SAP S/4HANA transformation

Mainstream Maintenance for SAP ECC 6.0 will continue through the end of 2027. Optionally, Extended Maintenance can be purchased through the end of 2030, though this involves additional costs.

After 2030, only Customer Specific Maintenance may be available. This is generally more expensive and comes with a significantly limited scope of services.

Our recommendation: Companies should use the remaining time strategically and define a clear migration strategy toward SAP S/4HANA early on. Timely planning reduces risks, avoids unnecessary additional costs, and creates room for a structured transformation.

SAP S/4HANA can be deployed as a public cloud, private cloud, or on-premise solution. The public cloud is based on highly standardized, predefined business processes and enables rapid implementation with regular innovations through automatic updates. The scope for individual customization is intentionally limited to ensure stability and upgradeability. On-premise, on the other hand, offers maximum control and extensive customization options, but requires greater responsibility regarding infrastructure, maintenance, and innovation cycles.
The private cloud combines the strategic focus on SAP’s cloud architecture with significantly greater flexibility. Companies that need to map complex or established process landscapes—particularly in the FI/CO environment—gain expanded options for customization and individual configurations without sacrificing the benefits of cloud operations. It thus represents a balanced approach between standardization and necessary customization for many transformation projects.

SAP S/4HANA 2025 is the current on-premise major release. On-premise versions follow a two-year release cycle, with each major release receiving seven years of extended mainstream maintenance. In addition, feature packs are released regularly within this cycle, enabling functional enhancements without requiring a full system upgrade. This enables continuous innovation without requiring a full upgrade for every new feature.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud (Public and Private Edition), on the other hand, follows a continuous innovation model with regular, SAP-managed updates. Here, innovations are delivered in shorter release cycles as part of standardized update processes.

The added value lies not in the automated design of FI/CO processes, but in the increased efficiency within the project. AI reduces the time spent on searching, accelerates the understanding of system logic, supports testing, and facilitates knowledge transfer.
Even modest time savings in the analysis, testing, or coordination phases can lead to significant reductions in project duration and costs for large-scale transformation programs.

AI features such as the SAP Copilot Joule can help users identify relevant apps, functions, or configuration areas more quickly. Depending on the release version, system configuration, and operating model (e.g., cloud or on-premise), the AI can provide context-sensitive suggestions for suitable Fiori apps or corresponding configuration paths. Instead of manually navigating through Fiori apps or technical configuration structures, project participants can, for example, ask:

• “Where do I configure account determination for asset acquisitions?”
• “Which app do I use for foreign currency valuation?”
• “Where do I check open GR/IR balances?”

The specific nature of this support depends on the system and release. The goal is to reduce search and coordination efforts within the project and to make it easier to navigate the system.

Yes, AI can make it easier to navigate the system, especially during testing and validation phases. For example, project members can ask:

• “How do I post a provision in S/4HANA?”
• “What steps are required to run a valuation run?”

The AI guides users to the correct application and explains basic process steps. This makes the testing process more structured and allows new team members to get up to speed more quickly.

AI can categorize system messages by function and explain possible causes. For example, if a tester receives a posting error message, the AI can explain what it means and which configuration areas it typically relates to (e.g., field status group, posting block, or account type).
This speeds up root cause analysis and reduces unnecessary coordination between business units and IT.

In the context of transformation and migration projects, AI can clearly summarize conceptual differences between SAP ECC and SAP S/4HANA. Examples include:

• Differences between the classic general ledger and the Universal Journal
• Structure and logic of the ACDOCA table
• Changes in the mapping of parallel accounting, particularly in the context of Universal Parallel Accounting (UPA)

This supports workshops and business concepts but does not replace a detailed business analysis.

With a cloud solution, part of the technical responsibility shifts to the cloud provider, particularly with regard to infrastructure, data center operations, certifications, encryption, and backup strategies. Companies should therefore assess how regulatory requirements—such as those related to data protection, financial data, or industry-specific compliance standards—are met within the respective cloud model. Regardless of this, issues such as authorization concepts, role models, segregation of duties, and internal control systems remain the responsibility of the company, particularly in the FI/CO environment. A well-thought-out security and governance strategy is therefore an integral part of every SAP S/4HANA transformation.

Greenfield refers to a complete new implementation of SAP S/4HANA. Processes, structures, and customizations are rebuilt from scratch and consistently aligned with the standard.
Brownfield describes the technical conversion of the existing SAP ECC system to SAP S/4HANA, whereby processes and structures are largely carried over.
In addition, there is the Bluefield approach, which combines both models: Selected data and processes are migrated in a targeted manner and redesigned as needed.