How S/4 Hana becomes controllable

Starting with the simplification of FI/CO processes, the diverse logistics areas are currently being simplified with S/4 Hana.

The new "lean suite" makes previously technically unimaginable things possible: new business processes can be easily implemented thanks to immensely higher data processing speeds and the integration of new dynamic data sources (traffic, weather, IoT, Internet, etc.).

A switch to S/4 Hana is therefore only a matter of time for most customers; the "Journey to S/4Hana" is imminent.

However, it is not advisable to wait and see: S/4 Hana or Hana projects run partly like classic upgrade or migration projects, but in many areas they require new and additional work packages that are crucial for the successful conversion.

At the beginning of this planning, for example, there is the question about the appropriate deployment approach for the respective systems, because the further steps depend on this.

In addition, the type of transition is also significant: a greenfield or transformation approach requires a different procedure than a conversion (brownfield).

Other strategic points should be considered at an early stage:

• The planning of the future system landscape and the connected systems
• The user interface architecture, especially with SAP Fiori, and the SAP Hana Cockpit 2.0
• Recording future data flows, paths and volumes (see also article on p. 55)
• Interoperability also to external systems at partners or in the cloud

Beyond these infrastructure issues, it is also important to consider the impact on the organization's own operations, as demonstrated by the Alegri projects on Hana conversions:

• How do I organize the close cooperation between IT and business departments, which will become more important in the future?
• How do I manage the newly required knowledge around Hana, Linux, S/4 Hana processes and Fiori?
• Where will I get my (IT) services for these new topics in the future?
• How do I map the changing and new processes professionally and in support?

These diverse strategic topics must be discussed and systematically worked out through intensive talks between S/4 Hana experts and experts in the company's own organization.

Workshops are a tried-and-tested procedure for reconciling customer-specific requirements and special features with the new technological standards. The advantages of this holistic approach to the necessary and successful analysis are confirmed by all previous projects with customers.

The situation is different for technical issues: Here, IT-supported procedures can significantly simplify planning and reduce costs. A system analysis, such as that offered by Alegri with the Hana Readiness Check, very quickly creates an objective and detailed insight into essential issues in the (S/4) Hana conversion.

Despite all the technical groundwork and facilitation, Hana projects are complex and costly, but the risks can be safely managed by experienced Hana project managers.

Think big, start small

To tackle the complex and costly conversion of a complete SAP landscape, the Alegri S/4 Hana experts recommend the familiar "think big, start small" approach. In addition to the "think big" planning outlined above, there is also the "start small" approach.

The S/4 Hana projects at Alegri show that early initial test systems provide practical insight into the conversion and contribute significantly to planning security:

• What technical challenges do I face during the changeover?
• Should I switch to Hana 2 already?
• What does the MDC requirement mean for my existing Hana systems?
• What downtime should I expect and how can this be minimized to optimize costs?
• What technical and organizational steps need to be taken?
• What is the impact of the changeover on my processes and own programs?

Aligning the results of these measures with future data streams creates a clear picture of the target landscape, enabling low-risk planning of the path forward, optimal use of existing technical and financial resources and staff, as well as the addition of proven tools and experienced external consultants.

As a practical example, consider the conversion of a Hana landscape that first addressed a key master data system with low dialog usage before implementing the central ERP landscape.

In the meantime, this client is taking the next step and converting an FSCM system to S/4 Hana so that the simplified FI processes will be available in this special system with its new possibilities next time. The further networking and S/4 Hana resp.

BW/4 Hana systems are already in preparation. In this way, the customer stays up to date and can approach new technologies with low risk, implement them promptly and expand its lead in the market.