Enabling business transformation through SAP S/4HANA migration
Key highlights
Strategic SAP
migration governance
Efficient resource
utilization
Streamlined
execution
Future-ready
ERP system
The need for a next-generation ERP system
A leading manufacturer of security solutions faced an urgent need to migrate from SAP ECC to S/4HANA following SAP’s announcement to end extended support for ECC by 2030. This migration was critical to future-proof the company’s ERP system, streamline its processes, and enhance its operational capabilities across local entities and product lines.
However, the company was simultaneously undergoing a larger business and IT transformation, making it essential to balance priorities and resources effectively.
Challenges in execution
The SAP migration posed significant challenges due to:
- Resource constraints: Ongoing transformation initiatives consumed substantial IT and business resources, leaving limited bandwidth for the migration.
- Previous migration setback: An earlier attempt to migrate was paused due to the lack of external expertise and proper governance structures.
- Complexity of alignment: Ensuring collaboration between IT and business units, along with external resources, was critical for success.
Building a framework for success
To address these challenges, we developed a structured approach to guide the migration process:
1. Establishing governance and alignment
A governance structure was defined to ensure clear accountability and seamless coordination. This included forming a cross-functional team comprising internal IT and business stakeholders, as well as external resources, to plan and manage the migration effectively.
2. Selecting the right system integrator
A comprehensive tendering process was conducted to identify a qualified system integrator. This ensured the onboarding of an experienced partner capable of managing the technical complexities of the migration.
3. Balancing priorities
A phased migration plan was developed to minimize disruption to ongoing transformation projects. This allowed the company to allocate resources efficiently while advancing its migration goals.
4. Ensuring business continuity
Business-IT alignment was prioritized throughout the project to safeguard operational continuity and maintain focus on value chain modernization.
Delivering measurable outcomes
The migration project delivered transformative results for the company:
- Seamless transition to S/4HANA: The migration ensured the company’s ERP system is modern, scalable, and supported beyond 2030.
- Improved operational efficiency: The new system streamlined processes, enhancing the company’s ability to manage its product lines and local entities.
- Stronger collaboration: The governance structure fostered collaboration across departments, ensuring all stakeholders were aligned.
- Enhanced scalability: The migration laid the foundation for future growth and innovation in the company’s business and IT operations.
Future-proofing through SAP migration
This project illustrates the importance of a well-structured approach to ERP migration, particularly in complex organizational contexts. By establishing robust governance, aligning business and IT objectives, and partnering with the right system integrator, the company successfully navigated the challenges of migration while maintaining focus on its broader transformation goals.
As businesses face evolving technological landscapes, migrating to next-generation ERP systems like S/4HANA is not merely an operational necessity – it is a strategic investment in resilience, scalability, and future growth. This initiative demonstrates how effective planning and execution can transform a challenge into an opportunity for innovation and excellence.