S4HANA Conversion

With scc, from the old ERP system to the new SAP S/4HANA

Convertere. In Latin, this means ‘to convert’ or ‘to transform’. And that is precisely what an ERP conversion is all about: migrating and converting data and structures to a new system. And increasingly, that means SAP S/4HANA. The benefits are clear: greater speed, increased transparency, simplified data models and more flexibility. All in all, a major opportunity to take a business to the next level.

Various methods
But not all conversions are the same! A wide variety of approaches have become established for migrating to S/4HANA: the options include greenfield or brownfield conversion, as well as selective data transition.
Making the right assessment
Choosing the right method can be a challenge, as there are numerous aspects to consider – including whether a company wishes to move towards a public or private cloud, or remain in an on-premises scenario.
Focus on processes
At the heart of the matter are the processes currently in place: do they still meet requirements, or is action needed? And what about licences and other services? The range extends from Business Network, IBP, DM and FSM through to Datasphere and SuccessFactors.

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your conversion!

Do you need help with an upcoming conversion?
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We speak SAP

Does that sound like a foreign language to you? Don’t worry: we speak SAP. And so we’re here to help you as your translators and solution specialists. On the journey towards your new ERP system.

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Expertise
Through numerous projects, we have built up extensive expertise in the field of ERP and S/4HANA conversion and refined our methods. And this has an impact on all the key components: analysis, implementation and optimal licensing.
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Processes
And if you like, we can even go one step further – or rather, one step back. That’s because we also specialise in process management. We start exactly where it’s needed and lay the foundations for a well-considered decision.
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Toolbox
To this end, we draw on a wide range of methodologies, collaborate with experts and work with you to define the entire process framework.

Greenfield Conversion:

To visualise this, imagine a green field. A large, open space just waiting to be put to use – or to be enriched with data and structures. As this involves a completely new implementation, the Greenfield Conversion is the most time-consuming option.
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Fresh start
This approach is primarily used when the company in question does not yet have an SAP ERP system and is now taking its first steps into this new world. It is also frequently used when processes have changed so fundamentally since the introduction of SAP in a company that a comprehensive overhaul is required.
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Public Cloud
This is also the only approach that allows a public cloud to be implemented. However, private cloud or on-premises solutions are also possible. However, anyone who has opted for a public cloud should, in any case, plan for a thorough analysis in advance in order to assess whether the requirements can be met by a public cloud at all. SAP provides a tool called Digital Discovery Assessment (DDA) for this purpose.
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#asccelerate
When it comes to implementation, we go one step further and have developed our own methodology: #asccelerate. Building on the phases of the SAP Activate methodology – which have been streamlined to focus on the essential elements – we have further enhanced #asccelerate with our specialised project management concept. The result is a harmonious combination that goes a step further.

Brownfield Conversion:

In contrast, there is the brownfield conversion. This involves making as few changes as possible to the existing ERP system – the aim is to implement S/4HANA within the organisation as efficiently as possible.
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Rapid solution
This method can be helpful, for example, if processes are already well-established within an organisation and are to remain as unchanged as possible. Brownfield conversion is therefore regarded as the quickest and most cost-effective solution.
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Private Cloud
A brownfield conversion automatically rules out a public cloud solution, as this is technically impossible. However, the entire system could be migrated to a private cloud environment or to a new on-premises setup.
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Everything at a glance
But don’t worry, we’ll look into this in great detail. And we’ll help you with modern project management and project set-up, a holistic assessment of infrastructure and licensing, whilst keeping all other influencing factors in mind.

Selective Data Transition:

The Selective Data Transition method strikes a balance. It utilises the foundation of the existing system as part of a shell conversion, whilst extending it with new features and functions.
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Complex projects
Such projects require a great deal of finesse, as they can quickly become highly complex. Nevertheless, they are entirely justified in certain circumstances.
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In-depth analysis
A detailed preliminary analysis phase is essential in every case to determine whether this approach makes sense and which methodology should be chosen.
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Conversion with scc
We now know from experience exactly where the challenges and cost drivers lie, and are happy to provide support right from the start.

Why scc?

Time
We take plenty of time for every project, get to know you and your business, and explore all the possibilities together.
Expertise
Over 25 years’ experience in the SAP world and a constant openness to new developments – that’s what sets us apart. And you benefit from this.
Empathy
Knowledge is one thing, but for us the human element also plays a central role. So expertise goes hand in hand with empathy and a sense of humour.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

What does SAP Conversion mean?

An SAP conversion refers to the transition of an existing SAP system to a new generation of SAP, in particular the migration from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA. During this process, existing business processes, data and system configurations are largely retained and technically transferred to the new platform.

What is SAP S/4HANA?

SAP S/4HANA is SAP’s latest generation of ERP software and is based entirely on the SAP HANA in-memory database. Compared with earlier SAP systems, SAP S/4HANA offers simplified data models, real-time analytics, modern user interfaces with SAP Fiori, and new opportunities for the digitalisation of business processes.

Why do companies need to migrate to SAP S/4HANA?

The migration to SAP S/4HANA is becoming increasingly important as regular maintenance support for many SAP ECC systems is due to expire in the coming years. At the same time, SAP S/4HANA offers new features, improved performance, real-time analytics and modern user interfaces that are not available in older systems.

What are the benefits of an SAP S/4HANA conversion?

An SAP S/4HANA conversion offers companies: - improved system performance, - simplified data structures, - real-time reporting, - modern user interfaces with SAP Fiori, - improved process integration, - greater scope for automation, and - a future-proof SAP platform.

Can existing in-house developments be carried over during a conversion?

In principle, many bespoke developments and customer-specific customisations can be carried over. However, existing programmes and extensions must be reviewed and, where necessary, adapted to the requirements of SAP S/4HANA.

How long does an SAP S/4HANA conversion take?

The duration of an SAP S/4HANA conversion depends on the size and complexity of the existing system landscape. Smaller projects can be implemented within a few months, whilst large-scale international system landscapes require significantly more time for planning, preparation and implementation.

Can businesses continue to operate during the conversion?

Yes. Modern methods make it possible to significantly reduce downtime during an SAP S/4HANA conversion. Through what are known as ‘downtime optimisations’, parts of the data migration can be carried out whilst the system is still in operation.