SAP S/4HANA is described as SAP’s most modern and innovative ERP system.
SAP S/4HANA is a broader and more comprehensive ERP system than earlier versions. It's meant to cover all the company's daily processes, such as purchasing, sales, production, maintenance, accounting, and finance.
S/4HANA introduces new functionalities:
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Built-in AI, analysis, and intelligent process automation
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In-memory-data base and simplified data modeling
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Functions and best practices for a range of sectors
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User experience at the consumer level and insight tailored to the individual is readily available
The system can be delivered as a cloud service, on-premise, or hybrid solution. SAP S/4HANA uses the Fiori user interface, which is modern, highly user friendly, and easy to use.
“In-memory” technology
SAP S/4HANA is the first system made specifically for the "in-memory" SAP HANA database. In-memory means storing data in memory rather than on a disc.
The system reduces response time, which provides data in real-time and makes real-time analysis possible. SAP S/4HANA also has multiple machine learning applications, making the system more self-learning.
It's been possible to run earlier ERP systems, such as SAP ECC, on the SAP HANA platform. SAP S/4HANA, however, has been made specifically to make use of the possibilities provided by the in-memory technology.
SAP gathers a range of functions
In addition to ERP, the system gathers many of the products in the SAP Business Suite, such as:
- SAP CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
- SAP SRM (Supplier Relationship Management)
- SAP SCM (Supply Chain Management)
- SAP PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)
It also integrates with other SAP services, such as SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Ariba, SAP Hybris, SAP Fieldglass, and SAP Concur.
Implementing SAP S/4 HANA
There are many ways to implement SAP S/4HANA:
- Greenfield: Clients who either come from a different system than SAP or have a legacy level in their old system that makes them want to start "from scratch" can opt for a Greenfield implementation – that is, a brand-new implementation.
- Bluefield: Clients with an existing SAP ERP system can choose a selective data migration to bring the features they want to SAP S/4HANA.
- Brownfield: The most common way of transitioning to SAP S/4HANA is by upgrading the existing system through a comprehensive migration. Pearl Group has unique and solid experience with these migration processes through Pearl S/4 Move.
Pearl specializes in safely moving clients from ECC to the new SAP S/4HANA platform.
