Whether you’re implementing SAP S/4HANA for the first time, migrating from outdated SAP solutions to the new HANA database, or integrating core SAP modules, applications, and external tools in one solution, navigating each step of the process without the right team in place can lead to money down the drain and a lot of wasted time.
Luckily for you, this is where our team of senior-level SAP S/4HANA consultants comes in!
Read on for a more in-depth look at the S4 HANA solution, as well as best practices to follow during S/4 HANA transformation processes, key features of the product, and where our SAP consultant team can fit in your organization.
The Lowdown on S4/HANA Consulting SAP Services
S4 HANA Consulting SAP Services offer expert guidance and support for organizations seeking to implement, optimize, or migrate to SAP’s S/4HANA platform.
These services encompass a range of strategic planning, implementation, customization, and support offerings tailored to address each client’s specific needs and challenges, ensuring a smooth transition to S/4HANA and maximizing the platform’s capabilities for enhanced business outcomes.
What is SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA is the next evolution for SAP, helping SAP customers cut operating times and improve process efficiency and preparing users for the future growth of core SAP solutions…
Unlike SAP ERP Central Component (SAP ECC), the new in-memory S/4HANA solution operates within the HANA database, allowing end-users to view data, access real-time analytics, and generate reports much faster than standard application capabilities.
S/4HANA leverages intelligent enterprise resource planning (ERP) functionality and built-in connection to random-access-memory (RAM) to integrate and manage existing business processes, deliver critical applications on a streamlined infrastructure, and drive digital transformation initiatives across business units.
The HANA database allows users to customize their solutions according to their needs without archiving or purging data across the company, including sales, finance, procurement, supply chain management, and more.
Critical Advantages of SAP S/4 HANA
- Simplified IT Management and Administration
- Reduced Operational Costs
- Improved Efficiency and Performance
- Scalable and Flexible Solutions
- Improved User Experience
- Innovative Integrations
Things to Consider When Implementing SAP S/4HANA Services
Building a roadmap development plan for your new SAP implementation, integration, or upgrade project can get a little complicated sometimes, especially without the right tools, resources, or personnel.
Here are a few key things to consider when getting started with the SAP S/4HANA solution…
New Rollouts
When switching to S/4HANA, there are a few best practices to keep in mind to drive business value and facilitate growth throughout the implementation process.
- Define the scope of your implementation project
- Manage localization across business units
- Standardize data management processes throughout the organization
- Outline documentation for system configuration, testing, and training
- Acquire deeper insights by measuring advanced analytics capabilities
On-Premise vs. Cloud Versions
Determining which version of SAP S/4HANA to implement throughout your organization is another key consideration in making the most of your new solution.
On-Premise Edition:
The on-premise version is situated on the in-memory database, allowing customers to manage SAP data centers, applications, and servers in the same place.
With on-premise solutions, customers are also given complete control over their deployment and maintenance procedures to ensure the functionality and flexibility of their system meet their needs.
On-premise implementations often require a little more time, effort, and money than cloud implementations, but integrations and data transfer across the organization are generally simpler and more efficient.
Cloud Edition:
The SAP S/4HANA Cloud is the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) version of the solution, allowing customers to take advantage of the on-premise capabilities without needing additional databases, hardware, or internal IT staff.
Although the cloud version offers less flexibility and opportunities for customization, implementations are often completed more quickly than on-premise implementations. The cloud edition also allows users to scale their services up or down as needed in a cheaper, more efficient manner.
Upgrading to HANA
Migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA is no small feat, so you need to ensure you have the right tools to manage data and change management processes in the most efficient way possible.
When upgrading your system, it’s essential to outline a well-defined conversion approach, including steps for discovery, preparation, exploration, functional realization, deployment, and maintenance.
Here are some of the key advantages of SAP S/4HANA (as compared to SAP ECC)…
- Real-time analytics and transactional processing functions in a unified digital core
- Simplified data analysis, reconciliation, and maintenance processes
- More intuitive, innovative business processes through improved HANA functionality
- Modern, functional user interface in SAP Fiori
- Choice between on-premise, cloud, or hybrid deployment approaches
Navigating Green, Blue, and Brown Fields
When considering the switch to the HANA database, accounting for personalized data fields, reporting functions, and other accumulated customizations across your organization is non-negotiable. Outlining a plan to accelerate the SAP S 4HANA migration process is essential to your company’s success.
Here are the main approaches to data migration in SAP HANA…
Green Fields
The Green Field approach is an out-of-the-box solution that requires little to no customization for SAP users. This approach is easier to manage on the IT front, but it requires a lot of change management from users to navigate a system without custom fields or lists to organize and manage data.
Brown Fields
The Brown Field approach allows users to move their accumulated customizations from outdated SAP solutions to the HANA database with seamless connectivity and ease of use. This approach requires more customization work for the IT team, but it is easier for users to understand and navigate because they can transfer their custom fields directly to HANA.
Blue Fields
The Blue Field approach is a hybrid mix of the Green and Brown field approaches, allowing users to leverage standardized data management capabilities and existing customizations to ensure they’re getting the most value out of their SAP system.
Our SAP Consulting Services
Unlike out-of-the-box SAP implementation services and traditional consulting firms, our team of senior-level SAP consultants provides a more personalized approach to implementations, integrations, and upgrades to ensure your needs are met…the first time.
Our senior-level, US-based SAP consultant team not only offers the functional knowledge and technical expertise you need to complete even the most complex S 4HANA implementations or integrations, but we also emphasize personalized project management to ensure you’re getting the most out of your SAP investment — no matter what.
Our S/4HANA consultants have extensive experience with all module areas within SAP, and they have helped clients in various SAP environments complete successful implementation, integration, product innovation, and post-implementation support projects.
Getting Started with Us
Whether you need help rolling out your new S/4HANA solution from scratch, leveraging integrations with other SAP solutions to enhance business value, or navigating changes in an increasingly unpredictable world, Surety Systems is here to help.
Want to learn more about our SAP consulting services? Ready to get connected with one of our top-notch SAP consultants? Contact us today to get started!
