Advantages and Approaches of the SAP S/4 HANA Transformation
Observing current market developments and feedback from our customers, it is clear that the SAP S/4 HANA transformation is on everyone's lips and is in full swing. Hardly surprising considering that the latest ERP solution from SAP is set to replace its predecessor SAP ERP R/3 by 2027 at the latest.
SAP S/4 HANA is often referred to as the "trailblazer for digital transformation". This is primarily due to the ERP solution's biggest innovation: the in-memory database technology allows large volumes of data to be used while requiring considerably less storage capacity. This means that transactions, predictions and analyses can be carried out in real time, resulting in an enormous increase in performance . In addition to speed and improved performance, the latest generation of SAP S/4 HANA brings another aspect to the real-time ERP solution, as the "S" in the product name stands for "Simple": user-friendliness thanks to the new SAP Fiori interface and therefore uncomplicated use on all mobile devices.
As a software manufacturer of SAP-integrated workflow solutions, we also benefit from these achievements. Although workflows of this type already aim to make work processes in the SAP environment more efficient and user-friendly, seamless SAP integration also means that users remain in their familiar working environment and therefore also in the SAP look and feel. While our software solutions, such as the invoice workflow maxflow® invoice management, have so far mainly benefited from the advantages of SAP integration, the focus on user-friendliness in SAP S/4 HANA is now making them even more attractive. As far as the use of large amounts of data in real time and increased process acceleration are concerned, this naturally also applies to our workflows, which cover the entire purchase-to-pay process.
SAP S/4 HANA is not a new release of the previous version, but a completely new product. This is not an update, but a transformation that can be carried out in two different ways.
With the "greenfield" approach, the system is, as the name suggests (greenfield), reinstalled and enables a holistic renewal. However, if you want to keep existing data and settings, the generally more cost-effective "brownfield " approach allows you to convert them and establish the new processes in the system landscape.
Especially when the decision is made in favor of "brownfield", it makes sense to think about process optimization in advance. Workflow solutions can already be implemented in the old system and migrated to the new system. This has the advantage that many work steps can be combined in the process and the already noticeable workload can be reduced.
We are happy to support you in finding the best solution for you in the area of purchase-to-pay, regardless of which transformation approach you choose. In addition, our maxflow® product range is compatible with S/4 HANAand has multiple certifications for both S/4HANA Cloud and OnPremise.
