SAP S/4 HANA Migration: Your guide to a Successful Start
The SAP S/4HANA enterprise software of the next-gen is a lot beyond just an IT platform. It possesses the ability to change the whole corporate philosophy of the company. It allows for real-time analysis and management powered by data. It also releases the strength of advancements like AI, Machine-learning, and IoT. SAP S/4HANA provides unprecedented information and simulation features, courtesy of the SAP HANA’s in-memory data collecting system.
Are you still contemplating whether you should set out on the path to SAP S/4HANA migration or not?
If the answer is yes, it is very much understandable. Companies often hesitate while transitioning into any new unknown system environment distinct from the currently prevailing system.
The lack of knowledge about SAP Hana migration is one of the prime reasons for this. So, to help you, we have gathered all the needed information about the different steps and phases of SAP S/4 HANA migration that will prepare you for everything you can expect from this journey.
What is SAP S/4 HANA migration?
The method of SAP HANA migration refers to when the SAP system gets converted to SAP S/4 HANA business suite. The system network shifts to a cloud-based, or on-premises, or hybrid SAP ERP system network.
Why do you need to migrate your system to S/4 HANA?
In 2027, SAP will not support its current ERP business suite anymore– which calls for the consumers to switch to the memory platform of HANA. The latest S/4HANA maintains an in-memory database. On the other hand, the data used to get outsourced in older systems. Most companies have a great deal of material presented in their previous/current database. These must get migrated to the S/4HANA cloud-based system.
Along with reducing significant limits of previous ERP databases, it also syncs and connects the entire records.
Benefits of migrating to S/4 HANA system
S/4 HANA system facilitates you to hold next-generation ERP system advantages over your competitors. Such as-
- Current data monitoring and gathering
- Accelerated innovative strategies in courtesy of the distinct innovative features
- Fast and efficient operations
- Working with the upgraded new and advanced tech
- Efficient, effective, and centralized data monitoring system
Which is the best platform for SAP HANA migration?
It is essential to determine the migratory location of the SAP S/4 HANA system at the onset of implementation of the operation.
You can use HANA on-premises conveniently to achieve optimal leverage with reducing risk probability. Or you can opt for the cloud-based system to offer a more flexible customer interface to corporate clients.
Both these systems have their significant perks.
You can also choose to migrate to a hybrid system that allows the clients to transfer and process the data from both on-premises and cloud-based systems.
Although, it all relies on the allocated resource, available period, and the expectation and operational objectives of the company.
Why is the size of the SAP HANA database important for S/4 migration?
Before planning the implementation strategy, it is vital to scout the available in-memory space in the SAP HANA data server.
It is how HANA allows clients to optimize ROI as much as possible. The files are compressed efficiently in SAP S/4 HANA. Although, it is difficult to determine the needed volume of memory beforehand.
And hence, the SAP Quick Sizer tool and reporting and observations are recommended to verify storage space.
Checklist for ECC to S/4 HANA migration?
The needed sequence of action during SAP S/4 HANA migration
The guidelines below should be followed to perform SAP HANA Migration successfully. It consists of:
| Stage 1:
Preparatory Phase
➔ System Requirement ➔ Maintenance Planner ➔ Custom Code Preparation ➔ Pre-Check
|
Stage 2:
Technical Migration
➔ Database Migration ➔ Software Update ➔ Data Conversion
|
Stage 3:
Data Customization
➔ General Ledger ➔ New Asset Accounting ➔ Material Ledger ➔ Bank Accounting ➔ Controlling
|
Stage 4:
Data Operational Migration
|
Stage 5:
Beta-Testing
|
Stage 6:
Go-Live
|
|
The overall process of ECC to S/4 HANA migration
The transition to HANA is conducted following 3 Primary levels of operations.
- Pre-Implementation
- Transition.
- Post Migration
Each of them has been explained briefly in the following part.
Pre-Implementation
You should execute all pre-conversion steps in the pre-implementation stage. It encourages companies to identify any possible hurdle or issues before implementation of the project. This phase is also known as the preparation phase.
This phase aims to inspect and remediate the bugs or complications in the existing SAP ECC framework. Therefore, the transfer procedure is completely accurate and free of any errors.
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Why is the Pre-implementation step important during HANA migration?
Since all the latest modifications must be carried out in this stage, the following functions are included:
Settings for GL
Settings for Asset Accounting
monitoring the Configurations
Configuration of Material Ledger
Looking over House Bank Accounts, etc.
-
The Functionality of this Stage
The step of pre-implementation is also considered the phase of homogenization or customization. Any upgrades that are lacking from the older device files must be made at this stage.
There in the previously existing method, new GL settings already existed, including leading and non-leading ledger setup. But extension ledger and the simulation ledger, etc., are to be added in the new arrangement at this stage.
So, in brief, as there prevails a requirement to implement the brownfield migrations, this stage is named the Customization Phase.
After you are done with the needed customizations you can then move onto
-Migration of data
-Post-migration operations
- The Important System requirement for S/4 HANA migration
- Release and SP of ECC ERP system
- DS Update
- HDB Data System
- Unicode Transition
- Vital tools for Pre-Impletion on SAP HANA migration
- Maintenance Planner
- SI Check
- Custom Code
- SAP Sizing Report
- Installation and Upgrading Tools
- Software Update Manager
- DMO tool
- Maintenance Optimizer
Transition
The process of transition comprises two elements. Migration and conversion.
The conversion refers to the conversion of the SAP database.
The existing ECC layout is converted to the updated S/4 HANA system in this stage. The incorporation of an advanced operating strategy is part of this step
So, during this part of the migration process, you start using the SAP S/4 HANA Business Suite instead of ECC.
Post Migration
In the final step of conversion, you should carry out some follow-up exercises to ensure that SAP S/4 HANA is optimally used for your business operations as far as possible.
You should keep in mind that these steps are only intended for companies who have already been using the SAP ERP suite.
Note
The most efficient way to achieve technological SAP HANA transition is to conduct a test by authenticating the operational processes of the consumer utilizing the SANDPIT setting.
The S/4 HANA Migration would be a tremendous achievement. It benefits the technological initiative of the business.
It helps businesses to assess crucial migration aspects, implement the entire SAP HANA mechanism and identify the prevailing problems using SANDPIT and eliminate them accordingly.
It also allows users to justify the non-productive climate.
Final Thoughts
The most crucial step in upgrading the SAP ERP to the S/4HANA system is the transition to HANA. Therefore, it has to be well understood by any SAP advisor or SAP implementation companies.
You might have certainly inferred through the above discussion that technological SAP S/4 HANA migration is very critical in the attempt to be an effective and efficient running business. Migrating to S/4 HANA is an inevitable change that companies should try to accommodate as soon as possible to keep up with the other advanced SAP ERP system using businesses. Businesses that will fail to accommodate this new ERP will severely lack Business advantages and will struggle to hold their position in the market.
It is also crucial to recognize in-depth its 3 different stages of S/4 Hana migration to ensure efficient implementation of the system.
Gaining knowledge about ECC SAP ERP as well as SAP S/4HANA is crucial to ensure the most effective transition and implementation process. You should understand the fundamentals of SAP first. Then only you can enter a stage when migration and associated functions become a part of the operations.
