Overview

Overview of SAP S/4HANA System Conversion

A high percentage of satisfied SAP ECC customers have curated their SAP ERP application over the years with the fit-for-purpose differentiated customizations that reflect their current business needs. However new ECC investments are unlikely to generate long-term returns while the cost of maintaining legacy technology will only rise.

SAP provides many adoption options for moving from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA, but the intrinsic simplifications and innovations can be utilized across all options. With advancements in technology and SAP providing flexibility in the software to adopt new features at one’s own pace, and adoption tools updated to consider more scenarios based on customer experience, today conversion has become the preferred choice for those customers who perceive their current ERP as a key asset.

Conversion helps to:

  • Preserve customizations, data structures, and historical data full or selective
  • Minimize disruption and reimplementation risks
  • Ensure operational continuity and shorter path to SAP S/4HANA
  • Capitalize on SAP S/4HANA's advanced capabilities (real-time analytics, simplified processes, enhanced UX and new innovations).

‘Safe Passage’ Solution Leveraging Experience, Addressing Challenges, and Adapting to Trends for Maximum Value

With Infosys ‘Safe Passage’ SAP S/4HANA Adoption, we bring an industrialized approach to moving from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA or upgrade SAP S/4HANA minimizing disruption, reducing costs while leveraging existing systems and processes, leading to faster implementation and lower change management efforts. Our approach is supported by multiple certified tools and accelerators that are part of our ‘Infosys Safe Passage Toolkit’.

We provide an engagement model and services that are customized to the unique needs of the customers – because at the end of the day no two implementations of SAP S/4HANA innovation system are ever the same.

Our ‘Safe Passage’ offerings listed in the below table are designed to cover the essential needs of your business transformation with conversion. However, we recognize that every business has unique requirements; some business processes may have higher opportunity for transformation while others may not; Similarly, on the technology dimension, evaluation and recommendations need to align with your strategic direction and decisions.

Our services cover the full breadth of the conversion tasks, including pre- and post-conversion projects, cloud adoption and clean core enablement. This includes meticulous planning, preparation and execution supported by tools.

Infosys ‘Safe Passage’ Advantage - Industrialized Conversion Approach with Infosys Conversion Toolkit for Predictable Success

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Infosys ‘Safe Passage’ approach helps develop a tailored plan for SAP S/4HANA including Adoption approach (Standard vs. Selective), Deployment Approach (single step vs. phased) and Implementation approach (how value is spread over releases), supported by ‘Safe Passage’ 3-tier assessment:

  • Tier 1: Tools-based analysis aided by a deep understanding of SAP tools and the white spaces covered by ‘Infosys Safe Passage Toolkit’.
  • Tier 2: Aided by workshops to understand IT pain-points and aspirations as well as additional innovations and satellite application impact understanding.
  • Tier 3: Conducted through workshops to understand business pain-points and aspirations, demonstrating the new solution and creating business buy-in.

Infosys' clients typically categorize the value delivered by an SAP S/4HANA transition into four distinct buckets:

  • Elevated user experiences and pioneering capabilities
  • Streamlined and optimized business processes
  • Future-ready systems
  • Flexibility while transitioning

At Infosys, we understand the importance of simplicity and cost-effectiveness. That’s why we’ve designed our service offerings to be straightforward and budget friendly. We provide tailored conversion packages that come with T-shirt sizing, making it easy for you to choose the right fit for your business without any hidden costs or surprises.

Our packages are designed to cover the essential needs of your business transformation. However, we recognize that every business has unique requirements. The new normal for projects is to leverage technology effectively to drive business success and deliver value to customers and stakeholders, characterized by a strong focus on user needs, data-driven decision-making, and an emphasis on continuous innovation and adaptability. To address this, we offer a range of additional services that can be seamlessly integrated into your chosen package.

This includes:

  • Enabling Clean Core with SAP BTP integrated with SAP ECC or SAP S/4HANA
  • Completing optional pre-projects on SAP ECC to simplify subsequent conversion project
  • Enabling innovations on SAP S/4HANA during or post the conversion project (e.g. SAP Fiori Activation, new GL features, SAP S/4HANA embedded capabilities like SAP EWM, SAP TM, GRC, ePPDS, Analytics, etc.)
  • Adopting RISE with SAP along with conversion project

Our 100+ customers are a testament to our delivery expertise in SAP S/4HANA conversions. Our goal is to make your transition as smooth and efficient as possible, allowing you to focus on what you do best – running your business.

Challenges & Solutions

Our approach to assess the conversion impact is based on the SUM tool approach, which defines the pre-requisites and the process to handle data-model changes. Our impact analysis begins with the SAP Readiness Check report, providing Business Process Analysis, System Landscape Analysis, Custom Code Analysis, Functional Impact Analysis, and Integration Analysis. We further support this with Technical Infrastructure Analysis, Performance Analysis, Risk Analysis, and a Post-Support Conversion Plan. Additionally, we involve stakeholders from different departments and functions throughout the assessment process to ensure that all aspects of the conversion are adequately addressed.

Pre-projects are crucial during SAP S/4HANA conversion as they ensure the completion of prerequisites for the SUM tool execution. Failing to complete these pre-projects can significantly impact the overall downtime. At Infosys, we focus on resolving functional and technical inconsistencies, data cleansing, upgrading add-ons, and updating peripheral SAP systems during these pre-projects. By addressing these issues in advance, Infosys helps lay the foundation for a smooth conversion process and mitigate potential risks associated with the SAP S/4HANA transition. Ultimately, we understand that investing time and resources in pre-projects is essential for the success of the SAP S/4HANA conversion.

Controlling change management during an SAP S/4HANA conversion is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing disruptions to business operations. This change management is primarily towards the process, technical and data related changes. In addition, the flexibility provided by the SAP software allows one to align the go-live schedule based on phased or single go-live or plan the optional innovations based on the value case. Infosys simplifies your SAP S/4HANA conversion journey by implementing OCM best practices, enabling you to effectively control change management and foster a culture of collaboration, engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the process