Approaches and What They are Called
When it comes to SAP S/4HANA migrations, there are several avenues businesses can consider in making the switch from their legacy ECC environment. Among the most commonly considered approaches are Greenfield (new install and enhancements), Brownfield (technical upgrade), and hybrid methods. The hybrid model, most commonly referred to as Selective Data Transition (SDT), is where you start with a technical upgrade, make some enhancements, and only bring over the relevant data. This SDT approach bridges the gap between wanting to re-platform and make some enhancements but not having the time, money, or need for a lot of reengineering. It is important to note this SDT approach is also often referred to as “Brownfield,” "Brownfield+," "smartField," and "Bluefield."
As organizations continue to migrate to SAP S/4HANA, the Selective Data Transition (SDT) implementation approach consistently stands out as a reliable, pragmatic pathway for SAP ECC customers. This approach involves carefully choosing and migrating only the necessary and relevant data from the old system to the new one. This can streamline the migration efforts and costs while retaining familiar elements.
Addressing Historical Data: The Role of SDT
One of the questions that frequently arises during the migration process is how to handle historical data. Contrary to some misconceptions, in a majority of the cases, approximately 90%, they don’t necessitate the direct loading of historical data into the S/4HANA database. SDT allows businesses to carefully select the data that needs to be migrated, eliminating the need for a blanket transfer of all historical data.
Instances Where Direct Data Loading is Required
Of course, there are scenarios in which historical data may need to be loaded directly into the S/4HANA database. These instances typically involve specific limitations or requirements, such as the historical data is not only essential for the seamless functioning of S/4HANA but one of the following is also true:
- Configuration Limitations: The current configuration no longer supports the historical data
- High Volume Challenges: The volume of historical data is substantial and cannot be loaded within an acceptable uptime window.
Trusted Advisors in Data Transition and Digital Transformation
The journey to SAP S/4HANA holds both promise and complexity for businesses currently operating on SAP ECC. For organizations concerned about preserving the integrity and validity of migrated data, SDT is ideal for preserving those essential elements while embracing the advancements of S/4HANA. And while historical data transfer is always a consideration, direct loading to the database is a rare requirement.
For those rare instances where direct loading of historical data is required, Syniti remains the leading, trusted partner in these situations. Our expertise and technology empowers businesses to confidently navigate the migration process, regardless of their unique data-related challenges. We’ve partnered with enterprises on their most complex data migrations, de-risking go-lives so they can happen on time and within budget.
Wherever your organization finds itself – the right implementation partner should help guide you on making the right choices and how to go about it. If you’re wondering what the right next step is for you, that’s where conversations with experienced implementation partners can really be valuable. Moving to SAP S/4HANA has the potential to deliver tremendous benefits for organizations. Syniti’s approach is designed to accelerate, optimize, and de-risk the transition from ECC – while dramatically improving data quality – allowing you to realize the benefits of S/4HANA significantly faster. Ultimately, the transition to S/4HANA is a pivotal moment, and with the right approach and partner, businesses can step confidently into a new era.