Application Managers need to consider how best to upgrade to SAP S/4HANA, the latest platform of the software supplier’s core business software. SAP has extended the support deadline for its current ECC software from 2025 to 2027 following pressure from customers, but the move to S/4HANA is inevitable – and can bring significant benefits to the business once implemented.
Here are some of the key points you need to know to minimize disruption and ensure a clear migration journey:
Value mapping- It is critical that the IT department and business stakeholders appreciate the impact and outcome of the journey to S/4HANA. Creating an SAP value map enables different departments to understand how they must prepare for the upgrade and how they stand to benefit from the innovation available. This will help to minimize disruption, keep to timelines and deliver a swift migration without wasting resources.
Greenfield vs. brownfield-Organisations must choose whether to pursue a “greenfield” or a “brownfield” implementation and evaluate the pros and cons for each. Assessing the two approaches involves looking at current processes and whether they meet the future requirements of the business, the implications for business strategy, and the budget and time available.
Identify desired outcomes- Identify and disseminate the business justification for migrating to S/4HANA. Organizations have different benefits they wish to achieve but making a solid business case is essential to ensure everyone understands the desired outcome.
Document business processes- Be sure to gather and share a thorough understanding of the business processes currently in production, such as financial reporting, for a better understanding and analysis of systems. Plan what will be required in terms of resources and time based on the target version of the upgrade. The aim is to have the best and most accurate project plan from beginning to end.
The importance of testing- Every organization must be prepared to do testing at every stage of the migration project and recognize that it will be carried out by different stakeholders, such as developers or business users. User acceptance testing (UAT) helps smooth the transition for business users.
Complete tasks in the correct order- Failing or neglecting a stage can be significant. Pre-planning, planning, business case, conversion activities such as code corrections and testing, and acceleration are all key elements that require dedicated time and resources.
A holistic view-Organizations must aim for a holistic view of the project, especially when it comes to testing, to deal with interdependencies and ensure synchronization for pre- and post-upgrade corrections. Keeping track of what needs to be done is only possible with a 360-degree view.
The go-live decision- Going live is a critical event. If the checklist has been followed thoroughly, the risk is minimized, but giving the green light requires high levels of cooperation and preparation across the business. Don’t underestimate what is involved.
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