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Is your organization currently relying on SAP ECC to manage core business processes? Did you know that organizations depending on SAP ECC must migrate to SAP S/4 HANA as ECC approaches the end of support in 2027? SAP ECC is an enterprise resource planning software that helps organizations manage core business processes. However, it relies on traditional disk-based databases. On the other hand, SAP S/4 HANA is the next-generation ERP built on an in-memory database for faster processing.

Migrating to S/4 HANA future-proofs technology investment enables simplified data structure, deployment flexibility, automation, and business transformation. However, successfully navigating the transition from ECC requires careful planning and execution. This blog provides a step-by-step guide to help you navigate smoothly and effectively from ECC to S/4 HANA.

To understand SAP ECC to SAP S/4 HANA conversion, the foremost thing is to understand the basic difference between the two:

SAP ECC to S/4 HANA Migration Step-by-Step Guide

Migrating from SAP ECC to S/4 HANA is a complex undertaking that requires meticulous planning and execution. The key factors in opting for a migration approach suitable to your organization’s needs include organizational size, type and volume of business operations, volume and complexity of data/workloads to be migrated, and technical proficiency of IT personnel.

This guide covers the key phases in the migration journey to ensure a smooth transition:

ECC to S 1
1. Assessment and Planning
  • Objective: Analyze the current SAP ECC landscape.
  • Activities: Identify customizations, integrations, master data, and essential transactional data to be migrated. Create a robust migration project plan considering timelines, costs, resources, risks, and mitigations.
  • 2. System Landscape Design Objective

  • Design the target SAP S/4 HANA architecture.
  • Activities: Determine sizing for S/4 HANA servers, storage, and network components based on ECC data and usage. Architect the landscape specifying dev, test, QA, and production instances
  • 3. Infrastructure Setup Objective

  • Configure the SAP S/4 HANA infrastructure.
  • Activities: Set up VMs, operating systems, databases, application servers, and other virtualized components tailored to support S/4HANA.
  • 4. Data Migration

  • Objective: Migrate data from ECC to S/4 HANA
  • Activities: Design data extraction processes from ECC using SAP Data Services. Transform data to match S/4HANA models. Load data into S/4HANA and validate accuracy/completeness.
  • 5. Customization and Integration

  • Objective: Adapt custom code and integrations for S/4 HANA.
  • Activities: Assess ECC custom code for compatibility with S/4HANA and remediate issues using ABAP Development Tools. Retrofit integrations with peripheral systems.
  • 6. Testing

  • Objective: Ensure functionality and performance of the S/4 HANA system.
  • Activities: Conduct unit testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing, performance testing, and security/penetration testing of the S/4HANA landscape.
  • 7. Training and Change Management

  • Objective: Prepare users for the S/4 HANA system.
  • Activities: Create training materials and conduct workshops tailored to user groups. Drive adoption through communications and floor walking.
  • 8. Go-Live Support

  • Objective: Support transition to S/4 HANA.
  • Activities: Execute cutover to production, provide 24×7 assistance for issues, optimize issues in the stabilization phase, and transition to ongoing support.

  • Following this approach ensures that the migration from ECC to S/4 HANA delivers maximum value while minimizing disruption to business operations.

    The migration from ECC to S/4 HANA is a monumental undertaking and an opportunity to transform digitally. Organizations can proactively anticipate these challenges and define mitigation strategies to ensure a smooth transition to S/4 HANA.

    People Tech Group Advocates Successful Transition to S/4 HANA

    1. Greenfield Approach: The Greenfield approach allows the development of new procedures and systems, even for existing SAP users. This method aligns well with structural changes, offering the flexibility to migrate data gradually.

  • Alignment with model or structure changes.
  • Continuity in data migration during system implementation.
  • No mandate to abandon data. Flexibility through the simultaneous operation of old and new systems.
  • 2. Brownfield Approach: The Brownfield implementation involves the migration of customizations and data to SAP S/4 HANA while preserving existing processes. People Tech’s SAP Readiness Check streamlines this process by identifying actions, saving time, and ensuring compatibility.

  • Verifying simplicity items to match S/4 HANA advancements with current processes.
  • Evaluating S/4 HANA custom code compliance.
  • Confirming compatibility of third-party and SAP add-ons. Recommending SAP Fiori Apps based on transaction history.
  • 3. Hybrid Approach: People Tech’s SAP services introduce the Hybrid approach, seamlessly blending Greenfield and Brownfield methodologies. This flexible model empowers large businesses to revamp workflows while retaining crucial customizations. Automated software-centric transformation minimizes risks associated with transitioning to SAP S/4 HANA. Swift, automated transition.

  • Minimized manual intervention and risks.
  • Selective revamping of system components while retaining essential functionality.
  • Promotion of a seamless and confident shift to SAP S/4 HANA.
  • The S/4 HANA platform provides a simplified data structure, unified systems, and real-time analytics that can redefine business processes through AI/ML. However, these benefits require meticulous planning and structured execution spanning infrastructure, integrations, custom code, etc.

    Whether opting for the Greenfield, Brownfield, or Hybrid approach, organizations must align their chosen strategy with business objectives, ensuring a successful and future-ready transition. People Tech Group stands ready to guide enterprises through this evolution with a Buzz Session on SAP ECC to S/4 HANA Migration.

    People Tech Group has the methodology and expertise to partner with organizations through the migration journey. The effort invested in structured migration to S/4HANA results in a future-ready digital core to drive innovation and growth.

    Partnering with the experts at PeopleTech Group de-risks this transformation and unlocks the full potential of an organization’s investment in S/4HANA. Reach out to People Tech Group to discover how the right approach can help you seamlessly migrate from SAP ECC to S/4 HANA.

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