Data Migration

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗘𝗥𝗣 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹? 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵, not the business transformation it truly is. Listening to my network, there seems to be a rush to complete ERP migrations, as fast as possible, with SAP S/4HANA plans driving most of it. But an ERP system is more than just an IT upgrade. It’s a chance to redesign how your business operates and build a solution architecture that supports agility and innovation. While necessary, these migrations often become redundant without proper alignment to business goals. Something, I've seen happen! Here some get rights to consider: ◉ 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 Ensure that IT and business leaders are on the same page. ERP systems serve broader business objectives, such as innovation, improving procurement strategies, and enhancing supplier relationships. ◉ 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀. Instead of getting caught up in the technology itself, be clear about the business benefits you'd like to achieve. New ERP functionality can be of support to achieve goals like efficiency, cost reduction, and agility. ◉ 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗻𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗲𝗻𝗱 Don't just migrate complex, outdated processes but streamline them end-to-end. Reevaluate processes for efficiency and desired outcomes. ◉ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 ERP migrations often fail due to poor user adoption. Beyond training, invest in communication & ongoing support showing the value and relevance of the system to users. ◉ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀-𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 ERP impacts every area of the business, so cross-team collaboration is essential. Involve stakeholders from finance, procurement, IT, and operations ensures the system meets everyone’s needs. ◉ 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 - 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 An ERP system is only as good as the data it processes. Ensure that data is clean, consistent, and reliable before migration. Dirty or incomplete data is one of the biggest challenges post-go-live. ◉ 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Choose an architecture which allows for future-proofing and integration of new features, scalability and integration. Business models evolve, and your ERP must evolve with them." ◉ 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 - 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 Don’t rush an implementation. ERP migrations are complex and require time to integrate properly. A phased approach allows for troubleshooting and mitigates a risk for failure. ❓Any other "get rights" i missed and you would add from your experience. #erp #businesstransformation #migration #sap4hana

The “Before & After” Data Transformation Story In the lead-up to our SAP migration, we weren’t just preparing systems — we were unearthing years of neglected, inconsistent, and chaotic data. If we are honest, most of the time, it felt less like digital transformation and more like an archaeological excavation. We were buried in layers of spreadsheets, conflicting legacy reports, and systems that hadn’t seen a clean-up in over a decade. Each click revealed more clutter: customer names spelled five different ways, address fields mixing “St.” and “Street” like it was a coin toss, duplicate records stacked on top of each other, and critical fields left blank or filled with guesswork. It was more than just messy — it was risky - A complete nightmare! Data was being pulled from everywhere and nowhere. No single source of truth. No consistency. Just a patchwork of outdated inputs fuelling vital business operations. The worst part? We had to tackle it manually. A Time Sink: Highly skilled people stuck doing low-value, repetitive tasks. An Error Magnet: Fatigue set in. Errors crept through. Fix one issue, uncover two more. A Business Risk: Dirty data meant dirty output. Reports couldn’t be trusted. Customers were misbilled. Orders were sent to the wrong place. And confidence in the system? Gone. We knew we couldn’t carry that baggage into SAP. Something had to change. At this point, we built a purpose-specific solution which was created to automate and streamline data cleansing and validation, giving us the ability to: Proactively identify and rectify errors with precision. Ensure data consistency across all records. Validate information against business rules before migration. This impacts business by: 🔹Reducing Pre-Migration Data cleansing and validation Effort by Up to 75% Freeing up SMEs for strategic tasks, cutting contractor costs, and accelerating migration timelines. 🔹Delivering >99% Accuracy in Key Master Data Minimising migration errors, de-risks go-live, building trust in the new SAP system from day one. 🔹Reducing Migration Delays and Rework by 20–40% Fewer surprises in load cycles and UAT, protecting timelines, budgets, and overall project momentum. 🔹Achieving 100% Data Auditability and Compliance Ensuring full traceability, streamlining audits, and providing a defensible position on data quality from day one. 🔹Reducing Post-Go-Live Errors by 15–30% Fewer issues like misbilling and mis-shipments, leading to smoother operations, faster user adoption, and trusted SAP insights. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. The good news is that we have built a solution which has already helped others through their migration journey, and we’d be happy to share it if it’s useful. Just drop us a message. Created in collaboration with Pawel Lipko ↗️

Migrating from SAP ECC (ERP Central Component) to SAP S/4HANA is a significant project that requires careful planning, assessment, and execution. Below are the key steps involved in this migration: 🔁 ECC to S/4HANA Migration – Step-by-Step Process 1. Preparation Phase (SAP Readiness Check) Assess system compatibility using SAP Readiness Check. Check for custom code, data volume, add-ons, business functions, and integration scenarios. Analyze simplification items and functional changes in S/4HANA. Choose a deployment option: On-Premise, Private Cloud, or Public Cloud. 2. Planning Phase Decide on a conversion strategy: System Conversion (Brownfield) – migrating an existing ECC system. New Implementation (Greenfield) – fresh install of S/4HANA. Selective Data Transition – hybrid of both approaches. Define project scope, timelines, and resources. Create a detailed project plan including cutover activities. 3. Custom Code Analysis Use SAP Custom Code Analyzer to identify: Unused code. Code incompatible with S/4HANA. Adjust or retire code based on simplification changes. 4. System and Landscape Preparation Upgrade to minimum NetWeaver version if required. Clean up obsolete or inconsistent data. Install Maintenance Planner and prepare Software Update Manager (SUM). Update system kernel and database if necessary. 5. Pre-Conversion Activities Run Simplification Item Check. Activate required business functions. Install S/4HANA conversion add-ons. Archive or delete unwanted data to reduce the data volume. 6. Technical Conversion (Using SUM Tool) Use SAP Software Update Manager (SUM) with Database Migration Option (DMO) for combined: System conversion. Database migration (if moving from non-HANA DB). Perform: Data migration. Code adjustments. Configuration updates. Monitor the SUM process closely. 7. Post-Conversion Activities Conduct SPDD and SAPU adjustments (ABAP Dictionary and Repository). Test end-to-end business processes. Validate interfaces, customizations, and authorizations. Optimize Fiori apps and activate relevant tiles. 8. Testing & Validation Perform: Unit testing. Integration testing. User Acceptance Testing (UAT). Regression testing. Involve key business users to ensure continuity. 9. Training & Change Management Train users on new Fiori UX and updated processes. Manage organizational change and communication. 10. Go-Live & Support Finalize cutover activities. Switch to production environment. Monitor performance and resolve post-go-live issues. Set up ongoing support and optimization. 🛠 Tools You Will Use SAP Readiness Check SAP Maintenance Planner Simplification Item Check Software Update Manager (SUM) with DMO Custom Code Migration App SAP Fiori Launchpad Design #SAPMigration #S4HANA #ECCtoS4HANA #SAPTransformation #DigitalTransformation #SAPConsulting #SAPProject #SAPUpgrade #SAPTech #SAPS4HANA

LSMW, LTMC, and DMC — Confused? You’re not alone. If you’ve ever scratched your head wondering which SAP data migration tool to use, let me simplify it for you — with real talk and real scenarios. 1. LSMW (Legacy System Migration Workbench) Old is gold… until it breaks. LSMW is like the classic Nokia phone — reliable, sturdy, but not designed for today’s smartphones. It works well in SAP ECC systems for simple data loads like Materials, Vendors, Equipment, etc. Use it when: • You’re on ECC (not S/4HANA). • You need quick one-time loads for small datasets. • You love recording and field mapping. Real scenario: Back in the ECC days, we used LSMW to upload 10,000+ Material Masters from Excel. Recorded once, repeated forever. Why not now? Because SAP S/4HANA doesn’t fully support LSMW. Time to move on. ⸻ 2. LTMC (Legacy Transfer Migration Cockpit) The stepping stone into S/4HANA. LTMC is SAP’s bridge tool — introduced with S/4HANA to make the transition from ECC easier. It comes with predefined templates, making it easier for functional consultants to use without deep ABAP skills. Use it when: • You’re migrating master or transactional data to S/4HANA. • Your project is using SAP GUI or Fiori (LTMC works with both). • You want an Excel-based template with structure. Real scenario: We migrated 5 years of Equipment and Functional Location data into S/4HANA using LTMC — templates were simple, mapping was straightforward. Why shift away? LTMC is deprecated in newer S/4HANA versions (2022 and above). SAP is moving everyone to DMC. ⸻ 3. DMC (SAP Data Migration Cockpit - Cloud or On-Prem) The future of SAP data migration. DMC is fully integrated into S/4HANA, with enhanced capabilities, performance monitoring, and direct staging tables. It supports complex data loads and integrates with SAP BTP (in cloud scenarios). Use it when: • You’re working on the latest S/4HANA (especially cloud edition). • You need advanced mapping, transformation, and performance tracking. • You want to future-proof your migration process. Real scenario: In a recent greenfield S/4HANA cloud project, we used DMC with staging tables and BTP services to load thousands of Customer-Vendor (BP) master records. Way smoother and more controlled than LTMC. ⸻ So… which one to choose? Final Thought: Choosing the right tool isn’t just about what works — it’s about what lasts. SAP is evolving fast. DMC is the way forward. If you’re still using LSMW in a cloud project… it’s like using a floppy disk to back up your Google Drive.

A Brownfield #SAP S/4HANA implementation, also known as a system conversion, involves migrating your existing SAP ERP system to S/4HANA. This approach retains your historical data, customizations, and configurations, making it different from a Greenfield (new implementation) approach. Here are the key steps: 1. Preparation and Assessment:   Project Kick-off and Scoping: Define the project scope, objectives, timeline, and budget. Establish clear roles and responsibilities.   System Analysis and Readiness Check: Analyze your existing SAP system to assess its readiness for conversion. This includes checking system version, Unicode compliance, add-ons, and customizations. SAP provides tools like the Readiness Check and Maintenance Planner to assist with this.   Simplification Item Check: Analyze the simplification items in S/4HANA to identify any functionalities that have changed or been removed. This helps you understand the potential impact on your business processes and customizations.   Custom Code Analysis and Remediation: Analyze your custom code to ensure compatibility with S/4HANA. This often involves adapting or rewriting custom code to comply with S/4HANA's data model and functionalities.   Hardware and Infrastructure Assessment: Assess your existing hardware and infrastructure to ensure it meets the requirements for S/4HANA. This may involve upgrading hardware or migrating to a new infrastructure.   Business Process Analysis: Analyze your existing business processes to identify areas for improvement and optimization in S/4HANA. 2. Conversion and Technical Implementation:   Sandbox Conversion: Perform a sandbox conversion to test the conversion process and identify potential issues. This allows you to simulate the conversion in a non-production environment.   System Update and Preparation: Update your existing SAP system to the required support package level and perform necessary preparations for the conversion.   Database Migration: Migrate your existing database to SAP HANA. This is a key step in the conversion process, as S/4HANA requires the HANA database.   S/4HANA Conversion: Perform the actual S/4HANA conversion using the Software Update Manager (SUM) tool. This involves upgrading the system software and migrating data to the new data model.   Post-Conversion Activities: Perform post-conversion activities, such as adjusting configurations, validating data, and testing functionalities. 3. Testing and Validation:   Unit Testing: Test individual functionalities and processes to ensure they are working correctly in S/4HANA.   Integration Testing: Test the integration between different modules and systems.   User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Involve business users in testing the system to ensure it meets their requirements.   Performance Testing: Test the system's performance under load to ensure it can handle the expected volume of transactions.

Bluefield Implementation from ECC to S/4HANA with Selective Data Transition (SDT) The Bluefield approach is a transformative methodology for migrating SAP ECC systems to S/4HANA, combining the best aspects of Greenfield and Brownfield implementations. It allows businesses to selectively transition their data, processes, and configurations while taking advantage of the latest features of S/4HANA. Key Aspects of Bluefield Implementation:- 1. Selective Data Transition (SDT): SDT enables organizations to migrate only the data and processes essential to their operations, optimizing system performance and reducing migration complexity. With SDT, companies can: - Retain historical data selectively by fiscal year or business unit. - Integrate new processes while keeping existing, optimized workflows. - Consolidate systems by harmonizing data from multiple sources. 2. Minimized Business Disruption: The Bluefield approach supports parallel migration, enabling businesses to maintain operational continuity. By leveraging tools like SAP Landscape Transformation (LT) or third-party solutions, companies can execute transitions with minimal downtime. 3. Customizations and Enhancements: Organizations can selectively carry forward or redesign customizations to align with S/4HANA’s best practices. This ensures the adoption of modern functionalities like embedded analytics, SAP Fiori, and intelligent automation. 4. Cost and Time Efficiency: Bluefield implementations reduce migration costs and timeframes by focusing on relevant data and processes, avoiding the need for a full system rebuild (Greenfield) or carrying over outdated elements (Brownfield). Steps in Bluefield Implementation with SDT 1. Assessment and Planning: - Analyze the existing ECC landscape. - Identify the scope of data and processes for migration. - Develop a project plan considering business needs and system architecture. 2. System Preparation: - Perform system readiness checks. - Install and configure S/4HANA prerequisites. 3. Selective Data Transition: - Use tools like SAP’s Data Migration Cockpit or SAP LT for data extraction and transformation. - Migrate only the necessary master and transactional data. 4. Validation and Testing: - Conduct rigorous testing of the migrated data and processes. -Perform user acceptance testing to ensure operational integrity. 5. Go-Live and Post-Migration Support: - Plan for a seamless cutover with minimal downtime. - Provide post-migration support to address any issues and optimize the new system. Benefits of Bluefield Implementation Risk Mitigation: Reduces migration risks by focusing only on critical data and processes. Scalability: Prepares businesses for future innovations in the SAP ecosystem. The Bluefield approach with Selective Data Transition is ideal for organizations seeking a balanced and efficient migration to S/4HANA, ensuring a future-ready and optimized digital core.

Detailed Ecc to S4hana conversion (incl. Sap note references) Here are the detailed steps for ECC to S/4HANA conversion, including relevant SAP notes: *Step 1: Assessment (SAP Note 2269324)* - Evaluate current ECC system - Identify customization, data volume, and integration points *Step 2: Strategy (SAP Note 2279391)* - Choose conversion path: brownfield, greenfield, or hybrid - Define scope, timelines, and resources *Step 3: Preparation (SAP Note 2287141)* - Set up project team - Complete ECC system maintenance - Data cleansing and optimization *Step 4: Software Update (SAP Note 2293511)* - Upgrade to latest ECC EHP - Apply necessary support packages *Step 5: S/4HANA Readiness Check (SAP Note 2294136)* - Run S/4HANA Readiness Check tool - Identify potential issues *Step 6: Data Migration (SAP Note 2300721)* - Use Data Migration Cockpit or other tools - Migrate data to S/4HANA *Step 7: System Conversion (SAP Note 2305411)* - Execute system conversion using SUM tool - Follow SAP S/4HANA conversion guide *Step 8: Testing and Quality Assurance (SAP Note 2310171)* - Perform unit, integration, and user acceptance testing - Validate data and processes *Step 9: Cutover and Deployment (SAP Note 2315421)* - Plan cutover - Deploy system - Provide end-user training *Step 10: Post-Conversion (SAP Note 2320171)* - Monitor system - Address any issues - Optimize performance Please note that these SAP notes are subject to change.

SAP ECC / S/4HANA Deadline Update 🚀 Big news for SAP ECC users! SAP has introduced new options to help businesses manage their transitions to S/4HANA more effectively. 🧐👇 💡 SAP introduces "SAP ERP Private Edition, Transition Option": According to report in the German Newspaper Handelsblatt, SAP now offers ECC customers the ability to extend their system support until the end of 2033: if they commit to the RISE with SAP program. This option ties the extension to SAP's cloud-first strategy. Note: SAP is yet to officially announce a "SAP ERP Private Edition, Transition Option" themselves, though they “confirmed the plans in response to a request from Handelsblatt.” 💡 Mainstream maintenance still ends in 2027, with extended maintenance to 2030: SAP clarified that maintenance timelines remain unchanged for on-premise customers. The new option only benefits those who adopt RISE with SAP. 💡 Extra time comes with conditions: This is a trade-off: customers gain an extended timeline but must commit to a long-term RISE contract, ensuring they eventually transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud. 💡 Rise with SAP offers a step-by-step migration path: The program provides a gradual approach to moving from ECC to S/4HANA Cloud Private Edition, simplifying transitions and offering flexibility to customers. 💡 SAP confirms development of custom code translation tool: An AI-powered translator for custom code is also in the works. It promises to modernize legacy code automatically, easing one of the most challenging aspects of migration. 💡 Focus on clear goals for migration success: SAP emphasizes that companies should define clear objectives for their transition. A solid foundation ensures smoother planning and execution while minimizing risks. 💡 Selective Data Transition introduced: For customers with complex landscapes, SAP offers a method to consolidate and migrate only essential configurations and data to S/4HANA Cloud. This approach balances flexibility with practicality. 💡 Guidance for IT executives released: SAP launched a migration guide for IT leaders, detailing critical strategies for an easier move to S/4HANA Cloud. It focuses on technology, transformation paths, and project planning. 💡 The ultimate goal: Cloud-first ERP adoptions: This announcement aligns with SAP’s broader strategy of encouraging cloud adoption while addressing the challenges of delayed migrations. SAP is taking bold steps to ensure customers have the tools and flexibility needed to make their ERP transitions as smooth as possible. Share your thoughts on these developments in the comments below! ⬇️ #IgniteSAP #SAPMigration #S4HANA

Transitioning from SAP ECC to S/4HANA involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure a smooth and successful migration. Here’s a concise overview of the process: 1. Assessment and Planning • Business Case Development: Define the objectives and benefits of moving to S/4HANA. • System Assessment: Evaluate your current ECC environment, including customizations and data volume. • Roadmap Creation: Develop a detailed transition plan, including timelines, budget, and resources. 2. Preparation • Team Formation: Assemble a team of IT professionals, business stakeholders, and external consultants. • Training: Provide education on S/4HANA and the transition process for your project team. • Readiness Check: Utilize SAP Readiness Check to identify compatibility issues and preparatory steps. 3. System Conversion • Data Cleansing: Cleanse and archive data to reduce migration volume. • Custom Code Adaptation: Analyze and adjust custom ABAP code for S/4HANA compatibility. • Add-On Compatibility: Ensure third-party add-ons are compatible with S/4HANA. 4. Technical Migration • Backup Plan: Implement a comprehensive backup and recovery plan. • Infrastructure Preparation: Set up the necessary hardware or cloud infrastructure for S/4HANA. • Database Migration: Transition your database to SAP HANA if not already using it. • Conversion Tools: Use SAP tools like Software Update Manager (SUM) and Database Migration Option (DMO) for the conversion. 5. Data Migration • Mapping and Transformation: Map ECC data structures to S/4HANA and transform data accordingly. • Data Load: Load data into S/4HANA using tools like SAP Data Services or SAP Migration Cockpit. • Validation: Validate and reconcile the migrated data for accuracy. 6. Testing • Unit Testing: Test individual components and customizations. • Integration Testing: Ensure all system components work together seamlessly. • User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Conduct UAT to verify the system meets business requirements. 7. Cutover and Go-Live • Cutover Planning: Develop a detailed cutover plan outlining steps and timeline. • Final Data Load: Perform final data load and reconciliation. • Go-Live Support: Provide hypercare support post go-live to resolve any issues quickly. 8. Post-Go-Live Activities • Performance Monitoring: Continuously monitor system performance and optimize as needed. • User Training: Offer additional training sessions for end-users. • Continuous Improvement: Implement a process for ongoing improvements and leveraging new S/4HANA features. Key Considerations • Change Management: Effectively manage organizational change to ensure smooth transition and user adoption. • Customization Evaluation: Assess the necessity of existing customizations and consider leveraging S/4HANA standard functionalities. • Process Re-engineering: Align business processes with S/4HANA best practices to maximize benefits.