Toward SAP S/4HANA: customized migration strategies

With SAP ECC’s end-of-life set for 2027, organizations are faced with the urgent need to define a clear roadmap toward transitioning to SAP S/4HANA. This transformation journey isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it requires a tailored approach based on each client’s tactical and strategic objectives. Objectives can vary greatly: some aim for quick wins and small enhancements, others wish to optimize corporate processes, while others seek a a complete enterprise transformation.

At Mashfrog, our primary objective in this phase is to understand these goals. We begin by assessing the scope of change using the so-called “S/4HANA Assessment Journey”, as well as the desired level of innovation that will bring the client’s systems and processes up to date and allow them to seize new business opportunities.

The choice of transformation model is pivotal in aligning with client objectives. Generally the transformation approach falls into three distinct types:

• Brownfield. This model is suitable for clients focused on leveraging existing systems, avoiding disruption while modernizing their current processes. It is ideal for addressing technological obsolescence or seeking incremental improvements.
   
• Greenfield. Recommended for companies ready to reinvent their processes and embrace innovation. This approach builds a fresh S/4HANA landscape, enabling the creation of a robust digital foundation for future growth.
   
• Bluefield. Serving as a balanced option, Bluefield combines elements of both Brownfield and Greenfield approaches, offering a streamlined path for core business optimization without entirely discarding existing assets.

Thanks to certified expertise in new SAP solutions, our support at Mashforg  is centered on helping clients choose the right path by carefully evaluating their specific needs and guiding them toward a strategic model that aligns with their long-term business objectives.

S/4HANA Assessment Journey

The S/4HANA assessment phase is essential for every organization looking to determine the optimal migration path. This phase allows companies to define the S/4HANA deployment type best suited to their operations—whether it’s on-premise, RISE with SAP in a private cloud, or public cloud deployment. Moreover, this assessment is the cornerstone for deciding on the migration approach: Brownfield, Bluefield, or Greenfield.

At Mashforg, we support clients through a structured, six-step assessment journey to ensure a seamless and strategic transition. Our process begins with defining the client’s tactical and strategic objectives, followed by gathering necessary insights into their existing landscape. We then refine this data, discussing primary options, gaps, and opportunities. The assessment proceeds with an evaluation phase where the new platform is tested, leading to partner selection and initiative launch in the execution phase. Finally, we consolidate the identified scenarios and finalize the discussions on deliverables.

This approach can be  used as starting point for the migration journey or a mid-term deliverable in order to gather different proposal from the market.

Start the Journey!

The right tools and services can make a difference in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to SAP S/4HANA. At Mashfrog, we offer a range of assets designed to address the unique challenges of each migration. Consider the following questions to see how we can support your transition:

1. Is your company ready for the S/4HANA migration journey?
   Our S/4HANA Assessment Journey uses a tailored methodology to assess your company's needs, helping define the best roadmap for your migration.
    
2. Looking for a safe environment to visualize and analyze gaps?
   With our Mash4HANA Demo Environment, we provide an internal platform for envisioning the future product, conducting gap analysis, and managing changes effectively.
    
3. Worried about outdated custom code weighing down your systems?
   Our Obsolescence Analysis & ABAP Git service utilizes SAP's standard tools along with ABAP Git to archive and selectively retain custom code, optimizing the migration process.
    
4. Need to streamline and customize migration objects?
   We leverage the standard Migration Cockpit with standard and custom reusable migration objects, making the transition smoother and more aligned with your unique data structure.
    
5. Is your process reengineering ready to unlock operational efficiency?
   Using Signavio and Celonis process mining, we help reengineer and optimize processes, ensuring your migration aligns with business goals.
    
6. Is the migration accompanied by significant organizational change? By collaborating with SNP experts and their proprietary tools, we can offer a balanced migration that combines elements of Brownfield and Greenfield methods, ideal for large corporate groups, M&A, and phased migrations.
    
7. Still using an older SAP CRM system?
   For companies with legacy SAP CRM systems, our Core CRM Service Decommissioning process transitions customer and service management into the standard S/4HANA Service module.
    
8. Are data volumes slowing down your migration?
   With OpenText solutions, we provide SAP archiving and document virtualization services, significantly reducing data volume for a more agile migration.

We understand the importance of a transition to SAP S/4HANA that ensures a digital transformation aligned with companies' strategic business objectives. With our experience and range of targeted tools and services, we can guide each client through the most suitable migration path, whether it’s a Brownfield, Greenfield, or Bluefield approach. Our team of experts is committed to turning challenges into opportunities, providing continuous support to optimize processes, manage criticalities, and offer new growth possibilities. Relying on Mashfrog means choosing a solid and prepared partner capable of ensuring an effective transition to SAP S/4HANA that aligns with your business goals.