SAP S/4HANA -- Choosing the RIGHT "END Release" ---> 1503/1605 vs 1511/1610

[MPS4HANA]

Update :

1) The latest version of SAP S/4HANA Finance is 1605 released in May 2016.

2) The latest version of SAP S/4HANA Enterprise Management Edition is 1511 Feature Pack Stack 02 [ FPS02] - released in May 2016. The next MAJOR release of SAP S/4HANA Enterprise Edition is 1610 (expected end of  Oct 2016).

* Whether we will have quarterly release  FPS03 in Aug-End is yet to be known.

Suggestions :

1) If for some reason (mentioned below), one decides to implement SAP S/4HANA Finance, it is advised to compare S/4HANA Finance 1605 over 1503.

2) For clients looking for logistics innovations - the latest release to refer to is SAP S/4HANA Enterprise Edition 1511 FPS02 .

--------------------------- Original BLOG --------------------

Why understanding the “END-RELEASE” is important!!

•     Name SAP S/4HANA is associated (loosely used) with both release SAP S/4HANA 1511 & SAP S/4HANA 1503

•     Optimizations in Finance Area can be realized  using any of TWO ways  :

o     Simple Finance – S/4HANA 1503  aka sFIN 2.0  ( Suite on HANA + sFIN)

o     Finance in S/4HANA 1511 RELEASE  (S/4HANA 1511)

•     Finance related optimizations are available in both releases. Hence, it is important to understand what is the difference in Finance as well as other areas in both these versions.

•     with release of 1511, for work-in-Progress RFPs, Proposals & Projects in preparation phase – it is worth to REVISIT the “Proposed Solution” If the  solutioning was done with base as SoH+sFIN 2.0 (aka 1503), then it’s suggested to revisit the decision – with respect to “End-Release” (i.e. 1503 or 1511…), project plan, efforts, functionalities and so on….

Comparing SAP S/4HANA 1503 vs SAP S/4HANA 1511 !!

Frankly speaking, actually comparing these two release is like comparing a horse to an Elephant …  (I like both animals btw  so no offence)… however since the name SAP S/4HANA continues to be associated with both releases – 1503 & 1511, it becomes a necessity to compare these two versions – especially in the interest of clients & Projects

•     Planning to adopt / migrate to SAP S/4HANA

•     In-Flight Projects who are in Project-Preparation phase

•     Want to know the functionality and technical difference between the two.

Who may prefer to OPT for 1511 (or future release) over 1503 !!

•     Business where Sales, Manufacturing, Procurement processes are critical and important  - e.g. Manufacturing Companies

•     Business wanting benefits from Simplification and innovations in Logistics Area

•     S&MB looking for adopting SAP S/4HANA and DIMP Processes

Who may prefer to OPT for 1503 over 1511 !!

•     Business where Finance is a critical area and company looking for innovations and optimizations ONLY in Finance area!!

•     Financial Reporting is a Key pain area and companies looking for a “Consolidated and Central” Financial reporting!!

Parameters to consider ??

So, What are the KEY Differences!!

(A)   Finance Innovations in SAP S/4HANA 1511 (Over 1503)

(B)   Other Difference between SAP S/4HANA 1503 & SAP S/4HANA 1511

http://scn.sap.com/community/s4hana/blog/2015/12/10/sap-s4hana-1511-key-principles-implementation-im... http://scn.sap.com/docs/DOC-68846

(C)   Logistics Innovations in SAP S/4HANA 1511 & "Expected" Innovations in 1610.

(D)   Finally THE Release Management ROADMAP......

& now some feedback / questions which I would like to receive :

(a) Have you come across such a situation / query ?

(b) Should I have incorporated any other dimension ?

(c) Is the information for comparison element at required level or should I have compared it differently ?

I would be glad to know your views and suggestions....