Shape the Digital Transformation Successfully in Your Company by Accelerating Innovation with SAP S/4HANA Cloud

Two thirds of all German companies now use cloud solutions, drawing on the data centers and storage space of a cloud provider. This frees up their own IT and allows them to use capacity more flexibly. In addition, the ongoing digital transformation at companies requires continuous enhancement of cloud solutions. The latest SAP cloud generation now provides an all-round solution for various departments such as Finance, Procurement, Production, and Sales through to implementation of professional services.

ERP System for the Digital Age: SAP S/4HANA Cloud

SAP S/4HANA Cloud accelerates the introduction of cutting-edge standards for enterprise resource planning (ERP) at companies through automated upgrades. The cloud suite provides quarterly updates and industry-specific core functions. These updates can be put into productive use immediately. So, with SAP S/4HANA Cloud, companies focus on the tested scenarios that are fed directly into the system. Yet that’s not all: Subsidiaries can also be integrated into the central IT system through the new software. For instance, we are currently implementing SAP S/4HANA Cloud at the Bielefeld-based ECM manufacturer Ceyoniq Technology GmbH, a subsidiary of KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.

My 1st Vlog: Who’s SAP S/4HANA Cloud for?

My customer Ceyoniq has just started to introduce SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud. This is the topic of my vlog series and, as things progress, I would like to keep you posted on this project and related questions.

Introduction of the New Cloud Solution via the SAP Activate Method

Many companies seek to save time and money when introducing new software solutions. We make this possible with the agile SAP Activate method, made up of three components: the SAP best practice scenarios, the method, and guided configuration. Six phases lead to successful implementation of the new cloud solution:

Discover
Prepare
Explore
Realize
Deploy
Run—the productive phase

We have already completed the “discover” and “prepare” phases at Ceyoniq Technology GmbH. This means that we are equipped with an introduction strategy including a roadmap and have defined plans for implementation of the individual steps for the project teams. At present, we are in the “explore” phase at Ceyoniq Technology GmbH, i.e. our fit-to-standard workshops are being held.

Fit-to-Standard Workshop as a Focal Point of the Implementation Process

When introducing a new cloud solution, the fit-to-standard analysis is the most important step because it sets the sequence of the project. In workshops, we discuss with our customers the processes that are needed in order for them to stay as close as possible to the standard. Any gaps are assessed: Are the requirements strictly necessary? What developments are required in order to implement them technically?

Gradual Implementation of the New System

After the fit-to-standard analysis, preparations for the actual introduction of the new technology are made in the “realize” phase. Through several iterations, the company gradually performs configurations and tries out the new integrated business and system environment initially in a test system. Key data is loaded, introduction activities are carried out, and processes are planned before the “deploy” phase of the switch to the new system. In the final step, the “run” phase, the new cloud solution finally goes online. It is gradually introduced throughout the company, users are added, and business processes are activated.

Assistance with Digitalization of Processes via the Trust Model

Intelligent technologies make many things easier in day-to-day business: For instance, they help with process automation through integrated learning and analysis functions. As I mentioned earlier, SAP issues quarterly updates with new industry functions. This provides an edge over competitors and frees up in-house IT resources for maintenance and updates. In addition, we use our proven “trust model” in the new cloud generation.

We combine market knowledge and technology expertise with advice on our customers’ individual path to successful digitalization. With this holistic strategy, companies are optimally, sustainably, and efficiently equipped for current and future requirements of the digital transformation.

Using Fit-to-Standard Workshops in an SAP S4/HANA Cloud Implementation