SAP S/4HANA - Start your project now

The following success factors can be derived from the previous experience of our SAP S/4HANA conversion projects:

1. A coordinated IT strategy
2. A defined target picture of the processes and functions of the SAP S/4HANA system at the time of GoLive
3. A well prepared legacy system at the start of the implementation project
4. Early know-how development of the project participants and informal integration of all users

All these tasks are prior to the technical implementation of the current SAP system and only 25% directly affect the system. However, it is precisely the coordinated strategic and organizational measures that contribute significantly to a smooth project flow. The uniform target picture and well-managed expectations of the project participants and the own users are an essential factor for the entire project duration. This is accompanied by the development of SAP S/4HANA know-how. This is particularly necessary for the preparatory work on the current SAP system. After all, if you know exactly what you are doing and why you are doing it, you will complete these tasks with the necessary care, which leads directly to point 3 above. 

Regardless of the chosen conversion approach, a well-prepared initial system is the guarantee for the success of the project. If a brownfield conversion is to be achieved, it should already be ensured that the technical maintenance status is as up-to-date as possible. Is the latest SAP kernel used and is the latest SAP Support Package installed? These are the requirements for an unproblematic technical conversion.

Furthermore, it is essential to check the quality of the master and transaction data. Can old data be archived? This can significantly reduce the scope of future data migration and the associated costs. It is also essential to check data consistency. This applies to document chains as well as to master data. Special attention should be paid to customer and supplier master data, as these will be managed as business partners in the future system and will be harmonized within the framework of customer-vendor integration. The prerequisites for quality-assured and reconciled master data can already be created today. In addition, the business partners can also be introduced in the legacy system, thus minimizing the migration effort..

Conclusion
To achieve the goal of an efficient and therefore cost-effective SAP S/4HANA migration, a great deal of preparation is necessary. Many of these tasks can be started immediately and reduce the effort and therefore the costs during the actual migration. The recommendation can only be to start immediately with the planning and activities of your SAP S/4HANA migration. The success will prove you right.