a successful implementation.

8 questions to choose the right migration strategy

S/4HANA with Zircoo

Implementing new business processes often requires a fresh start.

Standardizing processes and procedures throughout the organization not only increases agility but also allows for a clean start that can lead to improved efficiency and better results.

IT departments focus on replicating existing processes in S/4 HANA while business departments prioritize innovation and new business models. Both must collaborate to clarify objectives and priorities in order to develop the right strategy.

SAP 6.x (with any enhancement package) single-stack systems using Unicode can be moved in one step. If not, consider a fresh implementation.

If your SAP 6.x (with any enhancement package) single-stack system uses Unicode, it can be moved in a single step. Otherwise, consider a fresh implementation.

Consider a new system with consolidated configuration and data if necessary.

Moving to a different system may be a good option if there are many interfaces between SAP and other providers.

Companies with clear innovation processes manage system conversions and innovation projects effectively. If you are uncertain about managing a long-term innovation plan, a fresh implementation can provide the necessary innovative drive.

FAQ: S/4 HANA implementation

Businesses can migrate their existing data to S/4 HANA, including data subject to retention periods for compliance purposes. During strategic planning, the decision will be made on how much historical data will be moved to the new application platform and HANA database. Additionally, implementing SAP S/4 HANA provides an excellent opportunity for enterprises to streamline their system and eliminate unnecessary legacy information, particularly with migration projects to the cloud where database size impacts costs.

There are a variety of tools available for migrating data to SAP, both from SAP themselves as well as third-party providers. One such option is the SAP Software Update Manager 2.0 with the Data Migration Option, which is particularly beneficial for brownfield migrations. For greenfield projects, SAP offers the S/4 HANA Migration Cockpit, but there are equally effective alternatives such as Datavard’s Transformation Suite. This tool is notably ideal for both selective data migration and greenfield migrations in the S/4 HANA environment, making it a valuable asset in the realm of data transfer.

For businesses looking to switch to SAP S/4 HANA, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each company must determine their own implementation plan. If current processes align with future goals and minimal changes are needed, a brownfield installation may be the best choice. Alternatively, if historical data needs to be migrated and only a few new business models will be integrated, selective data migration is a viable option. For companies introducing multiple new business models, the greenfield approach is recommended. These three strategies all provide value in their own way.