What are greenfield and brownfield implementations?
An SAP implementation based on the greenfield approach means designing a new environment from the ground up. Instead of replicating the existing solution, the system is configured without taking existing structures and processes into account. The required data is then migrated to the new system within a defined scope and using the selected migration method.
This is the key difference between greenfield and brownfield implementations. While greenfield involves designing target processes and solutions from scratch, brownfield is based on converting an existing SAP ERP system to SAP S/4HANA. In this case, the starting point is the current environment, including its configuration, data, organizational structures, and some of its processes. While greenfield makes it possible to leverage standard SAP S/4HANA capabilities more effectively and streamline ERP operations, brownfield provides greater operational continuity.
SAP implementation – greenfield or brownfield?
Let us take a closer look at the differences between the brownfield and greenfield approaches. We already know that the starting point for greenfield is a new environment designed from scratch, with new structures and processes, whereas for brownfield, it is an existing SAP system that is converted while retaining a significant proportion of its processes and existing way of working. What else?
Greenfield and brownfield SAP implementations also differ in how they are perceived by users. In the former case, the change is much more significant for them than with brownfield, where familiar processes and structures are retained. What about the risk? For greenfield, the risk is underestimating the scale of process and organizational changes, for brownfield – carrying inefficient solutions and technical debt over to the new system.
Greenfield or brownfield SAP implementation – which one to choose?
It is worth remembering that there is no single approach that is right for every organization. The decision should be made following an in-depth business, process, and technical analysis, taking into account the transformation objective, the value of existing processes, the state of the data, and the complexity of the IT environment. The company’s ability to adapt to change and any existing operational or time constraints are also important.
So which SAP implementation approach should you choose? Greenfield or brownfield? Greenfield is an excellent choice when an organization is seeking a deep transformation, standardization of processes across multiple business units, a reduction in excessive modifications, or replacement of a heterogeneous system landscape with a single, consistent solution. It is also a suitable path for companies that have not previously used SAP.
And brownfield? This implementation approach is worth considering when the existing SAP environment is stable and the existing processes meet current business needs. It is a good choice when the goal is to retain the configuration and data history while limiting the scale of change.
Brownfield or greenfield implementation? The transformation objective is what matters
Start over with greenfield, or limit the scale of change with brownfield? When choosing an implementation path, the primary consideration should not be implementation time or minimizing the scale of change. The right choice is the approach that best aligns with the organization’s strategy and makes it possible to create an environment that enables safe growth. If you need support in choosing the right approach, Hicron is here to help. We will compare the available scenarios and help you select the approach that best fits your company’s processes, architecture, and objectives.
