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The S/4Hana conversion: advantages and methodology

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Do you know the meaning of conversion?

Conversion is the act of migrating one system to another. In short, data is converted from one format to another using the tools provided by the publisher.

In the context of an S/4HANA project, we can talk about conversion for both greenfield and brownfield projects. In both cases, data migrations are carried out.

But what are the advantages of switching to S/4HANA? And what is the best method for a successful S/4HANA conversion?

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Why choose the S/4HANA conversion?

S/4HANA is the next-generation ERP solution. Intelligent, it provides innovative answers to your company’s current needs. At stake is data processing by the HANA in-memory database, a veritable gold mine for your business.

The advantages of choosing S/4HANA

  1. Several engines integrated into Hana: Indexing, predictive, data quality, etc.
  2. Hana in-memory database performance: Reporting, accelerated complex processes, simple and quick-to-implement indicators, permanent 360° view, etc.
  3. Embedded analytics: Integrated reporting, real-time data utilisation directly in the system, easy modelling
  4. New processes available: Example with MRP (calculating purchase requirements based on demand), simulations can now be performed in minutes instead of hours.
  5. Redesigned ergonomics based on web access: Fiori based on HTML5
  6. Native interconnection with the SAP cloud: Pre-configured scenarios RFID, artificial intelligence, BOT, Analytics Cloud and predictive analytics, etc.
  7. Greater flexibility in ERP management and analytical approaches

The different methods for switching to S/4HANA

S/4HANA conversion in greenfield mode

This approach is similar to a system migration.

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The idea?

Start from your existing ERP system to set up a new one.

This method allows you to start again from your existing processes while taking advantage of new possibilities as if it were a new ERP project.

Since the operating principles and organisation remain very similar, it is fairly easy to resume your processes.

Among the major changes to note are the user interface and certain features that SAP has optimized in S/4HANA, including the merger of financial and analytical accounting. It is also an opportunity to replace specific features that were covered by the SAP standard.

Why carry out a greenfield conversion?

+ A smaller and cleaner database after conversion

+ Time savings on projects

+ More standardized processes, cleaning up specific developments

+ No archiving required, lower hardware requirements

+ Ability to directly leverage new S/4Hana features without having to convert or enrich old data

S/4HANA conversion in brownfield mode

The S/4HANA conversion in brownfield mode is equivalent to an upgrade of your existing system.

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In this case, all data must be migrated to a new operating system and servers. For example, data hosted on Windows SQL will be migrated to a Linux server with Hana. The migration tool will then be able to retrieve the information from your original ERP and inject it into the new Hana database. It will transform the data as it would during a traditional upgrade, thereby preserving your history, settings and specific requirements.

Please note: this method requires a more extensive testing phase to verify that the data is working correctly in the new configuration.

In the case of a brownfield migration project, an archiving project may be appropriate (exporting old data to a storage medium to reduce the size of the database). This is particularly important as the size of the database directly impacts the size of the Hana server (memory storage).

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Why carry out a brownfield conversion?

+ The ability to continue to use historical data online

+ Maintain the functioning of existing ERP processes as much as possible

+ Minimize the involvement of business teams

+ Resume specific developments (adaptations are often necessary, however)

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RISE, the turnkey SAP hosting solution

Previously, the public cloud was restrictive for businesses. It did not allow for the installation of add-ons or ABAP developments, for example.

With SAP’s RISE solution, there are no longer any limits to the cloud. RISE offers the option of hosting your system by SAP itself, while allowing you to manage all extensions and developments as if the system were on your premises.

And because one advantage rarely comes alone with SAP, the publisher takes care of all the technical aspects and maintenance of your operating system and database. This frees you from all security management, networking, patching, backups, and the resources needed to ensure optimal performance. SAP takes care of all technical tasks and monitoring of the application part of your system. You can even use RISE with your classic ECC ERP for your S/4 Hana migration without having to purchase additional hardware resources locally.

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CONSEILS-PLUS, your SAP integrator for the S/4HANA conversion

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CONSEILS-PLUS has 50 functional and technical experts who have been working on SAP solutions for 15 years. The firm already has experience with several international S/4HANA conversion projects.

From the initial assessment to the actual S4/Hana conversion, we support you through every stage of implementing S/4HANA in your company so that you can make the most of the opportunities available to you.

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Our experts are here to support and advise you throughout your S/4HANA conversion project.

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