Database and data warehouse
SAP S/4HANA is a complete solution for business. It includes the SAP S/4 application as well as the HANA database. They operate based on the SAP HANA platform supported by in-memory database technology. What does that mean? Greatly increased capability to analyze huge amounts of data. HANA does not store data on disks, but processes it in internal memory using column-oriented data systems.
This, of course, creates new spaces for company savings – the optimized efficiency reduces administrative expenses, as the reports can be prepared without additional support from the IT department.
The system originally operated as ECC, while S/4HANA uses cloud solutions. This significantly increases the system’s capabilities in such areas as recording, collecting information, and performing calculations. At the same time all reports are created based on a single data source. It is possible to go back or refer to this source at any processing stage, which eliminates data manipulation. The new version of the SAP system has a single source of truth. It was created by combining data structures from Fi, AA, CO, and CO-PA modules into one ACDOCA table. This enabled a significant reduction in the amount of data, and thus – increased the speed of the system.
User friendly SAP
The most visible and appreciated change in SAP S/4HANA is the SAP Fiori interface. It may be called a small revolution as it allows the user to operate the system not only using a computer (like the previous SAP Logon), but is also available on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The application also underwent a significant metamorphosis to make it even more intuitive. It refers to mechanisms more familiar to standard users. The interface was constructed using tiles, making the system much easier and more convenient to use than the previous version (where every new user had to first learn all the intricacies of its operation). Thanks to the large pool of ready-made applications offered by SAP, it is easier to adapt it to the individual needs of the user.
It is important to emphasize that SAP Fiori is not just an add-on, but an integral part of SAP. This means that no additional time is needed to connect to the system in order to use it. Activities are carried out in real time, which saves time for the optimization of other processes.
In summary: transformation or necessity?
It is officially known that SAP is not going to support the development of the previous versions of the system after 2025. So is there any way out for companies to avoid conversion to S/4HANA? Maybe we should ask a different question:
The conversion is a quite complicated and long-term process (it can take up to 12 months). It is important to very carefully choose a partner who will not only walk you through all of its stages, but above all will be able to offer a more individual approach and become a unique advisor at all possible levels of optimization. Approximately 1.5 thousand companies throughout Poland require conversion, so you should think about contracting a trusted Partner as soon as possible.
