The latest SAP S/4HANA has fascinated everyone with its massive in-memory database that allows you to centralize large amounts of ERP systems and other business applications into a single one. Its new functionalities, user-friendly interface, and outstanding analytics give migration to S/4 HANA a big yes.
If you’re looking forward to doing the same, here are the various options for your SAP S/4HANA transition that you need to know:
- New Implementation (also known as Greenfield-Approach).
- Selective Data Transition to SAP S/4HANA Approach (also known as System Transformation).
New Implementation (Greenfield-Approach)
The Greenfield-Approach allows you to migrate all your data to the new SAP S/4HANA system using the interfaces of the SAP S/4HANA-system. It means that the transfer does not occur directly at table level, and the interfaces provide assurance of the integrity of the target system.
Migration to S/4 HANA involves integrating different applications, followed by a high complexity of the relationship between them. But SAP ensures to avoid this unwanted relationship by providing the appropriate interfaces for the function of business objects. Again, this function is only applicable to open documents and does not work with historic or closed ones.
You can migrate these closed documents at table level on your own without involving the interface provided by SAP. However, you require adequate skills to perform the task, as failure to do so can create an inconsistent system, further worsening the case.
And hence, you need to ensure to choose the best SAP S/4 HANA migration services for yourself.
Selective Data Transition (System Transformation)
The Selective Data Transition Approach, lately known as the system transformation, is a newly developed transition option that allows you to transfer selected data to your SAP S/4HANA system and leave unwanted data behind.
It consists of two types of sub-scenarios, both of which are listed below:
- Shell Creation and Conversion
- Mix and Match
Both have different contributions in migration to S/4 HANA and are explained below.
Shell Creation
This option leaves the system vacant with the configuration by stripping all the data from your existing SAP ERP system. The system is converted to your SAP S/4HANA using system conversion. Since there is no data in the configuration, you can make the changes you need to your new SAP S/4HANA system.
After making the necessary changes, the next step is data migration to the S/4 HANA system. If you have applied for any changes in the new system, the historical data will change while transferring to the new SAP S/4HANA. The data changes that migrate on table level will be executed in special afterburner programs.
Use case of shell creation
Time Slice Scenario
This option allows you to strip off the unwanted data and only transfer specific material. For example, if you want to move your 2-year-old data from your system containing 5-year-old material, this option can help you with it.
Selective Company Code Transfer
With this option, you can move your selected company codes to your new SAP S/4HANA system at different time intervals. This option combines with the time slice scenario to complete its operation.
Adaptation and Selection Scenario
This scenario allows you to change certain system areas that you could not perform during system conversion. For example, you can implement a document split solution to the desired areas of your existing solution.
Mix and Match
Mix and Match is another option that helps you migrate to S/4 HANA by enhancing a Greenfield Approach for the safety of those parts of your configuration that do not require any changes. It allows you to start with a greenfield approach by retaining the old solutions.
You can proceed with this method by manually adding the configuration or with the help of tools.
Summary
These were the two most optimum ways to transfer your data to your new SAP S/4 HANA system. Although the entire process may sound complex, choose the right SAP S/4 HANA migration services to achieve the best. Contact us for more details!
