SAP Capabilities: What to Expect from the Move From ECC to S/4HANA
- Angela Novelli
- 27 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The world’s leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP, is used by more than 400 thousand companies worldwide, including large corporations such as Apple, Walmart, Boeing, and Unilever. It is incorporated into small, medium, and large enterprises across industries, and like many other forms of technological programs and software systems, it has continued to advance and adopt more features.
In 2015, SAP introduced its newest system built on the SAP HANA in-memory database, SAP S/4HANA. This is an upgraded system for businesses to implement, shifting from ECC to launch new and improved experiences for core business functions. However, some businesses may be falling behind in adapting this upgrade to S/4HANA, whether due to costs or possible high complexity involved in making the switch.
These factors are important to take into consideration as our team has done for over two decades when implementing SAP systems for our clients. Sedna Consulting Group was founded by SAP-trained consultants with a mission to help organizations utilize ERP technology to drive business growth, and there remains a core focus on that vision even today. Reach out to our team at info@sednacg.com to learn more about our SAP global capability services.
In this article we will highlight the advanced features in SAP’s newest system and why businesses should move forward with the move from ECC to S/4HANA before the former is phased out.
Why Do Businesses Have to Make the Upgrade to S/4HANA?
SAP is ending support for ECC at the end of 2027, with extended maintenance available until 2030 at an increased cost. Companies that do not make the switch to S/4HANA very soon are more likely to face functional and security issues when ECC’s time runs out.
For SAP ECC users, upgrading to S/4HANA has officially become a “when” and not an “if,” and moving forward on this path will enable overall business growth in innovative new ways.
Key Features of S/4HANA
SAP S/4HANA has brought with it several brand new features and robust upgrades that continue to advance and evolve with the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. It contains AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics that are built-in, transforming businesses with intelligent automation capabilities. Here are a few of the key features included in S/4HANA:
Fixed Real-Time Analytics: This system allows for access to real-time insights which enables immediate decision making without the need for processing delays.
Simplified Data Model: S/4HANA introduces more streamlined logistics and inventory management while eliminating data redundancy through simplification processes. An example of this is the Universal Journal, which combines different accounting components into one comprehensive table.
In-Memory Database: It uses the SAP HANA in-memory database, which stores data in RAM instead of disk storage, improving speed and performance for complex transactions and analyses.
Flexible Deployment Options: S/4HANA is available for both public and private cloud as well as hybrid deployments.
SAP Fiori UX: Fiori is the new user experience (UX) for SAP, which provides a more user-friendly interface built with modern design principles. Its intuitive and responsive design enhances its usability across different devices to improve efficiency.
Benefits that Accompany the Upgrade to S/4HANA
Leveraging the key features of S/4HANA means making the upgrade from ECC sooner rather than later — many businesses have already switched systems and are now reaping those benefits to enhance business growth. Real-time analytics, a simplified data model, and the Fiori UX are contributing to various innovative improvements in core business processes.
Boosted Efficiency: S/4HANA’s capabilities with real-time analytics allows for much quicker decision making. In addition, businesses will experience faster data collection and analysis, enabling them to more efficiently understand where their strengths exist and what factors need improvement.
Improved User Experience: With the Fiori interface, employees can adapt easily no matter their skill level or experience. The interface is much more simplified and modern, and also built for easy access on mobile devices.
Integration of Intelligent Technology: S/4HANA includes built-in AI and machine learning capabilities, allowing businesses to benefit from advanced automation, intelligent document processing, and predictive analytics. Businesses will be able to improve data-driven decision making and unlock new efficiencies through this upgraded system.
Challenges in Shifting to S/4HANA
Companies are likely to face a few different challenges in upgrading their SAP system, but preparing comprehensive strategies and seeking out support from experts are helpful ways to mitigate such obstacles, including:
Data Migration: The migration of vast amounts of data is a complex challenge that many companies face when shifting to S/4HANA. This alone can cause such an upgrade to take a year or two, especially if there are large numbers of inconsistent or obsolete data within ECC systems.
Adapting Customizations: Any custom code developments made in ECC will likely need to be reversed or redesigned entirely using modern extension frameworks. Companies may have to adapt to big changes in their business processes that have been integrated throughout their ECC use.
Change Management: It can be difficult to transition to new interfaces, especially ones like Fiori that are completely modernized and change how employees interact with their business’s core systems. It is important to ensure change management strategies to prepare employees for a big shift to limit any user resistance.
The upgrade to S/4HANA may be challenging for businesses, but its benefits and key features make it a worthwhile investment for overall business growth. It can take up to several years to completely make the upgrade to S/4HANA, but time is running out on the older ECC system. Our team at Sedna possesses deep functional and technical expertise within the SAP ecosystem and is prepared to assist clients with their shift to new ERP systems.
“You must always be able to predict what’s next and then have the flexibility to evolve.”
– Marc Benioff, CEO & Co-Founder, Salesforce
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