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Successful SAP S/4HANA transformation in the private cloud (RISE) at Salzburg AG

With around 2,400 employees, Salzburg AG ensures a reliable energy, mobility and communications infrastructure in the province of Salzburg. To ensure it is technologically future-proof, the company decided to carry out a comprehensive modernisation of its SAP system landscape. The first major step: migrating the central core system to SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud (RISE). A project that was a success thanks to smart solutions and strong collaboration.

Why scc? Choosing the right partner

Salzburg AG sought a suitable implementation partner via an EU-wide tender. Several providers presented their proposals, but scc stood out with a clearly structured approach, compelling reference projects and a highly competent team. It became clear right from the selection phase that scc not only brought technical expertise to the table, but also a deep understanding of Salzburg AG’s specific requirements. The scc project team, working with partner ACN, and the Salzburg AG project team were established at an early stage. Roles were clearly defined – and a trusting working relationship developed rapidly.

Step by step towards a modern platform

The aim of the project was to migrate the core system first, as this is where key business processes converge. The decision was made to opt for a brownfield conversion – that is, a migration that retains tried-and-tested processes and structures whilst simultaneously harnessing the benefits of the new technology. Following intensive preparation, the project commenced with a clear objective: a seamless transition with minimal disruption to the business units and staff.

Structured project workflow comprising six phases

Following a year of intensive preparation, the SAP S/4HANA migration project commenced in January 2023. The migration was carried out directly in the SAP Private Cloud – the first of its kind in Austria – a technological challenge that scc, Salzburg AG and SAP successfully overcame together. Based on SAP Activate, the project was divided into six clearly defined phases:

Discover

This phase was carried out by Salzburg AG itself.

Prepare

Project set-up, IT infrastructure, training, and establishment of test management.

Explore

Initial S/4HANA conversion on the sandbox system without business department involvement.

Realize

Second S/4HANA conversion involving the business departments.

Deploy

S/4HANA conversion – dress rehearsal under live conditions, followed by go-live migration to the S/4HANA production system.

Run

Hypercare – stabilisation and post-implementation support.

A seamless go-live and sustainable results

The success of a migration on this scale depends largely on the cooperation of all those involved. The core team consisted of around 50 people, whilst up to 100 staff members were involved in total – ranging from internal key users to add-on providers. The go-live, which finally took place over a weekend in October 2024, went almost without a hitch: by the Monday following the switchover, all business processes were running smoothly. What’s more, most staff didn’t even notice the complex procedures taking place. A success of this magnitude is by no means a given.

Results – in brief:
Successful brownfield conversion of the SAP core system
Integration into the SAP Private Cloud
Introduction of centralised, sustainable test management
Implementation completed on schedule and within the planned budget
High level of acceptance amongst the business units

At the same time, the project laid an important foundation for the complete S/4HANA transformation – further systems will follow in the coming months and years.

Furthermore, the project offers another exciting aspect: the process model developed as part of the project has since proven to be a benchmark for the entire industry. Salzburg AG was one of the first companies to take this step and is thus setting a standard for others. Numerous providers and companies from across Austria are following this approach and seeking to exchange ideas in order to successfully implement their own transformations.

Feedback from the project

Bianca Ruck

Project Manager, Salzburg AG

The specialist departments were very satisfied with the existing processes. That is why we made a conscious decision against a complete overhaul and opted for a brownfield conversion.

Robert Ranftler

Project Manager, scc

We drew up a comprehensive plan and refined it time and again. And once the project had really got into its stride, there was no stopping us. Over the go-live weekend, we were one team – not just client and consultants. The team spirit was incredible!

Rainer Pieber

Solution Architect
Head of Application & Conversion Technology, scc

The collaboration with Salzburg AG was consistently constructive, respectful and solution-oriented. A project that impressed not only through its technology, but also through its approach.

Manfred Braunwieser

Head of Core Solutions, Salzburg AG

The project was a resounding success – everything ran smoothly after the go-live. Despite the parallel project and other challenges, we implemented the SAP migration stably and on schedule. The collaboration with scc was crucial to this success.

Lessons learnt for future projects

Successful projects provide valuable insights for the future. The Salzburg AG team openly shares what worked particularly well – and where there is still room for improvement:

What went well:
Realistic time and resource planning
Successful collaboration with SAP
Open communication and high levels of motivation within the project team
Clear phase structure and a go-live that had been tested multiple times

Challenges:
Complex authorisation management
Parallel projects and limited resources
Technical specificities due to the private cloud environment

Looking ahead: The collaboration continues

Salzburg AG plans to make targeted use of the experience gained for further optimisations and migrations and intends to continue relying on scc. Salzburg AG’s SAP S/4HANA migration demonstrates that it takes good planning, a strong team and an experienced partner – then technological transformation becomes a success.

Are you ready for the future too?

With the successful migration of its central core system to SAP S/4HANA, Salzburg AG is now technologically future-proof.

Are you also facing the switch to S/4HANA? Then it’s high time to take the first steps. We’ll support you every step of the way!

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