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S/4HANA – An inevitable changeover or a great opportunity?

The digital future is just around the corner. With the new – now fourth – generation S/4HANA, SAP is setting high standards in the area of ERP solutions. Higher speed, better transparency, more automation and thus also more efficiency, simplified data models and mobile accessibility – these are the main advantages of S/4HANA for companies. A lot of advantages, one would think. But the whole matter has a bitter aftertaste: SAP has already announced that it will discontinue support for older ERP systems at the end of 2027. Therefore, all companies that use SAP will have to switch to S/4HANA in the next few years. However, we see the implementation of the new generation as a great opportunity for every company to question and modernize existing systems. In short: as an evolutionary step for your business.

WhyS/4HANA?

The functions of the new generation are based on industry-specific best practices and draw on proven standards. S/4HANA processes data in real time based on SAP’s own HANA database. A function that is more important than ever in times of large data volumes (keyword: Big Data). Key figures can be analyzed and evaluated in real time. For users, S/4HANA means an enormous improvement in user experience and flexibility. Data can be retrieved and graphically prepared within a few seconds, and thanks to mobile use, it can also be accessed from any location. The SAP Fiori Launchpad provides a personalized, clear user interface that enables intuitive work in SAP.

S/4HANA is available in various license models: With the classic on-premise solution, the administration of the software remains located in the company. In contrast, there are various cloud solutions that offer the advantage that companies do not have to worry about issues such as maintenance, backups or updates (SaaS = Software-as-a-Service). We will be happy to advise you on the licensing models at the beginning of the collaboration and support you in making your decision.

Our shared path to S/4HANA

Speaking of consulting: Whether the changeover to S/4HANA runs smoothly and successfully depends first and foremost on preparation. As with so many topics, here too: Planning is the be-all and end-all. Together with you, we analyze your starting point and your objectives and, based on this, create a roadmap for the implementation. The goal of this first joint step is to give you a transparent overview of the migration process, its duration and the necessary investment.

Our motto when working together is: We take on all those tasks for our customers that they cannot or do not want to do themselves. This means that our offering can range from consulting services throughout the entire process to the complete implementation of the conversion to S/4HANA - adapted to the requirements, needs and time resources in your company. In any case, our primary goal is to ensure a smooth transition that has as little impact as possible on ongoing operations.

The migration from S/4HANA can be carried out in different approaches. Perhaps you have already heard of Greenfield and Brownfield in this context? Which approach is right for you will be defined together in the course of the initial analysis and roadmap. However, to give you a superficial understanding of the approaches and differences, here is an overview:

1
Greenfield
Conversion
Greenfield conversion refers to a completely new introduction, a "greenfield" planning, so to speak. This is mainly used when SAP is being introduced completely from scratch in a company or the processes have changed so fundamentally since the introduction that they have to be completely revised. Accordingly, the greenfield approach is also the most time-consuming variant.
2
Brownfield
Conversion
This contrasts with brownfield conversion, in which the existing system is changed as little as possible. If processes have become established in the company and no reason is seen for changes, modernization is usually sufficient. Consequently, this is the fastest and most cost-effective migration option.
3
Selective
Transition
Selective data transfer stands between the two approaches. In this case, the existing system is copied in its fundamentals, but finally supplemented with some features and adjustments, transferred to S/4HANA and then filled.
The best time for the changeover

Many companies are now wondering when is the best time to make the switch: be one of the first innovators right away or wait and see if SAP might extend the deadline a bit?
Robert Resch

We recommend that you do not delay the migration any longer. The processes and time involved are often more protracted than expected. From the end of 2027, support for the old SAP systems will no longer be supported - with the possibility of renewal at a charge until 2030. We assume that only around 10 percent of companies have been migrated to the new generation so far. Our resources - and this is certainly true of other consulting firms as well - are limited, and good things (i.e., a clean migration) take time. Depending on whether a conversion is carried out using the Brownfield approach (fastest variant), a selective data transformation or the more extensive Greenfield variant, experience shows that a project takes at least 6 months. An estimate is provided as part of the roadmap.
So it's definitely not worth waiting. At scc, we have been working with S/4HANA since 2017, have completed all the necessary training and certifications, and have successfully implemented many conversions in recent years. Benefit from our experienced and competent team and let us tackle your project together!

Success stories about S/4HANA conversions

scc_pollmann-international

SAP S/4HANA for a new production site

Pollmann
Pollmann International GmbH is an Austrian producer and developer of highly complex mechatronic assemblies of metal and plastic, including integrated electronics. This not only makes Pollmann an important full-service supplier in the automotive and mobility industry, it also has an increasingly important role to play in connection with Industry 4.0. For the newest production site in Mexico, the company decided in 2021 to implement SAP S/4HANA.
To the projekt

From two source systems to a shared SAP S/4HANA platform

OMV Neuseeland
OMV Aktiengesellschaft is one of the largest industrial enterprises in Austria and is also active in the Asian-Pacific region as OMV New Zealand. To simplify the SAP landscape of OMV New Zealand and to create a single shared platform instead of two source systems, the company decided to merge the two separate systems into one based on the platform SAP S/4HANA. scc focused here on the area of financials
To the projekt
scc Wolfram - Bergbau

Von der Roadmap
zum SAP S/4HANA System

Wolfram
Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten AG is a globally leading provider of high-quality tungsten powders. Because the company processes are being progressively digitalized, it was necessary to decide how to most effectively migrate the existing SAP landscape in stages to the new SAP S/4HANA technology. Planning of the subsequent projects for implementing additional digitalization requirements was also on the agenda.
To the projekt
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