How to successfully migrate to SAP? All our advice

A real strategic turning point, the migration to SAP, one of the most widely used integrated management systems in the world, is a powerful lever for companies wishing to boost their performance, optimize their process and strengthen their operational efficiency.

But how do you succeed in this complex project? What are the pitfalls to avoid and the best practices to be aware of during this large-scale digital transformation?

In this article, WAYDEN gives you all its advice for a successful migration to SAP.

 

What is SAP software?

An SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing) is an enterprise resource planning (ERP) software package created by a German company of the same name in 1972, and which is now a leader in the field of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning).

SAP software packages allow companies to centralize all their data on a single platform, offering a real-time overview of all business processes, for simplified management.

SAP software can cover all types of functions within the company : inventory management, accounting, human resources, customer relationship management, production, marketing, quality, etc.

Like an internal database, this information system allows the company to manage all of its activities and ensure access to data to all departments, promoting an operation without silos.

SAP software stands out for its tailor-made modular structure, which allows the company to identify and install the modules it needs (SAP finance, SAP Supply chain management, etc.).

 

Migration to SAP: what are the advantages?

Migrating to SAP has many benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries, such as:

• A flexible tool that adapts to all structures, which is scalable and customizable thanks to the addition of modules, according to the needs of the company, its size and its sector of activity;

• A lever to standardize and optimize its processes in order to maximize its operational efficiency, reduce errors and redundancies and automate tasks;

• Immediate access to data, in real time, which facilitates rapid decision-making, based on reliable and up-to-date data;

• Simplify compliance : SAP solutions also incorporate compliance standards, enabling organizations to comply with regulatory requirements for security and reporting.

Implementing SAP software within your organization is also a powerful way to improve productivity, reduce operational costs, strengthen the company’s competitiveness in the market, and maximize performance in a sustainable way.

 

6 tips for a successful SAP migration

Migrating to SAP requires rigorous planning and a careful methodological framework, orchestrated around several key steps:

• Clarify the objectives of the SAP migration

First of all, it is important to take the time to clarify the objectives of this digital project: what are the challenges related to this transformation ? What are the issues to be addressed? What are the flaws encountered in existing systems? Which services are concerned? What are the expected results? What are the risks associated with this project, as well as any technical, financial, human and managerial obstacles? …

In addition, it is essential to ensure that the SAP migration project is perfectly aligned with the company’s major strategic orientations .

• Carry out an inventory of business processes

This prior strategic thinking must be complemented by a rigorous assessment of the company’s current needs , the operation of existing systems, and business processes and requirements.

The objective here is to identify the SAP functionalities, the deployment platform as well as the modules essential to the business. It will also be necessary to carry out a diagnosis of the existing situation to identify the flaws and priority points for improvement.

• Develop a migration plan

Once the needs have been clarified, a clear migration plan should be developed and detailed. This action plan must mention the key steps (data collection and sorting, choice of publisher and integrator, choice of functionalities and technical specifications, etc.), the resources required, deadlines, roles and responsibilities, etc. It will serve as a roadmap throughout the migration project and will help guide decision-making.

• Involve and train stakeholders

Stakeholder buy-in to the SAP migration project is a prerequisite for successful transformation.

It is therefore imperative to be highly transparent and to communicate continuously right from the start. Attention should also be paid to SAP meetings and training sessions to familiarize end users with the tools and mitigate resistance to change.

• Map the data to be migrated

Another key step during an SAP migration project is to identify the critical data to be transferred and verify its quality and relevance. The aim is, on the one hand, to target the data to be migrated, but also to define its level of compatibility with SAP. It will then be necessary to determine the order and method of data migration to SAP.

• Ensure SAP post-migration follow-up

The SAP migration project should not end at the time the software is installed. It is essential to carry out performance tests, to provide technical support to help employees get to grips with the tool, to track incidents, and to optimize the system over time.

It is also fundamental to integrate the implementation of SAP into a continuous improvement approach. Indeed, the software is intended to evolve according to the growth of the company and the evolution of the needs of the stakeholders. To do this, it will be necessary to set up key performance indicators (KPIs – Key Performance Indicators) to track the results obtained and to accurately identify the corrective actions to be deployed.

 

To ensure the success of your SAP migration project, it is strongly recommended to call on an interim manager who is an expert in digital or an IT consultant. These professionals will successfully meet the technical, human and managerial challenges related to this large-scale project, while ensuring the protection of data during its migration.