How the S/4HANA Discovery Phase Ensures a Successful SAP Migration

The Discovery Phase is a crucial part of the SAP S/4HANA transformation process. It’s important not to skip this phase before diving into migration, as it sets the foundation for a well-informed and strategically planned implementation.

Importance of the Discovery Phase

Skipping the Discovery Phase and jumping directly into migration can jeopardize the success of your SAP S/4HANA project. The Discovery Phase is critical because it:

• Lays the Foundation: Establishes a clear understanding of current business processes, system architecture, and organizational needs.
• Identifies Requirements: Engages stakeholders to identify specific requirements and ensures the solution aligns with business objectives.
• Mitigates Risks: Helps identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies, reducing unexpected challenges during implementation.
• Ensures Data Quality: Includes data assessment and cleaning activities to ensure data is accurate, complete, and ready for migration.
• Enhances Collaboration: Fosters early collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and smooth change management.

The Discovery Process: Greenfield vs. Brownfield Implementation

The discovery process for SAP S/4HANA can differ depending on whether you’re undertaking a Greenfield (starting from scratch) or Brownfield (upgrading an existing system) implementation.

Greenfield Implementation:

• Understand Current Processes:
  • Process Mapping: Create detailed maps of current processes to identify inefficiencies.
  • Benchmarking: Compare processes against industry standards.
  • Data Collection: Gather performance data for cycle times, error rates, etc.
• Assess Current Architecture:
  • System Inventory: Review existing IT infrastructure and applications.
  • Integration Points: Identify how current systems will integrate with SAP S/4HANA.
  • Technical Assessment: Evaluate the technical readiness for migration.
• Identify Business Goals:
  • Workshops: Conduct workshops with key stakeholders to define business objectives.
  • Priority Alignment: Align goals with SAP S/4HANA’s capabilities.
  • Success Metrics: Establish measurable metrics for success.

Brownfield Implementation:

• Current System Assessment:
  • Review the existing SAP system for architecture, customizations, and data quality.
• Process Analysis:
  • Analyze current business processes to decide what can be retained, modified, or redesigned.
• Data Migration Planning:
  • Plan for migrating data from the existing system to SAP S/4HANA.
• Integration Planning:
  • Plan for seamless data flow and integration points between existing systems and SAP S/4HANA.

Discovery Phase: Key Steps

1. Develop a High-Level Project Timeline:

   • Roadmap Creation: Develop a roadmap with milestones.
   • Phased Approach: Use a phased implementation approach to manage risks.
   • Resource Planning: Allocate resources for each phase.

2. Value Case Development:

   • Benefit Analysis: Quantify the potential benefits of migrating to SAP S/4HANA.
   • Cost Estimation: Estimate the costs of software, hardware, and implementation services.
   • Business Case Presentation: Prepare a business case for senior management and stakeholders.

3. Engage Stakeholders:

   • Stakeholder Identification: Identify and engage stakeholders impacted by the implementation.
   • Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed.
   • Change Management: Implement strategies to address resistance and ensure smooth adoption.

4. Leverage Tools:

   • Process Modeling Tools: Use SAP Signavio or other tools for process modeling.
   • Data Analysis Tools: Utilize data analysis tools to uncover insights.
   • Project Management Tools: Track project timelines and resources with management tools.

Next Steps:

1. Initial Assessment: Identify areas for improvement.
2. Discovery Workshops: Hold workshops with stakeholders to define requirements.
3. Preliminary Plan: Develop a plan with key steps and timelines.

Key Differences Between Greenfield and Brownfield Implementation:

• Process Redesign: Greenfield allows for a complete redesign of processes, while Brownfield optimizes existing ones.
• Data Migration: Greenfield involves migrating data from non-SAP systems, while Brownfield focuses on migrating data from existing SAP systems.
• Risk and Cost: Greenfield implementations often carry higher risk and cost due to starting from scratch, while Brownfield projects typically benefit from leveraging existing investments.

Conclusion:

The Discovery Phase is not just a preliminary step; it is a cornerstone for your SAP S/4HANA project’s success. By conducting a thorough and detailed discovery, you ensure your migration is well-planned, risk-managed, and aligned with business goals. Skipping this phase can result in unforeseen challenges, increased costs, and potential project failure.

Partner with Us for a Seamless SAP Migration

At InfoCorpERP, we understand that migrating to SAP, whether it’s a move to SAP S/4HANA, SAP BW/4HANA, or any other SAP solution, is complex and resource-intensive. We use SAP Best Practice Methodology and our experienced Project and Programme Managers to ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful migration tailored to your needs.

By choosing us, you gain access to expert client-side project management and SAP Best Practices, ensuring your migration is efficient, cost-effective, and aligns with your long-term business objectives.

Contact Us:
Email us at enquiries@infocorperp.com to get started on your SAP migration strategy today!