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SAP S/4HANA migration: benefits, challenges, and expert tips

Cloud

Unternehmen

ERP

Migration

Choosing the right ERP can be daunting, but SAP S/4HANA stands out for a reason. It boosts operations, delivers real-time insights, and helps you stay ahead of the competition. Also, it lays the groundwork for AI, IoT, and smarter, data-driven decisions that can take efficiency and growth to the next level.

So, what’s all the buzz about, and how can it change how your business runs? In this post, I’ll break down what makes SAP S/4HANA worth the switch, the common challenges you might face, and smart strategies to help you tackle the migration with confidence.

Why migrate to SAP S/4HANA?

Whenever businesses start thinking about migrating to SAP S/4HANA, one big question comes up: is it really worth it? In my experience, the answer is a resounding yes. This move is a strategic shift that equips organizations to navigate modern challenges with agility and precision.

Enhanced real-time analytics

Accelerated financial closings

Access to advanced tech

Simplified business model updates

Better database performance

Improved integration capabilities

Support for business transformation

Benutzerfreundliche Schnittstelle

Enhanced real-time analytics

No more refreshing dashboards and waiting on reports. SAP S/4HANA gives you real-time insights into your operations, finances, and customers, so you can react quickly and confidently with built-in analytics and predictive tools.

Accelerated financial closings

Close your books faster and skip the last-minute chaos. With S/4HANA’s real-time consolidation and reporting, finance teams can meet regulatory demands and stay transparent. No more scrambling at the eleventh hour.

Access to advanced tech

From AI-powered insights to IoT connectivity and process automation, SAP S/4HANA brings advanced tech to your fingertips. Cut down manual tasks, make the most of your resources, and stay ahead with data-driven decisions.

Simplified business model updates

Markets move fast, and your business needs to keep up. With S/4HANA’s flexible architecture and polished data structures, you can adapt quickly — whether it’s expanding, rolling out new offerings, or staying in sync with customer demands.

Better database performance

Thanks to the SAP HANA in-memory database, your system runs lightning fast even with massive datasets. Complex queries and transactions happen in seconds, keeping your operations without any delays.

Improved integration capabilities

Everything works better when it’s connected. S/4HANA syncs effortlessly with SAP solutions like SuccessFactors and Ariba, along with third-party software. As a result, you get a single, connected ecosystem that boosts teamwork and data flows.

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Support for business transformation

S/4HANA isn’t just about upgrading — it’s about transforming how you do business. By standardizing operations and eliminating inefficiencies, you’ll be in the perfect position to grow and stay ahead of the competition.

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SAP Fiori takes the complexity out of S/4HANA. With a modern, role-based design, it offers personalized dashboards, mobile access, and an intuitive interface. So your team can focus on what really matters instead of figuring out the system.

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Enhanced real-time analytics

Accelerated financial closings

Access to advanced tech

Simplified business model updates

Better database performance

Thanks to the SAP HANA in-memory database, your system runs lightning fast even with massive datasets. Complex queries and transactions happen in seconds, keeping your operations without any delays.

Improved integration capabilities

Support for business transformation

Benutzerfreundliche Schnittstelle

Challenges of SAP S/4HANA migration

Switching to SAP S/4HANA is a sensible move for any business. But let’s be real — it’s not exactly a walk in the park. You’ll inevitably hit a few bumps along the way, like sorting out messy data or getting your team comfortable with new processes. The good news is that tackling these challenges head-on will make the migration much smoother.

Complex data migration

Migrating from legacy systems isn’t a breeze — think mismatched formats, outdated records, and sneaky errors. But with the right plan, you can keep your data clean and downtime minimal. Skip this step, and you’ll regret it later.

Customization compatibility

Not all customizations make the cut when switching to S/4HANA. Some need a little tweaking, others might have to go, and some can be replaced with built-in features. A smart evaluation helps you keep what works and ditch what doesn’t.

Technical integration

Integrating S/4HANA with your existing systems — whether third-party software or legacy platforms — requires finesse. Smooth API interactions and avoiding bottlenecks are key to keeping everything running seamlessly.

Cost and resources

SAP S/4HANA migration comes with a hefty price tag. Licenses, infrastructure, and consultants — all add up quickly. The key challenge is figuring out how to invest wisely without putting daily operations at risk. A phased approach, cost-benefit analysis, and tapping into cloud options can help balance out expenses and keep risks to a minimum.

Complex business processes

S/4HANA gives you a fresh start to optimize and modernize workflows, but making it happen takes planning and buy-in. People naturally resist change, so having a smart plan and involving key stakeholders from the start is crucial for a slick transition.

Testen und Qualitätssicherung

Thorough testing isn’t just a box to check — it’s a must. Running performance, security, and compliance tests at every stage keeps surprises to a minimum and guarantees everything works perfectly after migration.

Downtime and disruption

Downtime can be a real headache, but a solid plan helps dodge last-minute surprises that could throw you off track. With phased rollouts, backup plans, and parallel runs, you can keep things humming along without major interruptions.

Veränderungsmanagement

SAP S/4HANA is a whole new way of working. Your team needs to adapt to new processes, tools, and ways of doing things. Without training and clear communication, confusion and pushback could derail your progress.

Move to SAP S/4HAN on time and on budget with our unbeatable migration services.

Types of SAP S/4HANA migration

Choosing how to move to SAP S/4HANA comes down to your existing setup and your data goals. There are main paths for migration — Greenfield, Brownfield, and hybrid. Each offers a different approach to handling data, refining processes, and connecting your existing SAP ECC system with the new one.

Greenfield approach

Think of Greenfield as hitting reset. It’s a brand-new implementation of SAP S/4HANA that lets you redesign processes and fully tap into the platform’s latest features without being held back by legacy systems. But a fresh start isn’t always easy. It requires solid planning, time, and a strong change management plan to get everyone on the same page and keep things running without a hitch.

Brownfield approach

A Brownfield migration lets you upgrade your existing SAP ECC system to S/4HANA without losing your data, configurations, or workflows. It’s a budget-friendly way to modernize without starting from scratch — perfect for businesses that want to minimize disruption. But before you dive in, it’s worth reviewing any inefficiencies that might carry over from your old system.

Hybrid strategy

Hybrid migration is your middle ground between Greenfield and Brownfield approaches. It lets you modernize at your own pace — rolling out S/4HANA features where they make sense while keeping your essential legacy data and workflows intact. If you’re aiming for a smoother transition without shaking things up too much, this is the way to go.

Best practices for migrating to SAP S/4HANA

I’ve handled plenty of SAP S/4HANA migrations, and let me tell you — it’s not just about swapping out your old system. It’s about setting your business up for long-term success. With the right plan, you can avoid the usual headaches, stay on track, and make the most of your new ERP.

To make your migration a success, you need leadership in your corner. Building a strong business case that aligns with your company’s big-picture goals is key to securing the budget and resources. Once execs see the benefits — faster reporting, better efficiency, and cost savings — they’re more likely to give the green light.

SAP S/4HANA migration needs a certain skill set that not every team has in-house. Tapping into external experts can help you move faster, avoid costly mistakes, and fully leverage the new system. Just make sure your internal team stays in the loop to keep things on track once the migration is complete.

Starting from scratch with Greenfield, upgrading your current system with Brownfield, or blending both in a hybrid approach — whatever you choose, getting the strategy right is key. Think about factors like cloud vs. on-premises, data complexity, and existing customizations to map out the perfect plan.

ERP systems tend to hold onto a lot of extra baggage: outdated records, old reports, and unused custom code. All that clutter can slow you down and complicate your migration. By archiving what you don’t need, you’ll keep things lean, cut costs, and make the move a whole lot easier.

Security isn’t an afterthought — it’s a must from the start. Putting access controls, compliance checks, and automated audits in place early helps you stay ahead of any issues. Also, if you run your legacy and new systems in parallel for a bit, it adds an extra layer of protection.

Ensuring data security and compliance during SAP S/4HANA migration

Security and compliance aren’t optional when moving to SAP S/4HANA. The last thing you need is a data breach, a compliance fine, or a security mess popping up mid-migration. I’ve seen it happen, and believe me—having a strong security plan from day one saves a ton of hassle.

Here’s how we keep everything locked down and make sure you stay compliant with GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and whatever else applies to your business.

Thorough risk checks

Before kicking off your migration, we dig deep into your SAP setup to spot any security gaps or compliance risks. By understanding your unique landscape, our experts fine-tune security strategies to keep your data safe throughout the entire process.

Top-tier encryption

Our expert team doesn’t mess around when it comes to security. We’ve got your data covered with AES-256 encryption when it’s stored and SSL/TLS when it’s on the move. No prying eyes, no leaks — just rock-solid protection every step of the way.

Strict access control

Not everyone needs to see everything. With role-based access controls, only the right people can access critical data and system functions. Also, with regular reviews, our security experts keep potential insider threats in check.

Compilance-first mindset

Whether it’s GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001, our team makes sure you’re fully compliant. Our tried-and-tested process ticks all the boxes, and we provide the documentation and audit trails you need to ace inspections stress-free.

Custom code validation

Our team reviews and validates everything to ensure it meets SAP S/4HANA standards. With a blend of automated and manual testing, we catch issues early, so your custom solutions run smoothly in the new environment.

Ongoing security audits

We keep an eye on things 24/7 with regular security audits and real-time monitoring. If anything looks off, our experts catch it early and fix it fast — keeping threats at bay and your system safe and sound.

Post-migration checks

After the migration, our team sticks around to run final compliance checks and provide detailed reports. This way, you can be sure everything meets industry standards and is running smoothly — giving you peace of mind.

Solid recovery plans

In case something goes wrong, we’ve got a bulletproof incident response and disaster recovery plan in place. Whether it’s a minor glitch or a major disruption, we’ll get your data back and your business up and running with minimal downtime.

SAP S/4HANA migration services

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is a big move, and in reality, it’s not always smooth sailing. Businesses often run into data migration upsets, unexpected downtime, and system glitches along the way. But when done right, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, a well-planned migration can boost performance, improve integrations, and set you up with a future-proof IT setup.

At Innowise, we’ve guided companies through this process — from planning to SAP-Entwicklung and implementation — countless times. Let me walk you through how we handle S/4HANA migrations to make sure everything goes smoothly.

System assessment and planning

Our SAP experts take a deep dive into your setup and goals to craft a migration plan that fits your operations perfectly. From day one, we keep things organized and on track.

Data migration and cleansing

We’ve got your data covered — securely moving what’s essential and ditching the outdated clutter. You’ll end up with a clean, streamlined system that runs at its best.

Custom code adaptation

Our SAP experts make sure your custom code plays nicely with SAP S/4HANA. We fine-tune everything, so all your key functions stay on point. No slipups, no stress.

System conversion or reimplementation

Whether you’re switching things up with a system conversion or going for a reimplementation, we handle it all — keeping downtime low and your business running like a charm.

Smooth system integration

Our team gets SAP S/4HANA working with your existing tools, whether it’s CRM, ERP, or other third-party apps. Everything runs smoothly, and your data stays in sync.

Thorough testing and validation

Our experts test it all — functionality, performance, and UX — before going live to catch any issues early. If something’s off, we’ll correct it immediately.

Post-migration support and optimization

We don’t just leave after the migration. Our team provides ongoing support, system monitoring, and performance tweaks to help you get the most out of SAP S/4HANA.

Let’s kick off your SAP S/4HANA migration with a tried-and-tested strategy.

Choose Innowise for a SAP S/4HANA migration

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA can be tricky, with plenty of challenges that might shake up your business operations. That’s where Innowise comes in. We know the ins and outs of complex SAP migrations and make sure your transition is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Experts in complex migrations

SAP S/4HANA migration can get complicated fast, but our certified SAP experts have seen it all. We’ve handled complex data transfers, tackled tricky integrations, and made sure everything runs without a hitch.

Keeping downtime to a minimum

Nobody wants business interruptions. Our team uses tried-and-tested methods and advanced tools to make the migration as smooth as possible, so your operations stay up and running with little to no disruption.

High-value services

Unexpected costs can throw off your SAP S/4HANA migration plans, but our T-shaped experts have got it covered. With clear pricing and smart planning, you’ll always know where your budget stands.

Tailored strategies

Every business is different, and your migration should be too. Whether you’re going for a greenfield, brownfield, or hybrid approach, we customize every step to align with your goals and technical setup.

End-to-End-Support

From initial planning and data cleanup to testing and post-migration fine-tuning, we’ve got your back. And once you’re up and running, we’ll train your team to get the most out of SAP S/4HANA.

Clear communication

Our team keeps things smooth and hassle-free. Our project managers handle regular updates, track milestones, and keep everything transparent, so you’re always in the know and never left guessing.

Our use cases for SAP S/4HANA migrations

Wrap-up

Switching to SAP S/4HANA is about future-proofing your business with better processes, real-time insights, and smarter decision-making. Sure, it can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex data, system integrations, and company-wide changes. But with the right plan and expert guidance, it’s totally manageable.

The key is to stick to best practices, put security first, and make sure everyone’s on the same page. Get it right, and you’re not just avoiding risks — you’re setting your business up to get the most out of your new ERP and reap the rewards.

FAQ

What is the S/4HANA migration process?

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA means moving from your current system to a faster, smarter ERP with minimal disruption. It starts with checking out your existing setup, picking the right migration strategy, and getting your data and customizations ready. The process usually includes planning, system conversion or reimplementation, testing, and fine-tuning everything post-migration to keep things running smoothly.

What are the approaches to SAP S/4HANA migration?

When it comes to moving to SAP S/4HANA, there are three main ways to do it, depending on your business needs and goals:

Greenfield approach
Brownfield approach
Hybrid approach

What are the challenges of migrating to SAP S/4HANA?

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA can be a bit of a rollercoaster. The process involves transferring data seamlessly, updating custom code, and ensuring compatibility with your existing systems, which isn’t always smooth sailing. Keeping business operations running while making the switch is another major challenge. On top of that, there’s the need to train your team, fine-tune performance, and get up to speed with new features and compliance rules.

Which preparation steps must be performed for an SAP S4/HANA migration?

First, our team checks if your systems are ready to roll with a full assessment. Then, we dive into data cleanup, review customizations, and put together a migration strategy that fits your business needs. We’ll also check if your infrastructure can handle the upgrade, align your team with the plan, and set up a clear roadmap to keep everything running smoothly with minimal risk and downtime.

Kiryl Drabysheuski Leitung der SAP-Berater

Datum: Feb 25, 2025

Kiryl Drabysheuski Lead of SAP consultants

Datum: Feb 25, 2025

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