With the upcoming maintenance suspension on SAP ECC systems by 2027, tens of thousands of organizations face the challenges ofcost overruns, talent shortages, and the complexity of managing applications after the migration during the SAP migration. Based on our experiences, FITS has summarized the five critical strategies that ensure a smooth, cost-effective transition while maximizing ROI. 

1. Define clear goal in with the Framework of RISE with SAP

Do not assume that RISE with SAP covers everything. In fact, third-party applications, legacy integrations, and even core ERP functions often require separate planning. A RACI sheet to define the required processes and scenarios as well as the responsibilities for each team member is essential to the success of the project. A thorough review of the Bill of Materials (BOM) of SAP RISE license is also crucial. As an SAP Gold Partner with expert competency in RISE with SAP solutions, FITS collaborates with you to scrutinize the BOM, ensuring complete alignment with your business objectives and validating the optimal license structure.. 

2. Take the right migration tactics 

After running SAP ECC for decades, customizations have been piled up with fragmented workflows and missing scenarios. Risks, costs, goals and timeline are normally the four major considerations for comparing and taking the right migration approach from the following options: 

• 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. 

• FITS Purplefield: A progressive modernization model, optimizing key ERP components before full migration, reducing risk while accelerating value. 

Upon the request, FITS SAP RISE consultants and architects can advise the most appropriate approach by evaluating the requirements and the legacy system of the clients. 

3. Change management execution

The migration is far beyond moving the system from on-premise to cloud setup. Onboarding people and facilitating their adaption to the change is the essence of success. Proper communication with the business team prior to the kick-off is essential to ensure everybody is on the same page as the project team. Full training and assessment after the migration can also guarantee the key users and business owners have sufficient knowledge to run the system after migration. With abundant experience and sophisticated training courses and materials, FITS can help to plan and execute change management to ensure satisfactory adoption after migration.