SAP BW/4HANA is SAP’s advanced solution for deploying data warehouses on-premises or in a private cloud, serving as the successor to SAP BW. Customers using SAP BW as a strategic asset will continue to benefit from ongoing improvements and investment protection through at least 2040. Since its launch in 1998, SAP Business Warehouse (BW) has been widely adopted by a large customer base. It offers an integrated data warehouse application with predefined content for various lines of business (LoB) and industry-specific needs, along with tools and processes for designing and managing a comprehensive enterprise data warehouse. This approach streamlines development, administration, and the user interface, enhancing business agility by enabling the creation of a standardized, efficient data warehouse.
Paths to SAP BW/4HANA
There are two main approaches when moving from SAP BW to SAP BW/4HANA.
- Convert your current BW system – same system keeping same SID
- Create a new BW4/HANA System – New system – setup with new SID
What is Brownfield Implementation?
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In-Place Conversion (Full System Conversion):
Target Audience: Customers who want to transition their existing SAP BW system to SAP BW/4HANA, particularly those already running a current release (preferably SAP BW 7.5 powered by SAP HANA).
Description: In-place conversion allows customers to upgrade their SAP BW system to SAP BW/4HANA while keeping the same system ID (SID), ensuring no disruption to existing business processes. This approach doesn’t require re-implementation. SAP provides tools for all necessary tasks, including database migration (SUM-DMO or SWPM), ABAP release upgrade (SUM), and the conversion of BW applications to SAP BW/4HANA via the BW/4HANA Transfer Cockpit.
Release Requirements: SAP BW 7.5 SP05 powered by HANA, with the recommendation to use the latest SP level.
Availability: Since March 2018. -
New Installation (Standard Greenfield Approach):
Target Audience: SAP customers or new customers starting fresh with SAP BW/4HANA, especially in cases where they are setting up a new SAP S/4HANA environment.
Description: This approach involves setting up a brand new SAP BW/4HANA system, building a new data model from scratch, and loading only relevant data from existing source systems. It emphasizes process re-engineering and simplification based on modern data warehouse architecture.
Availability: Since March 2018. -
Shell Conversion (Accelerated Greenfield Approach):
Target Audience: Existing SAP Business Warehouse customers or new customers.
Description: For customers seeking a fresh start, the shell conversion approach allows the transfer of specific objects (metadata of data models) from an existing SAP BW system to a new SAP BW/4HANA system. During the transfer, these objects are converted into supported SAP BW/4HANA formats (e.g., InfoCubes to ADSOs). However, no master or transactional data is transferred; this data must be reloaded from the original system or source.
Release Requirements for Original SAP BW System: SAP BW 7.x (regardless of the database).
Availability: Since March 2018.
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Remote Conversion (Accelerated Greenfield Approach Including Data):
Target Audience: Customers upgrading their SAP BW system to SAP BW/4HANA but currently on older versions and not using SAP HANA.
Description: Remote conversion involves setting up a new SAP BW/4HANA system (with a new SID) and transferring both metadata and data (including master and transactional data) from the original SAP BW system. Customers can selectively transfer only the data flows that are deemed future-proof, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient SAP BW/4HANA system. Legacy BW objects are replaced by modern structures, such as advanced Data Store Objects (ADSO) and Composite Providers. No database migration or BW application upgrade is necessary.
Release Requirements for Original SAP BW System: SAP BW 7.3 (regardless of the database).
Availability: Since April 2019. -
Landscape Transformation:
Target Audience: Customers looking to consolidate multiple SAP BW systems or carve out specific data models or flows into a new SAP BW/4HANA system. This applies to customers with multiple SAP BW, SAP BW on SAP HANA, or hybrid systems.
Description: Landscape transformation involves a tailored conversion project with SAP’s tools and services. It enables customers to gradually transition to SAP BW/4HANA by consolidating data models, harmonizing master data, and simplifying processes. Customers can also extract specific business entities from their existing landscape to fully leverage SAP BW/4HANA’s capabilities.
Availability: Available through SAP’s Data Management & Landscape Transformation service offering.
Key Factors to Consider When Migrating to BW/4HANA
When migrating to SAP BW/4HANA, several key factors must be considered to ensure a smooth and successful transition. These factors include:
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System Readiness and Prerequisites:
- Current SAP BW Version: Ensure your existing SAP BW system is running a supported version (preferably SAP BW 7.5 powered by SAP HANA) to simplify the migration process.
- HANA Database: If your current system is not on HANA, consider moving to SAP HANA before migrating to BW/4HANA, as this will be required for the full benefits of BW/4HANA.
- Infrastructure Requirements: Ensure your infrastructure meets the hardware and software requirements for SAP BW/4HANA, such as high-performance storage and sufficient compute power for HANA.
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Data Model and Architecture Changes:
- Data Modeling: BW/4HANA introduces a modernized data model, such as Advanced Data Store Objects (ADSO), Composite Providers, and Open ODS views, replacing older BW objects like Info Cubes and Multi Providers.
- Simplification: Evaluate how your existing data models can be simplified to take full advantage of BW/4HANA’s architecture, removing obsolete or unnecessary objects.
- Data Loading and Transformation: Redesign data loading and transformation processes to align with BW/4HANA’s more streamlined architecture and real-time data integration capabilities.
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Business Continuity and Process Disruption:
- Downtime Minimization: Plan for migration strategies that minimize system downtime and business process disruption, especially if the migration is done as an in-place conversion or remote conversion.
- Testing: Thoroughly test all business processes, including data loads, reports, and integrations, to ensure everything works as expected after migration.
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Tool Support and Methodology:
- SAP Migration Tools: Utilize SAP’s migration tools, such as the BW/4HANA Transfer Cockpit for application conversion, SUM-DMO (Software Update Manager with Database Migration Option) for database migration, and other tools for system upgrades and customizations.
- Migration Path Selection: Choose the most suitable migration path (e.g., in-place conversion, new installation, or remote conversion) based on your current system, business needs, and desired future architecture.
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Data Governance and Master Data Management:
- Master Data Consistency: Ensure that master data is harmonized across systems to maintain consistency in your new BW/4HANA environment.
- Data Governance: Implement strong data governance practices for data quality, security, and privacy, particularly as data models and structures evolve in BW/4HANA.
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Customization and Extensions:
- Custom Code Evaluation: Evaluate existing custom ABAP code, reports, and queries for compatibility with BW/4HANA and make necessary adjustments or re-implementations.
- Add-Ons and Extensions: Ensure that any add-ons or extensions you use are compatible with BW/4HANA or plan to replace or re-implement them as needed.
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Training and Change Management:
- User Training: Prepare for training users on the new interface, features, and processes in BW/4HANA. This includes both IT staff responsible for system maintenance and end-users who interact with reports and dashboards.
- Change Management: Communicate the benefits and changes brought by the migration to all stakeholders, ensuring that the transition is well understood and supported across the organization.
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Performance Optimization and Scalability:
- System Tuning: Monitor and optimize the performance of the BW/4HANA system post-migration to ensure it runs efficiently, leveraging the full power of HANA’s in-memory processing.
- Scalability: Plan for future growth by ensuring that the BW/4HANA environment can scale as data volumes and user needs increase.
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Cost Considerations:
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Understand the long-term costs involved in migrating to BW/4HANA, including infrastructure, licensing, tool usage, and ongoing maintenance.
- Resource Allocation: Allocate sufficient resources, both technical and business-focused, to manage the migration process efficiently.
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Cloud vs. On-Premises Deployment:
- Deployment Model: Decide whether you want to implement SAP BW/4HANA on-premises or in the cloud. Cloud deployments can offer scalability and lower maintenance overhead, but may require changes in your IT strategy and architecture.
- Hybrid Solutions: In some cases, a hybrid approach may be suitable, integrating SAP BW/4HANA with other cloud solutions or on-premises systems.
InfoCorpERP: Your Managing Partner migrating BW to BW4/HANA
As a Managing Partner overseeing the migration to SAP BW/4HANA, your role is crucial in driving the success of the entire project, from planning and execution to post-migration optimization. Your responsibilities include strategic oversight, ensuring alignment with business goals, managing stakeholder relationships, and providing leadership to the project team. Below are key aspects of your role in this context:
Let us help you navigate the complexities of BW/4HANA implementation. Contact us at info@infocorperp.com or visit our website at infocorperp.com to explore how we can support your BW transformation journey.
Why Choose InfoCorp ERP for BW/4HANA Migration?
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- Expert Guidance: Our experienced consultants provide tailored solutions for your specific requirements.
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- End-to-End Support: From planning to post-implementation, we ensure a smooth transition.
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- Proven Track Record: Trusted by businesses across industries for successful SAP implementations.
Conclusion: Greenfield or Brownfield – Which is Right for You?
By performing these roles effectively, we as the Managing Partner will guide the organization through the complex process of migrating to SAP BW/4HANA while ensuring business continuity, achieving technical excellence, and maximizing the strategic value of the migration. Our leadership and oversight will play a critical role in delivering a successful, transformative project.
The choice between Greenfield and Brownfield implementation is pivotal in shaping the success of your S/4HANA migration. By understanding the pros and cons of each approach and aligning them with your business objectives, you can unlock the full potential of SAP BW/4HANA. Whether you’re reimagining your operations with Greenfield or opting for a streamlined upgrade with Brownfield, InfoCorpERP is here to ensure your success every step of the way.
Partner with Us for a Seamless SAP Migration
By choosing us as your trusted managing partner, you gain access to the full benefits of SAP’s proven best practice methodology, guided by our expert Project Managers and Programme Managers. Our team specializes in client-side project management, providing dedicated support and oversight throughout the migration process. We ensure that your migration to SAP is not only efficient and cost-effective but also aligns with your long-term business objectives. Our team meticulously plans, executes, and oversees every aspect of the migration process, minimizing disruption and ensuring a seamless transition.
Email us at enquiries@infocorperp.com
SAP S/4HANA
Let us help you navigate the migration journey with confidence. Our experienced managers will steer your project, ensuring maximum value from your SAP investment. Contact us today to get started on your SAP migration with SAP Best Practices and expert client-side project management at the heart of your transformation. Email us : enquiries@infocorperp.com