SAP S/4HANA as intelligent basis
The world is changing. Complex IT landscapes, processes that have to be controlled manually and hours of latency were still easy to organize a few years ago, but they are no longer up to date. Fast reaction to changes and an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of every area of the company are essential. This is difficult to achieve with systems that offer only limited analysis options, require regular reconciliation due to data silos, and sometimes have encrusted data structures.
With SAP S/4HANA, you benefit from:
- Use of the latest technologies, such as IoT applications, machine learning, artificial intelligence
- Optimized and consistent processes through a uniform database
- Real-time analyses and high-performance data storage with HANA database technology
- Cost savings through the SaaS model with the SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud
- Modern and clear work with the new SAP Fiori user interface
- Mobile use: S/4HANA can be used on any device regardless of location
What is SAP S/4HANA?
SAP S/4HANA is an innovative real-time ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) suite based on the leading in-memory computing platform SAP HANA. This enables tremendous speed in processing data and a unified database with a simplified data model. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the basis of this software. The solution covers all core processes in the functional areas: Finance, Manufacturing, Asset Management, R&D and Engineering, Sales, Service, Purchasing and Procurement, and Supply Chain.
Innovation cycles: An annual major release for on-premise systems provides the latest developments. Quarterly 3 Feature Pack Stacks (FPS), containing new features and fixes, and Support Package Stacks (SPS) are made available.
SAP HANA database
The new ERP system has taken a big step forward with HANA database technology as its foundation. SAP HANA organizes data using column stores, which means indexes are not normally needed. Tables are automatically compressed so that large amounts of data can be stored in a small space. The HANA database has a much larger main memory, powerful multi-core processors and optimized caching.
The most important at a glance
- Central business partner: Accounts payable and accounts receivable are converted to the central data model
- New general ledger: Based on new accounting logic
- New user interface design: SAP Fiori makes applications easier and faster to use
- Integration with other SAP solutions: Business suite can be integrated with existing SAP cloud solutions
- HANA database technology with in-memory platform: For processing and analyzing large amounts of data in near real-time
- OLTP and OLAP functions combined: No more separation, enabling complex analyses
- “Single Source of Truth”: a new data model “Universal Journal (ACDOCA)” in accounting – for data management
- Embedded Analytics: powerful real-time reporting for greater process efficiency
- Digital Core: all core processes of the company in one system landscape
- SAP S/4HANA Finance: There is only one document, the comprehensive accounting document. A single financial posting is created for a table that stores all the information needed for both legal aspects and internal accounting.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud - Fiori Launchpad SAP Fiori as the new user interface
SAP Fiori is SAP’s latest design approach, created specifically for SAP S/4HANA. The interface has been designed in such a way that the user can work with the system in the best possible way.Basically, SAP Fiori apps are arranged in tile groups. The user can personalize the layout of the start page by grouping, moving, removing, adding, deleting, renaming or rearranging tiles.
SAP S/4HANA - Fiori Reference Library In the SAP Fiori Apps Reference Library, additional apps can be searched and added for the respective software solution. For SAP S/4HANA On-Premise Edition, the SAP GUI will continue to be supported and can still be used alongside SAP Fiori apps. Primarily, however, this is only to ease the transition to the new design for SAP customers who are familiar with this classic interface. In many cases, a single SAP Fiori app can already replace many individual SAP GUI transactions.
How can a switch to SAP S/4HANA be made?
If you are already operating an SAP system, for example R/3 or SAP ECC 6.0, the switch to SAP S/4HANA is usually made in two ways. With the greenfield approach (new implementation) or the brownfield approach (system conversion).
- If you want to keep your “digital core” clean, get rid of legacy and start fresh, the greenfield approach is the best choice for the switch. It is possible to bring your own developments with you, but SAP does not recommend this.
- If you want to convert your existing system to SAP S/4HANA and keep most of your data and in-house developments, the brownfield approach is an option.
Tools, such as the SAP Readiness Check or Custom Code Analyzer, provide a good overview of what your current system and compatibility with the new software looks like in both cases. SAP Activate supports the project as a new implementation method with best practices, tools and utilities.
One functional scope, two deployment options
SAP S/4HANA can be operated both on-premise and in the cloud. A hybrid approach (e.g., critical business processes in the SAP S/4HANA on-premise system, standard processes in SAP S/4HANA Cloud) is also possible.
SAP S/4HANA On-Premise
For on-premise implementations, the usual licensing model applies. You own your own SAP system, which you can operate and modify yourself in a data center of your choice. You assume responsibility for operation and maintenance.
SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud
With SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud, you have the same range of functions as with the on-premise system. Technical conversions and brownfield migrations can be performed. You can expand and modify your system and determine the timing of upgrades yourself.
The difference: it’s a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. Implementation, operation, maintenance and support are up to SAP and your SAP partner. You can operate the infrastructure at a hyperscaler of your own choice. High initial investments are eliminated due to a monthly usage fee. Apart from this, SAP also offers the new, holistic “Rise with SAP” offering with SAP S/4HANA Private Cloud as a component (also includes, for example, SAP BTP, a platform for development and integration). Advantage: customers have only one contract, even more cost savings and support from SAP and can focus entirely on using the system.
The relevance of a digital transformation
Internet of Things, Big Data, Analytics, Machine Learning – the IT infrastructure has evolved enormously in recent years. People, machines and companies are more digitally connected than ever before. For some, the speed of this development may be worrying, but it also offers countless opportunities. How does the market behave, which product achieves the best sales figures, what do the KPIs look like, in which areas are the most sales made: the answers were already provided many years ago, but not to this extent and with this speed. Quick decision-making and action means an elementary competitive advantage and direct benefit for the company.
Your path to SAP S/4HANA with UNIORG
UNIORG has been involved in the introduction of SAP S/4HANA and S/4HANA consulting since the beginning, and was also one of the first companies to introduce or convert a HANA database and S/4HANA as an ERP system. We accompany you on the “Road to S/4HANA”, reliably support you at all times and together and successfully achieve the goal of an intelligent company.
You already have an SAP ERP system in use? Find out here about the possibilities of a secure migration through SAP S/4HANA migration.
Business Case Tools from SAP
See for yourself To support your path to a next-generation ERP system, SAP SE offers various free and intuitive tools and services. Convince yourself and start your way to SAP S/4HANA with your individual business case. Our team will be happy to assist you with this as well.
SAP S/4HANA Business Value Advisor
This tool enables you to quickly and easily assess the potential value of SAP S/4HANAs for your business. Individually evaluate 35 of the most important factors using short questions, tailored to your industry and business area, and have a downloadable report generated that includes your specific factors, solution paths, and competitive metrics.
SAP Innovation Discovery
Experience all the possibilities of your Product Road Map and become a visionary. With the SAP Innovation Discovery Service, you can explore software innovations not only by industry and technology – filter the results by the product, spotlight, and availability that is relevant to you, and discover innovative features that you have not seen before.
Your contact
Would you like to learn more about SAP S/4HANA and the special functions and possibilities for your company? Our consultants are available for an initial discussion.
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