S/4HANA Transition Made Easy: The Power of Bespoke Teams and Assurance

At Boss Consulting, we offer independent guidance to support your digital transformation journey.

As a CIO or Transformation Lead, you may grapple with the complexities of migrating from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA. This transition is more than a mere IT upgrade; it can be a strategic move that can revolutionise your business processes and drive innovation. However, the path to a successful S/4HANA migration can come with challenges. Let's explore how bespoke teams and robust programme assurance can pave the way for a smooth transition.

Businesses need to migrate to S/4HANA by 2027 primarily because SAP has announced the end of mainstream maintenance for older SAP systems, including SAP ECC (ERP Central Component). This means:

1. After 2027, SAP will no longer provide regular updates, patches, or support for legacy systems.
2. Businesses still using these older systems may face increased security risks due to a lack of security updates.
3. Compliance with industry regulations and standards may become challenging without up-to-date software.
4. Integration with newer technologies and third-party applications will become increasingly difficult.
5. Companies risk falling behind competitors who have upgraded and can leverage the advanced features of S/4HANA.

While SAP offers extended maintenance until 2030, this comes at an additional cost and is intended as a temporary measure to help businesses complete their migration. In essence, the 2027 deadline is not just a suggestion but a critical milestone that forces enterprises to upgrade to ensure continued support, security, and competitiveness in their respective industries.

Key Challenges in S/4HANA Migration

1. Technical complexities
2. Business process changes
3. Data migration issues
4. User adoption

The Solution: Bespoke Teams and Programme Assurance

At Boss Consulting, we believe in tailoring our approach to your unique needs. Our bespoke teams, comprised of ERP experts and seasoned project managers, work closely with your organisation to ensure a seamless upgrade process.

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Our team conducts a thorough analysis of your current system, business processes, and future needs. This forms the foundation of a robust upgrade strategy.

2. Tailored Governance Framework

We implement a bespoke governance structure that aligns with your organisation's culture and objectives, ensuring clear accountability and risk management throughout the upgrade process.

3. Expert Programme Management

Our experienced programme managers oversee every aspect of the upgrade, from planning to execution, ensuring that the project stays on track and within budget.

4. Change Management and Training

We recognise that user adoption is crucial. Our teams develop comprehensive change management and training programmes to ensure your staff are prepared for the new system.

5. Rigorous Testing and Quality Assurance

We employ extensive testing protocols to identify and resolve issues before they impact your business operations.

6. Post-Upgrade Support

Our commitment doesn't end at go-live. We provide ongoing support to ensure your organisation maximises the benefits of S/4HANA.

Success Story: Twinings Ovaltine's Successful S/4HANA Transformation

A prime example of our approach in action is our recent collaboration with Twinings Ovaltine. By consolidating seven global ERP systems into a single cloud instance, we helped Twinings Ovaltine enhance its operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities. Our bespoke team and robust programme assurance were key to navigating the complexities of this large-scale transformation.

Conclusion

Upgrading to S/4HANA is a significant undertaking, but with the right partner, it can be a beneficial journey for your organisation. At Boss Consulting, we pride ourselves on being a trusted end-to-end independent ally to walk you through this journey. Our bespoke teams and programme assurance expertise ensure that your S/4HANA upgrade is not just successful but also aligned with your strategic objectives.

Ready to transform with confidence? Contact us to learn how we can support your S/4HANA upgrade journey. [email protected].