How do you deploy a technology with as little disruption to the business as possible?
For the longest time, the only way to bring in disruptive technology was to put in something new. Build it from scratch, load data into it and go live. But today, you can become a modern, intelligent enterprise – the very reason to migrate to S/4HANA in the first place – without the risk, long timeline, and costs associated with from scratch implementations. How?
Selective Data Transition, or its more popular industry acronym, SDT, is how. With SDT, we make a copy of the current systems, remove the data, update the application, remediate that custom code and return selective data in near zero downtime.
What Is Selective Data Transition (SDT)?
Selective Data Transition (SDT) is a hybrid SAP S/4HANA migration strategy that blends the best of both Greenfield (new implementation) and Brownfield (system conversion) approaches. It allows organizations to migrate specific data sets—such as master data, transactional data, and custom code—from their existing SAP ERP systems to S/4HANA, while leaving behind obsolete or non-essential information.
This approach offers flexibility by enabling companies to:
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Consolidate multiple ERP systems into a single S/4HANA instance.
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Retain valuable historical data relevant to current business processes.
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Exclude outdated data, such as obsolete company codes or legacy transactions.
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Customize the migration scope based on business needs and priorities.
By adopting SDT, businesses can achieve a tailored migration path that aligns with their operational requirements and strategic goals.
Why SDT Is the Smart Choice for SAP S/4HANA Migration
Choosing SDT for your SAP S/4HANA migration offers several compelling advantages:
1. Flexibility and Customization
SDT provides the ability to select and migrate only the data and processes that are essential to your organization. This selective approach ensures that your new S/4HANA environment is streamlined and free from unnecessary clutter.
2. Reduced Risk and Downtime
By focusing on relevant data and processes, SDT minimizes the complexity of the migration, thereby reducing the risk of errors and system downtime. This leads to a smoother transition with minimal disruption to business operations.
3. Cost Efficiency
Migrating only necessary data and processes can lead to significant cost savings. SDT eliminates the need to invest resources in transferring and maintaining obsolete or redundant information.
4. Preservation of Valuable Customizations
Unlike a full Greenfield approach, SDT allows for the retention of critical custom developments and configurations that provide competitive advantages, ensuring continuity and preserving past investments.
5. Accelerated Time-to-Value
With a more focused migration scope, SDT enables faster deployment of SAP S/4HANA, allowing organizations to quickly leverage the benefits of the new platform, such as improved performance, real-time analytics, and enhanced user experiences.
Conclusion
Selective Data Transition stands out as a strategic and efficient approach to SAP S/4HANA migration. By offering a balance between complete system overhaul and in-place conversion, SDT empowers organizations to modernize their ERP landscape in a way that aligns with their unique needs and objectives.
For more insights on how SDT can facilitate a seamless transition to SAP S/4HANA, explore our detailed guide.