This means that users will no longer be able to leverage the latest SAP technologies, and the old SAP system will no longer be operationally future-proof. Additional disadvantages, such as increased maintenance fees, potential performance issues, security risks, etc., also come into play. Although migration comes with its set of challenges, taking action promptly is advisable, as per SAP, the process could take 12 to 18 months.

Regardless of the migration approach one chooses – whether Greenfield (complete re-implementation), Brownfield (upgrade/system conversion), or Hybrid (transformation/combination of Greenfield and Brownfield) – it’s worth considering which data records should be carried over. If necessary, outsourcing certain data from the operational IT system might be a sensible decision.

Optimally implementing of SAP S/4HANA migration/transformation project through targeted preparation measures

Reducing the document volume before SAP S/4HANA migration/transformation can help to reduce time and costs. With the inPuncto archiving software for SAP biz²ArchiveServer, this can be achieved without significant effort.

The lean archiv software seamlessly integrates with SAP ERP and SAP S/4HANA, making data archiving and compression quick and easy. It ensures migration-free data access. Data archiving can be done traditionally via ADK or taking into account legal requirements and GDPR compliance. With this approach, the inPuncto SAP add-on incorporates the WebDAV-based functionality biz²ArchiveServer-ILM for storing so-called structured data. Thus, legal minimum retention periods can be considered.

Even if data offloading and data lifecycle were not previously a concern for the company, it may now be of interest from a cost perspective, as storage costs for modern in-memory databases may be higher. Before SAP-ILM archiving, an analysis is conducted to consider enterprise dependencies to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Strategic and well-thought-out preparation and streamlining of the database before migrating to the HANA database will position customers optimally for a faster and smoother transition that is also future-proof. A continuously growing amount of data in the SAP HANA database of the production system, running, for example, on a volume-based licensing model, could quickly become a significant cost factor.

We would be delighted to advise our customers on the process and options for S/4HANA migration/transformation regarding preparatory data archiving.

More over, we can provide information about the ongoing use of our archiving software biz²ArchiveServer in S/4HANA. Reach out to us today!