The recent announcement by SAP to discontinue mainstream support for SAP ECC by 2027 has put S/4HANA migration at the top of organizations' priority lists. Whether it is production, logistics, or government, the pathway of SAP S/4 HANA Migration is not simply an upgrade but a catalyst to digital transformation.
However, it is a complex one. Unplanned migrations can disrupt business, become costly, and render unused functionality. TotalTek delves into this from its work providing SAP consulting and application management services (AMS) to US and Canadian companies.
SAP S/4HANA is SAP's next-generation enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite. Unlike ECC, which works with conventional databases, S/4HANA runs on an in-memory HANA database. This provides up-to-date processing, a simpler data model, and a better SAP Fiori user experience.
Key benefits include:
But moving to S/4HANA is more than a technology refresh; it’s about aligning systems with business needs. Information insights from a partner, such as TotalTek, that combines highly experienced SAP technicians, specialized tools and PMO consulting to govern strategic execution will give organizations a competitive advantage.
than their IT readiness, decision-makers need to consider other aspects before they embark on an S/4HANA migration. The following questions will help to determine the scope of the project and to reduce risk:
Whether it’s operational efficiency and improved analytics, or industry compliance requirements you have in your sights, tell us what you are looking to do.
Understanding your ECC landscape, customizations, and integrations is critical for choosing a migration path.
There are three main strategies:
Migration planning must align with operational schedules to avoid disruption.
Many businesses lack deep SAP expertise in-house and partner with consultants like TotalTek for implementation and AMS support post-migration.
This approach is best for companies seeking process re-engineering or who want to break away from legacy system complexities. While it is more resource-intensive, it enables businesses to adopt SAP S/4HANA best practices and eliminate outdated custom code.
This conversion approach is a good fit for organizations that want to retain existing configurations and historical data. It reduces change management challenges but may carry over inefficiencies.
This option offers a flexible, phased rollout ideal for large enterprises or those with multiple business units. For example, IT services for manufacturing sectors may benefit from a hybrid approach when balancing shop floor operations with administrative functions.
Transferring data to a new system architecture is not a simple copy-paste. Data cleansing and mapping require careful planning and execution.
Legacy systems often include years of custom development. Some may not be compatible with S/4HANA, requiring rework or alternative solutions.
New systems mean new processes. Without proper training and support, even the best technical rollout can fail to gain adoption.
Businesses in industries like logistics or food manufacturing often rely on third-party systems. Ensuring seamless integrations is crucial for continuity.
Migration timelines vary widely based on company size, system complexity, and project scope. On average:
Working with a provider like TotalTek that combines SAP consulting services with project management office (PMO) consulting can streamline the timeline by integrating strategic planning with execution.
Real-time visibility into inventory, production scheduling, and maintenance planning is essential for industries like aluminum ship manufacturing or high-speed vessel construction. S/4HANA enhances these capabilities while improving compliance and quality control.
Organizations involved in maritime defense technology or military ship contracting benefit from S/4HANA’s auditability, traceability, and data security features, with growing digital compliance requirements in the US and Canada, S/4HANA positions public sector agencies to meet emerging standards.
S/4HANA supports IT solutions for food manufacturing by improving shelf-life tracking, batch management, and traceability, all critical for regulatory compliance and consumer safety.
S/4HANA implementation is not just an IT project; it’s an enterprise transformation. Businesses that work with experienced SAP partners often see better outcomes thanks to:
At TotalTek, our consultants support organizations in digital transformation, not just system replacement. With a team experienced in IT services for manufacturing, logistics, finance, and government sectors, we guide clients through every stage from assessment to execution and ongoing optimization.
According to an SAPinsider report (2023), nearly 49% of companies cited data migration as the most significant challenge in S/4HANA projects. Similarly, Deloitte’s research shows that only 36% of businesses report completing their migrations on time and within budget.
Here’s how to avoid common pitfalls:
Even after a successful migration, your S/4HANA system will require ongoing support. That’s where application management services (AMS) come in. With AMS, businesses can:
For industries like naval architecture services or commercial vessel design, where project timelines span years and involve multiple stakeholders, post-migration support is just as important as the initial implementation.
The move to S/4HANA isn’t only about the next 3–5 years; it’s about preparing your organization for the long term. SAP continues to invest in S/4HANA innovations such as:
This long-term roadmap means your business can continue evolving without another major ERP shift shortly.
Transitioning to S/4HANA is one of your organization’s most important digital transformation choices of the decade. As the date gets closer, it's time to evaluate readiness, uncover migration plans, and ensure this initiative matches your company’s bigger goals.
Manufacturing, government, logistics, maritime engineering, wherever you are, TotalTek is here with SAP consulting and AMS support to help you feel sure-footed as you transition.
To learn more or schedule a migration assessment, visit: www.totaltek.com.