Assuming you are an “SAP insider and enthusiast,” chances are you have already heard that SAP recently extended support of ECC until 2027 under a brand new deal. Consumers also have the option of purchasing extended maintenance for only two percent more up to 2030. However, an extension doesn’t give you permission to waste your time.

Digital technologies that enable modern work culture will remain vital components of the future. So, businesses should embrace and implement an intelligent enterprise model now to ensure their continued success in the market.

Migration from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA can be an extensive and time-consuming endeavor, but can prove worth their while for businesses that seek to take advantage of all its features and functionality. Customers of SAP ECC (ERP Central Component) should prepare for S/4 HANA as it is considered the future of SAP.

What Is SAP ECC?

In essence, SAP ECC is an on-premise ERP infrastructure that can integrate information in real-time across different areas. So with it, you can instantly receive updates on sales activity while simultaneously updating inventory levels connected with it. Managers with an integrated view of an enterprise’s resources can make decisions based on data that enhance and streamline core business processes. Proper use of SAP ECC can significantly enhance your business operations in terms of logistics, finance, HR, product planning, and customer service.

SAP’s ERP system is extremely flexible, enabling businesses to customize its use according to how their business works. Due to this elasticity, it can even work alongside custom programs or third-party ones from third parties.

However, here’s what makes me worry:

As stated previously, support for SAP ECC will no longer be available after 2027 and therefore it’s essential that organizations switch quickly over to SAP S/ANA.

What Is SAP S/4HANA?

SAP S/4HANA is the company’s most recent release of its enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. It is completely built on the HANA in-memory database to help you do transactions correctly. You’ll also be able to look at your business info in real-time and learn important things from it.

The user experience of SAP ECC is fairly impressive as well. Data can easily be located with just one click and its capabilities and flexibility far outstrip those of its rival.

Apart from these functions, it can also – help manage inventory levels effectively and more.

 

• SAP S/4HANA makes updating business models much simpler than SAP ECC, so if you work in a hybrid environment it should work perfectly well for you.
• Businesses using S/4HANA don’t need to integrate acquisitions into their core system; data can instead be stored securely in the SAP public cloud for enhanced use.
• HANA provides more functionality integrated into a single solution than SAP ECC does, making it simpler for you to reduce ownership costs as well.
• SAP HANA features an in-memory database which is much faster and more agile than ever, while smart data design further reduces time consumption.
• Because it features an integrated machine learning and AI system, the SAP S/4HANA structure is capable of producing faster and more accurate predictive outcomes than ever before.
• SAP S/4HANA can also expedite period-end closings more quickly, while its predictive analysis system may further assist.

 

Assets of an organization should also be cared for proactively and exclusively, making it easier to predict when machines require maintenance and provide it promptly. A simple yet intuitive interface completes this offering.

Migration From SAP ECC to SAP HANA

There are three data conversion methods you can employ when migrating data from SAP ECC to SAP HANA, all of which require different approaches to be successful. Here’s what you need to know.

 

1. Brownfield Approach

With this strategy, you will be able to migrate SAP-based data without disrupting or changing any current environment, while keeping all business processes operational during the implementation of such an approach.

 

This procedure typically works well for companies who are satisfied with their current working structure and want to adapt it for use in a different environment. Some benefits associated with it may include:

 

• Your tool allows for seamless migration from ECC-based infrastructures into SAP S/4HANA ecosystems without disruption, with specific elements easily implemented into HANA.
• Assuming your current processes are integrated seamlessly with your system, adapting them will make the procedure faster and more efficiently completed without disrupting its running – an additional bonus point!
• As this approach doesn’t start from scratch, you should be able to complete this procedure within several days and with lower risks of making errors than traditional greenfield approaches.

 

However, if there is something amiss with your existing system, it will severely limit your scope for growing your business effectively. Furthermore, this procedure might not work well when working with futuristic technologies and practices; moreover, its technical impediments will likely be greater compared to greenfield solutions.

2: A Greenfield Approach

Greenfield Development In contrast with its counterpart, greenfield development involves building your system from scratch – without any legacy code that might obstruct development. To accomplish this task successfully, starting fresh is essential.

Greenfield development is often chosen when starting from scratch and without any external dependencies or constraints to consider. Unfortunately, such development projects have become rarer with modern life’s constant change due to being so time-consuming.

 

But if used appropriately, it can be very advantageous for your system in multiple ways – and should only be seen as one solution among many.

 

• Software development from scratch provides the chance to implement cutting-edge technologies from scratch and is typically employed when an infrastructure has issues in the first place.
• As such, you won’t feel restricted by existing infrastructure or systems and reliant on preconceived notions or business procedures for work to continue.

 

However, without clear direction on how you should begin your project, it can quickly turn into an unsuccessful venture and increase in risk significantly. There may also be too many development options out there to understand what approach is the right one for your situation.

3: Selective Data Transition

A selective data transition procedure offers an intermediate solution between greenfield and brownfield approaches, by taking some data from both existing systems while also starting some segments afresh.

With this approach, it’s easy to quickly establish brand-new configuration settings that will enhance all aspects of business proceedings exclusively. Furthermore, this approach enables you to maintain all historical data while adapting it for use within S/4HANA configurations.

 

Here’s why it can help your business or transformational project:

 

• Avoid disruption to business when moving data to SAP S/4HANA by opting for a single go-live and moving large volumes of information simultaneously.
• Utilizing this solution, you can easily migrate only relevant historical data while maintaining a seamless document flow or process chain. As much obsolete information such as company codes is left behind as possible.
• Determine the speed or efficiency you require and integrate projects and data segments seamlessly, with almost no downtime resulting in completion within hours or so.

Before embarking on any selective data procedure, a proper plan must be put together. Although it shouldn’t be too challenging to navigate successfully, having an idea about your goal and purpose is necessary – so start planning now with the help of migration experts!

Direct Data Transfer Procedure from ECC to SAP S/4HANA

Another approach can help simplify data migration into SAP S/4HANA: the direct data transfer procedure is fast, straightforward, and less challenging.

 

Here’s how the process usually unfolds –

 

• To begin data migration, the first step should be creating a project in FIORI-based ecosystems – simply clicking “create new migration project” will do just that.
• Now select the object for which you wish to migrate your master data, for instance, a Fi-CO Cost Center. Once clicked “save,” it will ask whether any predecessor objects should also be migrated alongside, in which case click on “add.”
• Now, select “View Details” to confirm that all predecessor details have been accurately recorded, and select “Add Cost Center Object.” Here, you will be able to gain more insight into who created the file, what source system was utilized, and when exactly it was made.
• Once clicked on, Cost Center projects will display an overview of all migration objects available within their segment. Since no activity has yet been created for their migration, some may appear as being “not Ready for Processing.”
• Now, tap on “show activity tracking,” and you will see that migration project preparation has started; once finished, this activity status will change to “completed.”
• As soon as your migration activity has been completed, the “not ready for process” status should become obsolete indicating that it’s now time to process the object being moved.

Now you can select any data you wish to move from SAP S/4HANA to SAP ECC, whether instantly or over several hours.

Benefits of Migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA

Here are a few benefits of upgrading from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA:

 

• Improved Performance: SAP S/4HANA is built on SAP HANA, which is an in-memory database. This can lead to dramatic increases in performance when handling large datasets; particularly for queries and reports with large amounts of information.
• Enhanced Analytics: SAP S/4HANA’s enhanced analytics features can assist businesses in making better decisions, from real-time data analysis to predictive modeling and machine learning. These features are all included.
• Improved user experience: SAP S/4HANA’s modern user interface has been designed to provide a better experience than that found on SAP ECC.
• Reduced Costs: SAP S/4HANA can assist businesses with cutting IT expenses by consolidating systems and eliminating legacy software.

Conclusion

Migration from SAP ECC to S4 HANA should not just be seen as an upgrade in technology; it can be an opportunity to make significant changes to how your company operates. You can ensure a successful migration by understanding why and giving thought to key factors when planning. Embark on S4 HANA for ERP’s bright future while opening up new possibilities for business growth.