Let’s face it, migrating to SAP S/4HANA Cloud is a major business transformation. With SAP’s 2027 deadline for ending support on legacy systems fast approaching, the pressure is on to make the move. But the real challenge? Doing it right without exceeding the budget, running into roadblocks, or creating chaos inside the organizations.
While 59% of enterprises are actively considering or planning their move to RISE with SAP, for many, the road is filled with obstacles. Talent shortages, rising migration costs, and the complexity of managing applications often slow progress.
So, how can organizations avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smooth, cost-effective, and future-ready transition? Let’s delve into some strategies that can make all the difference.
Must-follow practices for a seamless transition
Navigating the complexities of SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP migration requires a robust and well-informed approach. Here are the key considerations to tackle these challenges head-on:
Aligning migration goals with the RISE with SAP framework
One of the biggest missteps in an SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP migration is assuming RISE with SAP covers everything. Third-party applications, legacy integrations, and even core ERP functions often require separate planning. Without a clear understanding of what’s included and who is responsible for what, businesses can face budget overruns, project delays, and unexpected roadblocks. That’s why getting the details right from the start is crucial.
The first step? A deep dive into the RISE with SAP Bill of Materials (BOM) to understand exactly what’s included and what’s not. Once that’s clear, understanding roles and responsibilities can help establish ownership across SAP and customers. This framework helps:
- Define who manages what, eliminating last-minute surprises
- Identify unsupported components early, allowing time for alternative solutions
- Align stakeholders upfront to prevent reactive decision-making
By getting ahead of these challenges, businesses can avoid unnecessary complications, keep costs under control, and ensure a smoother, more predictable transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP.
Choosing the right migration strategy
SAP ECC has been the backbone of operations for many organizations for decades. But, over time, customizations have piled up, workflows have become fragmented, and technical debt has grown. Now, with the move to SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP on the horizon, the big question is: What’s the best way to migrate without unnecessary complexity, cost, or risk? Additionally, finding skilled SAP S/4HANA professionals is tough.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach depends on how much change an organization is ready for, how complex its existing architecture is, and what it wants its future ERP to look like. Here are the main migration paths:
- Greenfield: A fresh SAP S/4HANA implementation, eliminating inefficiencies and leveraging best practices.
- Brownfield: A technical upgrade, retaining existing configurations while modernizing processes.
- Selective Data Transition (SDT): A hybrid approach, migrating critical data while selectively modernizing business processes.
- Syntax Purplefield: A progressive modernization model, optimizing key ERP components before full migration, reducing risk while accelerating value.
By carefully evaluating business needs and system complexity, organizations can choose a migration strategy that minimizes disruptions, keeps costs under control, and delivers long-term success.
Establishing a clear roadmap
Migration isn’t just about moving to a new system, it’s about getting people on board with the change. The most advanced technology in the world won’t deliver results if teams don’t understand how to use it. Yet, many migrations stall due to resistance to change, lack of training, or misalignment between IT and business teams. Without a well-structured plan, confusion can slow adoption, disrupt workflows, lose skilled resources, and impact ROI.
A strong change management strategy can turn hesitation into momentum by:
- Aligning stakeholders early, ensuring IT, finance, and business leaders share a unified vision. A phased approach to implementation allows organizations to test, refine, and scale adoption with minimal disruption.
- Prioritizing training and communication so teams understand how the system will impact their workflows. Proactive engagement through workshops, hands-on training, and continuous feedback loops accelerates user adoption.
- Fostering adaptability, equipping teams with the mindset and tools needed to navigate process changes. A structured support framework ensures that employees feel confident in the transition, reducing friction and ensuring long-term success.
With a strong change management foundation in place, organizations can transition smoothly and on schedule.
Ensuring long-term success with Day-2 operations
Go-live isn’t the end of the journey, it’s the start of a new phase where performance, cost management, and ongoing improvements determine long-term success. But, many organizations quickly realize that keeping the system stable while controlling costs is easier said than done. The big question: Should they build an in-house Center of Excellence (CoE) or look for external expertise to manage long-term support? And do they have the right talent staff to manage it?
Nearly 49% of enterprises cite talent shortages as a major hurdle, while 25% face project delays due to staffing gaps. With SAP budget overruns affecting 49% of businesses, partnering with an experienced provider often proves to be the smarter and more cost-effective choice.
That’s where Syntax’s Global SAP Optimization Services come in, ensuring enterprise applications are not just managed to break/fix but also optimized continuously with the right talent required to perform these tasks so that organizations can focus on their core businesses. We also go beyond standard RISE with SAP journey to offer a holistic approach to Day-2 operations through:
- End-to-end application management across SAP and hybrid environments
- Full support for SAP Cloud, on-premises, and hyperscaler deployments
- Proactive management of critical tasks not covered by standard RISE with SAP framework
- Seamless coordination with SAP service desks for issue resolution
- Strategic advisory for landscape, architecture, and release management
By embedding proactive support with strategic oversight, Syntax transforms Day 2 operations into a powerful driver of efficiency, resilience, and innovation.
Harnessing AI and analytics for continuous innovation
Migrating to SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP is a significant step, but without a clear innovation roadmap, many organizations fail to tap into its full potential. In the absence of automation and robust insights, enterprises miss opportunities to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and maximize ROI. Instead of transforming workflows, they end up replicating old processes in a new system.
AI can change that. From automated financial reporting to predictive inventory management, AI takes over repetitive tasks, freeing teams to focus on strategy and high-value work. Instead of spending time on manual data entry or tracking supply chain movements, teams can use real-time insights to make faster, smarter decisions.
By embedding AI, automation, and analytics into daily operations, organizations can move beyond basic ERP functions and create a system that drives agility, efficiency, and long-term growth.
A smarter path to SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP migration
While the road to SAP S/4HANA can seem complex, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Enterprises that have transitioned successfully experience streamlined operations, modernized processes, and real-time insights that drive smarter decision-making. With SAP’s 2027 deadline approaching, the time to act is now.
Syntax’s Purplefield strategy offers a phased approach to migration, systematically addressing inefficiencies, modernizing critical processes, and incorporating improvements upfront. By the time the final migration occurs, the transition is faster, smoother, and more impactful, setting the stage for long-term success without disruption.
For those looking to accelerate deployment, our Accelerated ERP solutions provide pre-configured best practices across financials, logistics, manufacturing, and customer management, ensuring a compliant and scalable implementation with a faster time-to-value.
With Syntax, migration isn’t just about adopting a new system, it’s about unlocking new possibilities and future-proofing operations.
Ready to future-proof your operations? Download our whitepaper, ‘A Comprehensive Guide to Migrate from SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA Cloud,’ to start building a robust, future-ready migration strategy today.
Author
Derek Vincent
Principal SAP Product Manager, Syntax
LinkedIn