What strategic decisions need to be made?
As well as opportunities, the switch to SAP S/4HANA also brings significant challenges. Transformation projects are generally complex and time-consuming. There are a number of fundamental strategic decisions that companies need to make before switching to the new SAP S/4HANA system. This includes answering questions such as:
Business or IT transformation?
The right transformation approach varies depending on the degree of change required in your organization and what level of standardisation you’re looking for. While a business transformation involves rethinking and redeveloping processes and system configurations, pure IT transformations are closely guided by your current process landscape and system landscape.
Single or multi-system strategy?
Most companies today have a very heterogeneous system landscape, including many different ERP systems and interfaces. When introducing SAP S/4HANA, you need to decide whether you want one system or separate systems for each business area.
Embedded in other IT development projects?
Your SAP S/4HANA system needs to consider not only the requirements from today’s business but also your business’ future requirements. Interactions with other digital developments such as robotics or artificial intelligence (AI) need to be considered and determinate the whole project setup, -approach and -strategy. .
Cloud-based or on-premises?
SAP S/4HANA is available as a cloud-based ERP system and in an on-premises version. The decision on whether to opt for a cloud or non-cloud version needs to be made based on your company's strategy and the requirements within your organization.
When is the best time for your SAP S/4HANA finance transformation?
The first few companies have now successfully implemented their new SAP S/4HANA systems, but most companies are only just beginning their transformation journey.
The best starting point is dependent on many different factors, such as the size of your company, the complexity of your corporate structure, the number of other ongoing projects and your migration strategy.
SAP S/4HANA has great potential to improve your processes and provide transparency in reporting. 82% of companies that have already introduced the new SAP S/4HANA system have achieved a positive business case and are benefitting from cost savings.
The need to invest in your future is inescapable. But you can also make sure the benefits flow as quickly as possible.
