Custom Code Analysis for SAP S/4HANA Made Easy
(3 min read)
Many SAP users will switch from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA in the coming years. Since SAP S/4HANA is a new product version, there have been numerous changes in the applications and processes. In order to move to SAP S/4HANA, the first step is to analyze your custom code – meaning your current applications and processes. Sounds complex? We have an approach to manage that smart and easily.
Why Do I Need to Analyze My Custom Code?
SAP refers to the so-called «Simplifications” when talking about the changes and updates made with every new version’s release. These simplifications with SAP S/4HANA are documented by SAP in specific lists, e.g. Simplification List for SAP S/4HANA 1909. However, there are not only changes in the applications and processes, but also many SAP standard ABAP objects (e.g.: tables, function modules, data elements, structures etc.) have been changed or replaced.
For this reason, the custom code (customer-specific developments) must be analyzed more closely in order to further use such modified SAP standard objects. In several cases, SAP’s changes are not compatible with the custom code available in your customer system. Adjustments are therefore necessary so that the custom code continues to run on SAP S/4HANA later.
If, in the course of the conversion to SAP S/4HANA, there is also a database change to the HANA database, further functional adjustments to the custom code may be necessary in this context.
Custom Code Analysis with the «ABAP Test Cockpit”
All adjustments for the changeover to the SAP HANA database and SAP S/4HANA can be examined by a custom code analysis with the «ABAP Test Cockpit (ATC)» – ABAP is a programming language of SAP. Our experts at NTT DATA Business Solutions have accompanied many custom code adaptations in SAP HANA and SAP S/4HANA transition projects over the past years. They therefore have a high degree of experience in the approach and implementation of such adjustments. In the past, it has been shown that custom code adjustments for the changeover to the SAP HANA database (i.e. SAP ECC on HANA) are easier and faster to implement than those for the changeover to SAP S/4HANA.
Among the possible adaptations for the SAP HANA database, there are many which do not have to be implemented at all and therefore represent a savings potential. I recommend getting advice on which adjustments are actually absolutely necessary and in turn show you sensible, optional optimization potentials.
The NTT DATA Business Solutions experts have the appropriate methodology and toolsets for custom code adjustments in a SAP S/4HANA conversion project. It is possible to bring forward certain custom code adjustments for SAP S/4HANA in order to relieve the conversion phase in a later project.
If you want to include your own in-house development in the custom code adjustments, this is also no problem. We have already trained development teams in many projects and therefore have relevant, practical experience and knowledge of guiding and enabling other teams.
Why Should You Start with the Custom Code Analysis in Time?
- You get an overview of the expected effort for custom code adjustments.
- You can take these efforts into account in your project planning.
- You can contact third party suppliers of add-ons in time and ask for compatibility with the SAP HANA database or SAP S/4HANA.