The movement toward SAP S/4HANA is running at full steam – how about your company?
As you may be aware, the movement toward SAP
S/4HANA is running at full steam, and more than 13,800 customers are on this journey with us already. Recent surveys conducted by SAP user groups clearly reflect this: our German-speaking user group
DSAG reports increases in SAP S/4HANA investments and Americas SAP Users’ Group did not find a single customer not planning to move to SAP
S/4HANA.
In order to offer stability AND innovation to our customers, SAP has made the commitment to deliver innovations to our flagship product, SAP S/4HANA, through updates for at least the next 20 years. Customers will have this secure backbone in place delivering continuous innovation they can count on for business value. SAP will also provide mainstream maintenance for core applications of SAP Business Suite 7 until end of 2027 and an optional extended maintenance for additional fee until end of 2030. If you’re interested in learning more about the good news, take a look at the
recent announcement.
Some of our customers have already gained business benefits from their transition:
·
Daimler AG – In order to remain competitive and deliver key capabilities successfully to its business and its valued customers, Daimler deployed a next-generation global order and supply solution with SAP S/4HANA.
·
Sappi Papier Holding GmbH – Completing the migration within a short time frame and with no disruptions, Sappi laid the foundation for new processes, technologies, and future innovation projects.
·
Innogy SE - Taking advantage of SAP® Solution Manager and the preconfigured Focused Build solution for SAP Solution Manager, Innogy is simplifying its move to SAP S/4HANA®
So why should you start planning your transition now?
Why start now?
Recently, I came across an
interesting blog by Bjoern Braemer, Head of SAP S/4HANA Movement at SAP. Quote: "A well-managed project may result in expected outcomes, but its impact on the long-term health of your business is what delivers the greatest promise. SAP has the tools you need to build such a lasting future. It is always a good idea to change while you can, not when you have to. More importantly, access to the right services, assets, and tools makes the process easier."
What to plan for?
The preferred route to SAP S/4HANA: gradual migration
Companies are switching to SAP S/4HANA in different ways.
According to a survey initiated by the German-speaking user group DSAG, 20 percent of companies have completed or plan to execute a new implementation of SAP S/4HANA (Greenfield). Meanwhile, 39 percent favor a gradual implementation approach (Brownfield). Mixed approaches, e.g. hybrid solutions, are the preferred course of action for seven percent of companies, and 34 percent of companies remain undecided. Marco Lenck, DSAG Chairman: "There is an urgent need for adequate decision-making aids here, to help those who haven't yet made a decision or made concrete plans for an SAP S/4HANA project."
How to start?
The way you plan and execute the SAP S/4HANA program will substantially influence your ability to adopt next-generation business processes and use the new capabilities of SAP® products, while taking advantage of our service portfolio.
Therefore, SAP seeks to provide the best possible tools for your respective transition scenario. You will find detailed information about the tools for system conversion and new implementation in the
manifesto,
“Mapping Your Journey to SAP S/4HANA: A Practical Guide for Senior IT Leadership.”
Moreover, you can get help and guidance by leveraging our comprehensive service portfolio.
In order to gain more insights about how the tailored services offered through SAP MaxAttention, SAP ActiveAttention and SAP Value Assurance can help you on your journey, we’ve put together articles to introduce select service offerings. In order to tailor them to your individual needs, your dedicated front-office team – your (Lead) Technical Quality Manager, Enterprise Architect or Service and Support Partner – will be happy to help and provide guidance.
Author: Karin Fischenbeck, Change Management and Communications Lead, Premium Engagements, Services Middle & Eastern Europe, Customer Success, SAP SE
