SAP S/4HANA Implementation Challenges
Companies are now realizing threats to supply chain due to COVID-19, the pandemic. Between the recent economic dips in the stock market and increasing numbers in storefronts having to close their doors each day due to coronavirus, has companies concerned on how to better prepare for the future. The good news is that business will spike again, and we should all be prepared for that surge. On that note you may be one of the many that is experimenting with the rare opportunity of free access to SAP tools right now and are thinking about the opportunities that could be available to your company if S/4HANA was implemented when we are all able to collaborate in-person again. SAP S/4HANA can not only help your business and supply chain run smoothly during a “normal” season, but also when a company is thrust into uncertainty.
Most business users are aware of the key benefits and value adds that SAP S/4HANA provides users with including, but not limited to; simplification and centralization to management and administration, ease of use, cost effectiveness, innovation, improved performance and speed, and an overall simple transition from on-premise to cloud. But not all are aware of and ready to approach the potential challenges.
Crescense recognizes that there are many business benefits, but also challenges to be addressed from implementing SAP S/4HANA in your business and its best to go into an implementation with a well-prepared mindset. By leveraging relevant experiences working with leading companies within the consumer products industry, many challenges can be overcome quickly with Crescense backing your business. While every transition presents unique risks and challenges for each company and their team, some broad SAP S/4HANA Implementation challenges to be considered from our perspective include:
SAP S/4HANA Implementation Challenges with Data
As with any implementation circumstances and challenges can be case by case, same can be said for data. Different approaches to combatting data challenges can be utilized depending on the size of a company, either new or small business. Do not be discouraged as challenges with legacy systems and validation is extremely common and there are several ways to mitigate data integrity issues that you will potentially run into. Heavy volumes of test data are to be expected within the new data landscape. Test cases, scripts, sampling, subset, comparisons, and the start-from-scratch data with limited migration approach can assist with this process.
SAP S/4HANA Implementation Challenges with Architecture
It is necessary to have the right stakeholders on the project in order to ensure a proper evaluation of the architecture currently in place and how that will be impacted for the new solution. There are specific guidelines that should be followed throughout these initial stages to better understand the data needed to properly sort your current architecture.
SAP S/4HANA Implementation Challenges with Training and Change Management
Potential risks are admittedly associated with implementations and migrations, which is something leadership or internal stakeholders within any company will consider before moving forward with a project of this magnitude. Convincing internal stakeholders to enforce change, especially when a company has been utilizing the same process for a long time, is another hurdle to overcome within any organization when considering a switch. Although the benefits far outweigh any potential pitfall or challenges, this is a common question that leaders contemplate before moving forward with the most upgraded technology from SAP ERP solutions.
Most companies when considering a switch to SAP S/4HANA aren’t familiar enough to internally head up a project centered on a migration to this ERP platform and must search externally. Therefore, finding a partner that is knowledgeable and can demonstrate and provide their expertise, experience, support, toolkit, and client references is crucial when considering a partner to work with on the implementation.
The project is only just beginning once implementation is on the table as things don’t stop there. Processes must be managed accordingly to ensure there is a smooth knowledge transfer among current employees at the company from the current SAP partner to guarantee smooth operations and functionality once the SAP partner project contract is complete.
SAP S/4HANA Implementation Challenges with Customization
A specific degree of customization is already in place with your organization when you’ve been using a particular legacy system for a number of years. This specific degree of customization is catered to your company’s very specific needs and functionalities for day to day operations. It is important that these same customizations be captured in a new way throughout the implementation in the new SAP ERP solution. While throughout the process of change it can seem daunting, the payoff will be a beneficial outcome and positive change for the overall functionality and practice of your company.
SAP S/4HANA Implementation Challenges with Resources
This is where working with the proper SAP partner comes into place. Ensuring that you are working with someone who has extensive experience in this arena will be imperative in supporting your business properly, staying on timeline, and exceeding expectations for internal stakeholders for your organization.
We realize a move to SAP S/4HANA is a significant decision considering the implications to your business. Crescense wants to help you unlock new business value with SAP’s Intelligent ERP, realize new benefits, and overcome challenges with ease. If you want to understand our client success stories, start a free trial with SAP S/4HANA, or have a conversation about implementing S/4HANA into your business model, please contact us today to learn more.