Implementing SAP S/4HANA is a detailed process. Before any actual implementation can be done, the steps need to be planned perfectly. For this reason, an SAP implementation roadmap is a must. This roadmap gives organizations a detailed, structured path to follow, making sure that the deployment is handled flawlessly from start to finish. Here’s what to know:
What is the SAP Implementation Roadmap?
The SAP Implementation Roadmap is a detailed plan that outlines each phase of the implementation process including what tasks need to be handled and what needs to be delivered to successfully deploy a SAP solution. It is designed to guide project teams through each stage so that nothing falls through the cracks or is left unresolved.
In order to fully transition to and implement the SAP roadmap, teams will typically go through five steps:
READ MORE: How to Transition to SAP S4/HANA with AWS
1.Prepare
To lay the foundation for the project, the core team will need to be assembled and project goals will need to be defined. During the planning and preparation stage of the process, the overall project environment is set up. Goals are established and the team is brought together, onboarded, and aligned so that the next stage can begin.
2. Explore
During this stage of the roadmap, the project team conducts fit/gap workshops and discussions that lead to the creation of a functional design. This documents the various business practices and serves as a guide on how to configure and set up the system.
3. Realization
The system is then set up and configured based on information delineated in the functional design. Coupled, but slightly lagging is a technical design for things such as interfaces to other systems, custom reports, etc. These two key documents are referred to as the solution design. To make sure the system is fully functioning and that it meets all of the aforementioned requirements, the project team will perform various types of testing and migrate the data over to make sure the system is fully functioning and that it meets all of the aforementioned requirements. In this final preparation stage of the SAP Implementation Roadmap, any remaining issues are fixed and the team starts training end-users and otherwise preparing to go live.
4. Deployment
At this point all of the mission critical tasks are taken care of and the company is ready for the complete transition. Readiness checks are carried out and a recommendation is made to the Steering Committee to go live.
5. Run (Live Production and Initial Support)
During live production and support, the system moves into its live production environment. The project team is on standby to support and resolve any issues while making sure that the implementation is running smoothly.
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How to Make Your SAP S/4HANA Implementation a Success
In order to make the implementation as seamless and stress-free as possible, the process starts by developing a strong and compelling business case to gain stakeholder buy-in. By sharing the benefits of the migration, like improved analytics, better performance, and more fluid processes, it’s possible to make all of the advantages clearer to everyone involved in the decision-making process.
Next, it’s important to conduct a thorough assessment of the existing SAP ECC system. There will be areas that need to be optimized and areas that are functioning well. Making a note of these points will make the migration process easier and more efficient. Team members will need to decide on the right migration strategy, including:
- Greenfield – a new implementation of the system
- Brownfield – a system conversion, or
- Hybrid – a blend based on the organization’s specific needs and current existing systems
To help avoid issues with data inconsistency and to maintain accuracy throughout the migration, take steps to properly prepare and cleanse the data. This helps make sure that the data integrity is solid as it is migrated into the new system.
During the implementation, training stakeholders and end-users alike is vital. Ongoing training and support makes it easier to transition to, and adopt the new system while learning its features in a way that’s more intuitive and efficient.
Last but not least, take the time to test thoroughly, including unit tests, integration tests and user acceptance tests. This helps resolve issues before the system goes live. Even when everything is live, standing by to monitor system performance and offer support helps maximize system uptime and stability while taking steps to continually optimize the process once everything has been migrated over.
READ MORE: Greenfield, Brownfield & Bluefield: A Brief Introduction
Working with D4M International to Handle SAP S/4HANA Implementation
As experts with deep technical knowledge and industry experience when it comes to SAP S/4HANA implementation, D4M International is second to none. The process of an SAP implementation is complex and multifaceted, and your organization will need to not only have a structured strategy in place, but also migrate the data seamlessly while managing the change in a way that keeps everyone involved and on the same page in regards to progress and launch. At D4M we endeavor to make this process as straightforward and as fluid as possible by minimizing disruptions and optimizing processes through the use of our proven frameworks and best practices.
Whether your company ultimately chooses a Greenfield, Brownfield or Hybrid approach, rely on D4M to support the transition to a scalable, future-proof system that improves your operations while maximizing business performance. Our diligent services are backed by comprehensive training and support, and we are committed to complete transparency every step of the way. We specialize in helping companies of all sizes migrate from SAP ECC as well as implement SAP S/4HANA from scratch acting as a trusted advisor and a reliable partner in helping you to reach your implementation goals.
We stand ready to help your organization sidestep the most common SAP implementation pitfalls through the creation and launch of a detailed SAP implementation roadmap that encompasses and aligns with your business goals. We invite you to learn more about our seamless, cost-effective process and contact us to discover more about our proven frameworks and processes that can be tailored to your unique needs.
Join the thousands of professional companies and organizations that rely on D4M for flawless SAP implementation from start to finish. From expert consultations to proven governance frameworks, everything we do is geared toward helping your business maximize its impact with minimal downtime.
