Unlocking the Power of S/4HANA with the NTT DATA Conversion Factory
Migrating to SAP S/4HANA is not something that a large enterprise undertakes likely, because of the costs and the potential risk of business disruption.
But in the last two years more than 5,000 businesses have already made the move and used RISE, SAP's managed cloud offering for migrating to S/4HANA. With support for the predecessor ERP platform SAP ECC due to end in 2027, time is running out for businesses that delay further.
NTT DATA has already helped over 150 companies successfully migrate to S/4HANA using its Conversion Factory, a tried-and-tested approach based on the use of offshore resources for standardized, repetitive tasks and onsite project management and consulting.
Using our Conversion Factory, the migration process can be done in a way that has low impact on internal resources, for a competitive fixed price (for the baseline package) and in typical timeframes of 6 to 12 months.
But why should you migrate if you are running an earlier SAP platform and have no complaints? One of the most pressing concerns when running any older software is the risk of security vulnerabilities and compliance issues, as outdated systems are more susceptible to cyber threats and lack the necessary updates to meet evolving regulatory standards.
Moreover, maintaining and customizing legacy systems can be a resource-intensive endeavor, consuming valuable time and financial resources that could be better invested in driving innovation and strategic initiatives.
The Key to Successful S/4HANA Migration
The success of any large IT project hinges on getting the best synergy between technical proficiency and strategic business consultancy, which is why it makes sense to entrust your S/4HANA migration project to NTT DATA.
We have more than 20,000 SAP professionals and have worked with more than 2,000 customers that use SAP in different countries and industries.
Based on that extensive expertise, we have developed a well-established delivery model to migrate a SAP system to the cloud in the most efficient and modern way.
It addresses the two main pain points during a conversion project, namely custom code remediation and testing.
Custom code is handled using our own IP, in the form of a custom code remediation tool that fixes up to 85% of the issues automatically and thus reduces the manual effort and failure risk tremendously.
Testing a new enterprise software implementation can be a laborious task so to reduce the effort, the NTT DATA Testing Factory combines both manual and automated testing, using Tricentis Tosca, an AI-powered tool that takes the bottlenecks out of testing.
The Conversion Process Explained
The conversion process kicks off with the SAP Readiness Check, an essential tool in assessing SAP S/4HANA conversion compatibility and the necessary preparation steps. While this process may seem straightforward from a technical standpoint, the true value lies in deciphering and interpreting the results to align with business objectives, which is an area where NTT DATA has specific expertise.
Once this initial assessment has been done, the conversion journey begins. It includes a spectrum of activities, including pre- and post-conversion tasks, configuration settings, and custom code adaptation, which is done using our own tool as explained above.
To help reduce the effort required for a migration, NTT DATA has developed a Conversion Factory model – an innovative approach that combines industrialization with expertise to streamline the conversion process.
By leveraging a Center of Excellence for system conversions, such as our Conversion Factory team in India, organizations can optimize resources, enhance efficiency, and accelerate their journey to S/4HANA.
By outsourcing repetitive tasks to remote teams with a proven track record of success, we can ensure resources are directed for towards innovation and strategic initiatives. This not only ensures a cost-effective conversion but also lays the foundation for sustained growth and competitiveness.
Conversion Factory versus Tailored Approach
While the Conversion Factory model offers a compelling solution for many organizations, we recognize that it may not be suitable for every client or project. That's why we also offer tailored solutions and local expert teams to cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Nevertheless, for over 150 businesses, the Conversion Factory approach has proved very successful. By harnessing the power of industrialization, expertise, and customer-centricity, we have helped them unlock the full potential of S/4HANA and achieve it with minimal disruption and in a reduced timeframe.
In conclusion, the journey to S/4HANA is not just about technology; it's about transformation. By embracing a holistic approach that combines technical process with strategic insights, we help organizations to navigate through the complexities of conversion with confidence.
Let us be your partner in this journey, and together, we'll pave the way for a future of innovation and growth.
Reimund Lips
Head of Global Digital Practices - S/4HANA Transition
