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    • SAP S/4HANA – Implementation and Migration to a Modern ERP System

    With Hicron, you can implement SAP S/4HANA from the ground up or smoothly transition from your current environment to a modern ERP system tailored to your organization’s needs.
    SAP S/4HANA – Implementation and Migration to a Modern ERP System
    SAP S/4HANA
    SAP S/4HANA – Implementation and Migration to a Modern ERP System
    • Learn about SAP S/4HANA
    • Who is it for?
    • End of support for SAP ECC
    • Public vs. Private Cloud
    • Business areas
    • Implementation paths
    • How do we work?
    • Transformation risks
    • Why Hicron?
    • Case study – Sharp
    • FAQ – frequently asked questions
    • Contact

    What is SAP S/4HANA?

    SAP S/4HANA is a modern ERP system based on SAP HANA technology. It was designed for rapid processing of large volumes of information, process automation, and real-time business analytics.

    In practice, SAP S/4HANA enables the management of key business areas within a single system: finance, controlling, sales, procurement, logistics, manufacturing, service, projects, and maintenance. Instead of relying on scattered sources, spreadsheets, and multiple inconsistent tools, organizations gain a unified environment for process management and decision-making.

    Compared to other solutions, SAP S/4HANA stands out with:

    • SAP HANA database leveraging in-memory processing,
    • simplified data model,
    • real-time business analytics,
    • modern SAP Fiori user interface,
    • ready-to-use business processes based on SAP best practices,
    • integration capabilities with SAP solutions and external systems,
    • flexible deployment models in the public or private cloud,
    • solid foundation for further automation, analytics, and innovation.

    Who is SAP S/4HANA for?

    SAP S/4HANA is a good fit for companies that want to increase control over their processes, make better use of data, and prepare organizations for future growth. The solution is used by both large corporate groups and international organizations, as well as mid-sized companies that require a scalable ERP system.

    SAP S/4HANA is most often chosen by organizations that:

    • use SAP ECC and are planning a migration to the next generation of ERP,
    • are implementing SAP for the first time and want to start with a modern architecture,
    • operate across multiple markets or companies,
    • process large volumes of operational and financial data,
    • want to improve reporting and access to current KPIs,
    • require greater process automation,
    • plan to standardize ways of working across a corporate group,
    • want to integrate their ERP with external systems, data platforms, or cloud applications,
    • need a solution ready to support business growth.

    SAP S/4HANA is particularly valuable for manufacturing, logistics, trading, services, financial services, and utilities companies, as well as organizations with complex operational structures.

    End of support for SAP ECC – what does it mean for your company?

    For many organizations using SAP ECC, migration to SAP S/4HANA is no longer a question of “if”, but “when and how”. SAP is focusing the development of new functionalities around SAP S/4HANA and cloud solutions, so postponing transformation decisions increases the risk of technological debt.

    SAP has announced mainstream maintenance for core SAP Business Suite 7 applications, including SAP ERP 6.0, until the end of 2027. After that date, optional extended maintenance will be available until the end of 2030. This means that companies using older SAP environments should already be planning the future development of their ERP architecture.

    The later an organization starts preparing, the greater the challenges may become in terms of expert availability, project scheduling, testing, data migration, and change management. In large companies, migration preparation can require many months of analysis, architectural decisions, and business arrangements.

    That is exactly why it is worth starting the planning process early – even if the migration itself will be carried out in stages. Early analysis helps define the project scope, identify risks, and select the strategy that best supports the organization’s goals.

    Do not wait until the last moment. Plan your migration to SAP S/4HANA.

    Why is it worth switching from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA?

    Migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA is one of the most important technology projects for companies operating within the SAP ecosystem. Legacy ERP systems increasingly limit the growth of organizations by hindering automation, extending reporting times, increasing maintenance costs, and complicating the implementation of new solutions.

    SAP S/4HANA enables them to move from a traditional ERP model to a modern environment that supports ongoing data analysis, faster decision-making, greater standardization, and easier integration with cloud solutions.

    Key benefits of migrating to SAP S/4HANA

    Modern ERP architecture
    a system based on SAP HANA and a simplified data model.
    Improved reporting
    access to financial and operational data without time-consuming processing outside the system.
    Greater automation
    reduced manual effort in accounting, procurement, sales, manufacturing, and logistics processes.
    SAP Fiori user interface
    a more convenient user experience on desktop, tablet, and smartphone devices.
    Readiness for growth
    easier implementation of applications, integrations, analytics, and cloud scenarios.
    Reduced risk of technological debt
    early planning helps avoid decisions made under time pressure.
    Greater process transparency
    consistent data and a single system supporting multiple departments.
    Stronger foundation for business transformation
    migration can become an opportunity to streamline processes, roles, data, and reporting practices.

    SAP S/4HANA: Public or Private?

    The deployment model has a significant impact on project cost, timeline, flexibility, and scope. SAP S/4HANA can be implemented as Public Cloud or Private Cloud, and the decision should be based on actual business requirements, organizational scale, process complexity, and regulatory requirements.

    SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition

    SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition is designed for companies that want to deploy a modern ERP system faster and leverage ready-made, standardized business processes. This model is particularly suitable for organizations willing to align their operations with SAP best practices and limit the scope of custom modifications.

    Key advantages:

    • shorter implementation time,
    • lower project complexity,
    • ready-to-use business scenarios,
    • regular updates,
    • reduced involvement of internal IT teams in infrastructure management,
    • good choice for organizations that want to quickly adopt a modern ERP system.

    When might Public Edition not be the best choice?

    SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition is not always the optimal solution. Another model may be worth considering if your company has highly complex and unique processes, extensive modifications in its current SAP ECC system, numerous business-critical integrations, or strict requirements regarding environment control.

    In such cases, SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition or a phased approach may be a better option, allowing for greater flexibility during the transformation.

    See more

    SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition

    SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition is designed for organizations that require greater control, broader customization capabilities, and a more flexible migration approach from their existing SAP environment.

    The Private Cloud model is often selected by companies with complex processes, extensive system architectures, stringent regulatory requirements, or large-scale operations.

    Key advantages:

    • greater control over the environment,
    • ability to retain selected existing configurations and extensions,
    • greater flexibility in process customization,
    • good direction for organizations migrating from SAP ECC,
    • ability to modernize ERP at your own pace,
    • support for more complex organizational and industry structures.
    See more

    Public Edition vs. Private Edition – comparison

    Which model should you choose?

    There is no single answer that fits every company. That is why, at Hicron, we analyze your processes, architecture, integrations, data, industry requirements, and business objectives before recommending the safest and most cost-effective implementation path.

    Not sure which SAP S/4HANA model is right for your company? We will help you compare the options and select a solution aligned with your processes, budget, and growth plans.

    Compare options with a Hicron expert

    Business areas supported by SAP S/4HANA

    SAP S/4HANA covers key enterprise processes and can be tailored to industry-specific requirements and the company’s operating model.

    Finance and controlling

    • financial accounting,

    • management accounting,

    • controlling,

    • cash flow management,

    • financial management (e.g., financial period closing).

    See more
    Sales and customer service

    • order management,

    • pricing and commercial conditions,

    • invoicing,

    • domestic and international sales operations,

    • sales team management,

    • commissions,

    • integration with logistics and financial processes.

    See more
    Procurement and supplier management

    • procurement centralization,

    • supplier management,

    • supplier evaluation,

    • budget control,

    • demand management,

    • procurement settlement,

    • integration with warehouse, finance, and planning processes.

    Logistics, warehouse, and supply chain

    • real-time inventory management,

    • warehouse management,

    • inventory planning,

    • ATP and product availability,

    • transportation management,

    • delivery synchronization,

    • material flow optimization.

    See more
    Production

    • production planning,

    • order scheduling,

    • quality control,

    • production resource management,

    • plan optimization,

    • support for complex manufacturing processes,

    • performance and cost analysis.

    Service, maintenance, and asset care

    • service contracts,

    • service request and work order management,

    • spare parts management,

    • warranties,

    • repair and inspection planning,

    • service resource management,

    • support for health and safety processes.

    Projects, research, and development

    • project planning and budgeting,

    • project logistics,

    • recipe management,

    • cost and profitability analysis,

    • integration with finance, procurement, and manufacturing.

    SAP S/4HANA implementation strategies

    Every organization starts from a different place. Some are implementing SAP for the first time, while others are migrating from SAP ECC or want to combine technological transformation with business process redesign. That is why selecting the right implementation strategy is critical for project cost, timeline, scope, and risk.

    Greenfield – new SAP S/4HANA implementation

    Greenfield means designing the system from scratch. It is the best path for companies that want to streamline processes, move away from old habits, and leverage SAP best practices.

    When should you choose greenfield?

    • when implementing SAP for the first time,
    • when existing processes require fundamental changes,
    • when your organization wants to reduce the number of custom extensions,
    • when standardization and business transformation are key objectives,
    • when designing the target operating model is more important than preserving the existing system.

    Brownfield – converting your existing system to SAP S/4HANA

    Brownfield involves a technical conversion of an existing SAP environment to SAP S/4HANA. This approach may be beneficial for organizations with stable processes that want to retain a large portion of their current setup.

    When should you choose brownfield?

    • when your company uses SAP ECC,
    • when current processes are well aligned with business needs,
    • when minimizing organizational change is important,
    • when a smooth transition to the new ERP version is the priority,
    • when your company wants to limit process redesign during the first phase of transformation.

    Selective data transition – a hybrid approach

    Selective data transition combines elements of greenfield and brownfield. It allows selected data, processes, or organizational units to be transferred while creating opportunities for system modernization and optimization.

    When should you choose the hybrid approach?

    • when your company wants to retain selected historical data,
    • when your organization operates across multiple companies or countries,
    • when not all processes should be migrated on a 1:1 basis,
    • when the transformation should be phased and controlled,
    • when your company wants to combine migration security with the ability to redesign selected areas.

    Each implementation path involves different costs, risks, and opportunities. At Hicron, we help you choose the strategy that best aligns with your current SAP environment and business objectives. Consult the best implementation approach.

    How will we guide you through SAP S/4HANA implementation or migration?

    At Hicron, we guide organizations through the entire SAP S/4HANA implementation or migration process. We combine technological expertise, business consulting, and experience gained from projects delivered for companies operating across multiple markets.

    We focus on more than just the technical go-live of the system. We help clients make decisions that shape their future operating model, including migration strategy selection, standardization scope, integration architecture, data quality, user readiness, and the future development of the system.

    We work to ensure that SAP S/4HANA is not merely a technology change, but genuine support for the organization’s business objectives.

    The most common risks of SAP S/4HANA migration

    Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is a strategic project that affects processes, data, users, and IT architecture. That is why it requires not only technical expertise but also effective risk management.

    1. Underestimating the project scope

    Migration is sometimes treated as a standard system upgrade. In reality, SAP S/4HANA changes the data model, selected processes, and the way users work. Failing to realistically assess the scope may lead to delays and increased costs.

    How we mitigate this risk: We start with a readiness assessment, evaluation of the current environment, and preparation of a realistic roadmap.

    2. Starting preparations too late

    Delaying the decision increases time pressure, makes access to experts more difficult, and limits the ability to carefully select the best strategy.

    How we mitigate this risk: We recommend starting the analysis phase early, even if the actual migration will be executed in stages.

    3. Data quality issues

    Outdated, inconsistent, or duplicated data can complicate migration and negatively impact user productivity after go-live.

    How we mitigate this risk: We plan data migration as a separate project area covering analysis, cleansing, mapping, and testing.

    4. Extensive custom code

    Years of SAP ECC modifications may not be compatible with the target SAP S/4HANA architecture or may require redesign.

    How we mitigate this risk: We analyze the custom code, identify critical elements, and recommend which extensions should be migrated, simplified, replaced, or retired.

    5. Insufficient testing

    A limited testing scope may result in issues after go-live, especially in cross-departmental processes and integrations.

    How we mitigate this risk: We include technical, integration, regression, and business testing and engage key users throughout the process.

    6. Lack of change management

    Even the best system will not deliver the expected results if users are not prepared to work in the new environment.

    How we mitigate this risk: We support communication, training, and user preparation to ensure the change is understood and accepted across the organization.

    Why Hicron?

    Trusted Advisor from day one
    We focus on partnership-based relationships and responsible advisory services. We combine the expertise of consultants and developers with the perspective of advisors who understand business processes, technology trends, and the capabilities of the SAP ecosystem.
    Experience since 2006
    We have been operating since 2006, delivering SAP projects for companies from various industries and markets. We closely follow SAP solution development, invest in consultant expertise, and help clients choose technologies that make business sense – not just satisfy technical requirements.
    International projects
    We have delivered implementation and transformation projects for clients operating in Europe, the United States, Australia, the MENA region, and other markets. This enables us to view business challenges from multiple perspectives and leverage the experience gained across different organizational models.
    Flexible cooperation models
    We offer various implementation cooperation models tailored to the scale of the project, the client’s way of working, and the preferred billing model. This allows projects to be planned according to the organization’s actual needs.
    Business and technology expertise
    SAP S/4HANA is not just a system. It is a transformation of processes, data, roles, and decision-making. That is why in our projects we combine expertise in finance, logistics, manufacturing, procurement, integrations, IT architecture, and change management.
    Experience in mitigating migration risks
    We help clients identify and reduce the most common SAP transformation risks: data quality, custom code, integrations, testing, cutover, dependencies between systems, and user readiness to work in the new environment.
    Sharp: SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA conversion

    Sharp Consumer Electronics Poland, part of a global technology brand with more than a century of history, planned to move from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA in order to modernize its ERP environment, retain the key capabilities of the existing system, and prepare the organization for future growth. The project included a technical conversion and a rollout, and its implementation was entrusted to Hicron due to the long-standing cooperation, trust, and strong expertise of its SAP Basis team.

    Read full case study

    Since the new functionality had to be launched in the middle of the fiscal year, time was our greatest enemy. However, thanks to the client’s strong involvement and the tremendous effort of our consultants, everything went like clockwork.

    Grzegorz Zubilewicz
    Key Account Manager, Hicron

    SAP S/4HANA – frequently asked questions

    What is SAP S/4HANA? SAP S/4HANA is a modern ERP system based on the SAP HANA database. It enables the management of key business processes, real-time data analysis, and work automation in areas such as finance, sales, procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and service.
    How is SAP S/4HANA different from SAP ECC? SAP ECC is a previous-generation ERP system, while SAP S/4HANA is a modern solution based on SAP HANA, a simplified data model, the SAP Fiori user interface, and enhanced analytics capabilities. SAP S/4HANA supports faster reporting, automation, and cloud-focused development.
    When should you start migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA? It is best to begin planning well in advance. Migration to SAP S/4HANA requires technical, business, process, and data analysis, so delaying the decision may increase the risk of time pressure, resource shortages, and higher transformation costs.
    What should you choose: SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition or Private Edition? Public Edition is a good choice for organizations that want to use ready-made, standardized processes and deploy a cloud ERP system more quickly. Private Edition is better suited to organizations that require greater flexibility, want to retain selected existing configurations, or need a more individualized approach to processes.
    What is the difference between greenfield and brownfield? Greenfield means a new SAP S/4HANA implementation and designing processes from scratch. Brownfield involves converting your current SAP system to SAP S/4HANA while preserving a significant portion of existing settings and processes.
    What is selective data transition? Selective data transition is a hybrid approach that combines elements of greenfield and brownfield. It allows selected data, processes, or organizational units to be transferred while enabling the modernization of other parts of the ERP environment.
    How long does an SAP S/4HANA implementation take? The implementation time depends on organizational scale, process scope, the number of integrations, data quality, and the selected deployment model. Simpler public cloud projects may be completed faster than large-scale migrations of SAP ECC environments to SAP S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition.
    Is SAP S/4HANA suitable for mid-sized companies? Yes, it is. SAP S/4HANA can be a good choice for both large organizations and mid-sized companies. The key is selecting the right deployment model, functional scope, and transformation pace.
    Does implementing SAP S/4HANA mean changing all processes? Not always. In a brownfield approach, some existing processes and configurations can be retained. In a greenfield approach, the company designs the system from scratch. A hybrid approach is also possible, where selected data and processes are migrated while other areas are modernized.
    How to start an SAP S/4HANA project? The first step should be an organizational readiness assessment covering processes, systems, integrations, data, and business objectives. Based on this, it is possible to define the optimal implementation strategy, budget, schedule, and project scope.

    Contact Request

    If you are considering the implementation of S/4 HANA or migrating to its latest version, please contact us.

    Our experts will explain the benefits of the new system and discuss the implementation with you. 
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