Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is a transformative decision that enables businesses to leverage real-time analytics, simplified processes, and enhanced performance. However, the journey to this modern ERP system is often filled with complexity. Knowing how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration is crucial to achieving a successful outcome.
Whether your enterprise is considering or currently executing a migration, understanding the common pitfalls and how to navigate them will streamline your path to SAP S/4HANA. Below are the top 7 migration issues—and how to fix them.
1. Lack of a Clear Migration Strategy
The Challenge:
Many organizations initiate migration without a comprehensive roadmap. This results in confusion, duplicated efforts, and misaligned business objectives. Without a structured approach, even the best technology can fail to deliver value.
How to Overcome It:
Start by developing a robust migration strategy. Conduct a readiness assessment, define your target operating model, and choose the right transition path (Greenfield, Brownfield, or Hybrid). Engage all stakeholders and set realistic timelines. A clearly defined strategy is essential when considering how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration.
2. Custom Code Compatibility Issues
The Challenge:
Over the years, businesses accumulate custom code tailored to their processes. Migrating this custom code to SAP S/4HANA often leads to compatibility issues, as not all legacy code aligns with the new data models and simplified architecture.
How to Overcome It:
Use tools like SAP Custom Code Migration Worklist to analyze your custom code landscape. Retire unused code, optimize critical customizations, and move extensible features to SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). This helps maintain a clean core while ensuring essential functionality is retained—one of the key strategies in how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration.
3. Poor Data Quality and Governance
The Challenge:
Bad data equals bad decisions. Migrating low-quality data can cause significant disruptions post-migration, leading to reporting errors, operational inefficiencies, and compliance issues.
How to Overcome It:
Implement a data governance framework before migration. Cleanse, validate, and harmonize your master and transactional data using tools like SAP Data Services or McKinsol’s iDMX platform. Prioritize data quality initiatives early to prevent issues from escalating during or after the migration.
4. User Adoption and Training Deficiencies
The Challenge:
Even the most advanced ERP systems can fail if users don’t understand how to use them. Resistance to change and lack of training are common challenges, especially in large organizations with diverse user roles.
How to Overcome It:
Create a strong change management plan. Invest in hands-on training, role-based learning modules, and user-friendly documentation. Involve users early in the process through workshops and feedback loops. When considering how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration, empowering users is key to long-term success.
5. Integration with Legacy and Third-Party Systems
The Challenge:
Most businesses rely on multiple applications and platforms. Ensuring seamless integration between SAP S/4HANA and legacy or third-party systems is often a technical and logistical hurdle.
How to Overcome It:
Evaluate current integration points during the planning phase. Use SAP Integration Suite or other middleware platforms to create scalable and flexible integrations. Replace outdated APIs with modern connectors and perform end-to-end integration testing before go-live. Smooth integration is critical in the journey of how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration.
6. System Downtime and Cutover Risks
The Challenge:
System downtime during the final cutover phase can disrupt operations, lead to revenue loss, and impact customer satisfaction. For companies with 24/7 operations, even a few hours of downtime can be detrimental.
How to Overcome It:
Opt for downtime-optimized migration approaches using SAP’s Near Zero Downtime (nZDM) tools. Perform dry runs, mock go-lives, and scenario testing in advance. Having a rollback plan and ensuring infrastructure readiness can mitigate the risk of extended outages.
7. Budget Overruns and Timeline Delays
The Challenge:
Unexpected technical issues, underestimated resource requirements, and poorly scoped projects can lead to inflated budgets and missed deadlines—two of the most feared outcomes in any IT initiative.
How to Overcome It:
Use a phased and agile delivery approach with milestone-based reviews. Clearly define the project scope and align it with resource planning and financial forecasting. Work with experienced SAP migration partners like McKinsol to ensure predictable costs and efficient project governance.
Why Choose McKinsol for Your SAP S/4HANA Migration?
At McKinsol Consulting Inc., we specialize in helping enterprises of all sizes understand how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration. Our expert-led services include:
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Comprehensive S/4HANA Readiness Assessments
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Clean Core Strategy Implementation
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Data Cleansing and iDMX Data Management Tools
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Custom Code Optimization
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Seamless Third-Party Integration Planning
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Training, Change Management, and Post-Go-Live Support
We combine technical expertise with deep industry knowledge to deliver SAP S/4HANA migrations that are efficient, scalable, and aligned with your business objectives.
Final Thoughts
Migrating to SAP S/4HANA isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a transformation journey. The key to success lies in identifying and addressing the major roadblocks before they become obstacles. Understanding how to overcome challenges during SAP S/4HANA migration empowers your team to plan better, execute faster, and derive real business value from the investment.
By partnering with experienced professionals and leveraging the right tools and methodologies, organizations can navigate the complexities of SAP S/4HANA migration with confidence.