Tips Before Implementing SAP S/4HANA

At SEIDOR, we believe it is vital for clients to be well-informed and prepared to undertake a project of this magnitude. For this reason, we’ve prepared this article to provide all the tips you need to avoid any friction. These insights are based on our extensive experience with SAP implementations across various sectors, countries, and specific scenarios. Additionally, we will outline the most effective strategies for implementing SAP software in your business.

Implementing SAP S/4HANA: Key Factors for Success

Choosing a reliable SAP partner

Besides selecting the best enterprise resource planning (ERP) software on the market, achieving a greater return on investment in SAP S/4HANA implementation requires choosing a trustworthy SAP partner. There are four key factors dependent on the quality of service provided by the partner:

1. To adapt the solution to the specific needs of the business, the SAP partner must be an expert in both SAP S/4HANA software and the client's industry. Implementing SAP not only requires technical knowledge but also the ability to understand and adapt business processes to strategic goals. Partners without this industry-specific expertise may offer a more standardized implementation solution, which could impact the business’s long-term performance.
2. No two SAP S/4HANA implementation projects are alike. The partner’s ability to successfully meet project objectives depends on their experience, which provides the knowledge needed to anticipate and mitigate common risks, apply best practices and methodologies, and avoid errors that could compromise data integrity and operational continuity.
3. A partner’s accumulated experience also offers a higher guarantee that the project will be delivered on time and within budget, as their expertise allows for efficient, realistic planning and better resource management, including the handling of unforeseen issues.
4. SAP S/4HANA implementation doesn’t end with the go-live stage. The SAP partner’s ongoing role includes updates, technical support, and overall software optimization, as well as tasks like employee training.

Assessing business needs

Much of the success of an SAP S/4HANA implementation lies in the preparation phase. While you’ll work with the SAP partner to define objectives and needs later, it’s important to first analyze your business and its current state. A comprehensive view of the company and its key areas, along with an evaluation of current processes, is essential. It’s also important to establish a priority scale, determining the company’s main needs and the reasons for embarking on the SAP S/4HANA implementation project.

The more detailed and accurate this knowledge is, the easier it will be for the partner to later align the SAP S/4HANA implementation strategy with the company’s overall goals.

Strategic resource planning

Implementing SAP S/4HANA will require internal resources from the company. For this reason, it’s essential to include this in the operational planning, assigning roles and responsibilities within the team. SAP S/4HANA projects often require a project leader to centralize communications and managers for each business area, as they are the ones who understand the day-to-day operations.

Consider cloud solutions. The implementation of SAP S/4HANA, like any other software, requires a technological infrastructure to host it. For the agility and cost benefits it offers, many businesses are choosing the cloud-based version of this ERP.

Planning for cultural change and talent management

SAP S/4HANA implementation will also bring about organizational change and require the adaptation of human resources to this new technology. Therefore, partners like SEIDOR include support and training sessions as part of their SAP S/4HANA implementation services. These sessions help build strong teams capable of maximizing the tool’s features and ensuring a smooth transition.

What is the best option for implementing SAP S/4HANA?

• Migration to SAP S/4HANA: For those opting for a migration, the best approach is one that is flexible and tailored to the organization’s needs and resources. An example of this is SEIDOR’s "Migrate now, transform at your own pace" model, which prioritizes operational continuity by initially migrating data and leaving more complex transformations for later phases. This model leverages artificial intelligence to automate 40% to 60% of the process, reducing costs, time, and human errors. It allows companies to quickly implement the new system, reap the benefits of advanced technologies sooner, and minimize disruptions to daily activities, ensuring a phased, efficient, and cost-effective transition.
• SAP S/4HANA implementation: SAP has provided partners with two key solutions to accelerate this process: Rise with SAP and Grow with SAP, depending on the level of customization and business objectives. Grow with SAP is ideal for medium-sized or growing companies with more standard requirements, offering a cost-effective solution focused on rapid adoption in the public cloud with preconfigured tools. On the other hand, Rise with SAP is more suitable for medium-sized and large organizations that require flexibility, customization, and a comprehensive transformation into an intelligent enterprise.

If you’re ready to begin implementing SAP S/4HANA in your company, SEIDOR can help. We are a Platinum SAP partner, the highest distinction awarded by SAP to its partners. With extensive experience in SAP implementations worldwide and a presence in 45 countries, SEIDOR is well-equipped to support your business.

Additionally, for those seeking a migration, our methodology in collaboration with MIGNOW, "Migrate now, transform at your own pace," is one of the most advanced options in terms of ease and cost for the client. Contact us, and one of our agents will get in touch with you to explain how we can help drive your business forward with SAP S/4HANA implementation.

Your Guide to SAP S/4HANA Migration

Pre-established pricing for your S/4HANA Migration