SAP S/4 HANA is a business management solution designed to help companies manage their operations more efficiently. It is the fourth ERP package created by SAP. Its innovative design contrasts quite well with the standard interaction database.
Such popularity attracts more and more people, so questions arise about its implementation and use. In this ZTalent blog post we compiled four of the nine most frequently asked questions about SAP S/4 HANA answered by Eric Smith in the SAP Press Blog.
1. What is the business advantage of SAP S/4 HANA?
Smith offers a straightforward response to the first of the frequently asked questions concerning SAP S/4 HANA: Why SAP S/4 HANA and nothing else? because it is an entirely novel corporate suite with very effective and streamlined features. The platform collects data in addition to transactional procedures. To offer business users dynamic counsel for real-time decision making, based on data from many platforms, requires a more creative approach.
Companies can now make financial model calculations utilizing SAP HANA Business Suite’s cost savings and TCO enhancements. The SAP S/4HANA platform is likewise covered by these calculations.
However, SAP S/4HANA capabilities also offer extra advantages like the usage of cutting-edge user interfaces, smaller data sets, more adaptability, and higher performance. For instance, highly effective integrated solutions and quick financial closings will benefit financial institutions more than others and increase their profit margins.
2. How long does it take to implement SAP S/4HANA?
Industry research has shown that SAP S/4HANA is increasingly adopted by companies as a modern and advanced solution for business management. As companies become more digital, the need for a business management solution that is capable of managing large amounts of data in real time becomes increasingly important.
In this regard, the implementation of SAP S/4HANA has become a priority for many companies. According to SAP research, approximately 75% of companies that choose to migrate to SAP S/4HANA have successfully converted their existing SAP business models to SAP S/4HANA within six months. This suggests that implementing SAP S/4HANA is a relatively quick and easy process for most companies.
However, some companies opt for greenfield initiatives, which allow them to completely reimagine their ERP ecosystem using SAP S/4HANA’s advanced technologies. On the other hand, brownfield initiatives focus on enhancing and optimising an existing IT environment using modern technologies. Both initiatives have specific benefits and limitations, and their implementation process usually takes several years in most cases.
3 Does SAP provide software to facilitate migration to SAP S/4HANA?
Migrating to a new software platform can be a costly and complicated process for many companies. SAP is aware of this and has developed a specific software solution, called SAP Rapid Deployment, to help its customers migrate quickly and efficiently to both the SAP HANA database and SAP S/4HANA Finance.
The SAP Rapid Deployment solution consists of pre-configured packages that are delivered by SAP and sometimes enable fixed-price implementations. This means that companies can avoid costly implementation delays and reduce the time it takes to get the new system up and running. By providing a complete, pre-configured solution, SAP helps customers reduce the risks associated with migration and maximise the return on investment of their new software platform.
In summary, SAP Rapid Deployment is a valuable solution for companies looking for a fast and efficient migration to SAP HANA or SAP S/4HANA Finance. With this solution, SAP demonstrates its commitment to helping customers implement new technologies efficiently and cost-effectively.
4 What experience do potential implementing partners have?
Finally, the last of these first four frequently asked questions about SAP S/4 HANA concerns implementation. Naturally, integration providers strive to offer fast and efficient implementation options. SAP’s service partners have extensive experience in implementing SAP Business Suite and now SAP S/4HANA. More than 60% of implementation operations are carried out by partners and integration partners rather than by SAP.
To educate and train implementation partners on the latest software and solutions, SAP conducts regular partner programmes. The SAP Global Partner Organisation (GPO) often organises “Enabling Sessions”, where partners quickly learn about innovative new technologies and the ways in which SAP S/4HANA could impact their operations.
