Now is the right time to migrate to SAP S/4HANA, and not wait until your existing legacy system reaches end of life in 2027.
Many of our mid-size customers are already transforming their operations with the power of SAP S/4HANA, benefiting from next-generation operations on a proven technology platform that will underpin their business growth. SAP S/4HANA is also giving these companies a foundation to take advantage of emerging technologies such as machine learning and AI.
Here are 8 good reasons why you should take your next step too.
1/ Start realising the business value of SAP S/4HANA
Moving to a new software solution must offer business value or it would be difficult to justify. SAP S/4HANA gives you access to new innovations such as embedded real-time analytics, the latest user experience across all devices with SAP Fiori, as well as faster response times and a better performance. It has hundreds of new features and functionality, ranging from real-time supply chain, finance, machine learning applications, predictive MRP through to state-of-the-art warehousing systems.
Know more about creating your Business Case with our unique solution, Performer
2/ Support your growth strategy with the latest technology
If your organisation is looking to expand its business, enter new markets or create new warehouse or production facilities then you’ll need a system that can grow and adapt with you. Consider whether it’s worth extending your current system, knowing that it’s reaching end of life, or make the decision to move to a new platform now and implement all that you need there to support your growth plans.
3/ Future-proof your IT investment
Why invest in a system that will be out of date by 2027, when you could be investing in the latest technology with SAP S/4HANA that will help drive your business forward?
The sooner you transition to SAP S/4HANA, the sooner you can start creating new solutions that will meet your growing business requirements. However, if you continue to invest in and upgrade your legacy ERP, future migration will become more complex. This is because the more customization, development and integration that you undertake in your existing system, the more there will be to migrate when you do eventually make the decision to transition.
SAP is actively investing into its new business suite SAP S/4HANA, at the same time it is no longer investing in SAP ECC as it comes to an end in 2027. So new user experience, machine learning and all the new technologies that are coming out will be pushed towards SAP S/4HANA, a fast evolving and innovative solution. Waiting two or three years down the line risks making the gap wider for migration.
4/ Bridge the gap before you fall further behind
With dynamic quarterly releases happening on SAP S/4HANA incorporating a wealth of new features and apps making its core even more intelligent, it is vital to bridge the gap before you risk falling further behind with your current system.
5/ There’s time to plan before the 2027 deadline
There’s still time to plan, prepare and execute your migration by 2025 without having to take any shortcuts. As an SAP service partner, we are here to support your migration and make sure that you won’t have to cut corners to achieve your goals. Our experience tells us that mid-size companies take several months for preparation and up to a year for implementation and further improvements. But our advice is don’t leave it too long to get started.
6/ Benefit now while there are available resources
External SAP certified migration consultants provide vital assistance in ensuring a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA. However, with many companies globally already either starting their migration or progressing their plans to do so, there is predicted to be a shortage in the supply of skilled consultants. Our advice is start now to ensure you have access to the appropriate external skills you need.
7/ Act now to keep consultancy rates to a minimum
With predicted SAP consultant shortages, demand will almost certainly drive up the cost of quality consultants and the advice is not to delay seeking your external SAP specialists to support your migration.
8/ Avoid a ‘double’ move
If you’re looking to renew hardware or hosting solutions because they are reaching end of line, then consider migrating immediately to avoid a ‘double’ move. Our advice is to go straight to SAP S/4HANA and purchase your hardware at the same time, so that it will be compatible and certified for your new system.
Watch the replay expert talk and discover how the migration to S/4HANA can be automated thanks to MIGNOW, a unique AI-based platform. This approach reduces your project time, budget and risk.