SAP S/4HANA 2022 Conversion – The Structured Roadmap for Your Successful System Conversion
The transition from the classic SAP Business Suite to SAP S/4HANA is currently one of the most strategically important IT projects in many companies. SAP S/4HANA 2022 is a powerful ERP platform that not only relies on SAP HANA’s in-memory technology, but also brings modern user interfaces, simplified data structures, and a future-proof architecture.
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But how does the transition succeed smoothly? SAP’s official Conversion Guide shows in detail how to make the switch to S/4HANA – technically sound and field-tested. We have summarized the most important points for you.
Why SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA is the next generation of the ERP system. It offers a completely revised data model, intuitive user interfaces based on SAP Fiori and functions for modern business processes that are needed in a digitalized economy. These include, for example, IoT integration, real-time analytics and mobile usage options.
Moving to S/4HANA is not just a technical upgrade, but a transformation project that requires strategic planning.
The Two Phases of System Conversion
The conversion process is divided into two overarching phases: the preparation phase (Prepare) and the implementation phase (Realize).
1. Preparation phase: analysis, planning and testing
This phase is about the systematic preparation of the conversion. These include:
- SAP Readiness Check: Identification of relevant system elements and conversion topics.
- Maintenance Planner: Check the existing components and generate the necessary stack files.
- Simplification Item Check: Mandatory check for necessary adjustments in the system.
- Custom Code Analysis: Evaluation and categorization of your own developments with regard to their S/4 compatibility.
- Data Volume Management: Analysis and reduction of data volume to minimize technical downtime.
2. Implementation phase: Technical migration and rework
Once the preparation is complete, the technical implementation follows with the help of the Software Update Manager (SUM). The following steps are carried out:
- Database migration (optional) to SAP HANA
- Installation of SAP S/4HANA software
- Data Conversion to New Data Models
- Silent Data Migration (SDMI)
- Custom Code Adaptation
- Follow-up work on cross-cutting topics such as authorizations, SAP Fiori UX, print and output management
Tools and aids
SAP provides a wide range of tools to facilitate the transition, including:
- Simplification Item Catalog
- Custom Code Migration Tool
- Maintenance Planner
- SAP Readiness Check
- Silent Data Migration Infrastructure (SDMI)
Technical requirements
Some technical basics must be met before the changeover:
- Unicode system is mandatory
- Only ABAP-only systems are allowed for conversion
- Consider supported launch releases and SAP Notes
- SAP Fiori Deployment: Embedded or Hub
Department-specific preparation and follow-up work
For areas such as finance, sales, logistics or EHS, the conversion guide contains separate chapters with concrete measures. In particular, the changeover to finance (e.g. New GL, Asset Accounting, Material Ledger) requires in-depth preparatory work as well as additional customizing steps after the technical conversion.
Don’t forget data cleansing
An often overlooked but critical step is the downstream cleanup of outdated data structures. SAP offers tools for this purpose. Only after successful validation should this step take place productively.
Conclusion: Planning is everything
The transition to SAP S/4HANA is not a quick shot – it requires a methodical approach, in-depth system understanding and a clear project architecture. The SAP Conversion Guide for SAP S/4HANA 2022 is a comprehensive reference work that sheds light on all technical, organizational, and functional aspects.
If you are preparing for your S/4 conversion or need an initial assessment, we at munich enterprise software will be happy to support you with our many years of know-how – from readiness check to project management and cutover.
Talk to us. We support you on your way into the future with SAP.
