Prominent industry expert deciphers the intricate SAP data migration process and sheds light on best practices, strategies, and techniques crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success.
The adoption of cloud-based systems is rapidly gaining traction among businesses with a focus on SAP, aiming to achieve greater agility and measurable ROI.
An illustrative example: 86% of surveyed companies have either already migrated their workloads to SAP S/4HANA or are in the process of evaluating the business case for such a move.
Moreover, with the imminent end of SAP’s mainstream support for legacy ECC software in 2027, more businesses are accelerating their SAP transformation journeys.
However, the process of migrating mission-critical data from an existing non-SAP or legacy SAP system to a new SAP system is inherently complex, especially when it involves the transformation of data from one format to another.
In this context, ensuring a comprehensive plan and seamless execution are essential when moving data from existing arrays to modern ones.
SAPPivot, a pioneering company in guiding SAP-centric businesses through the intricacies of SAP transformation, has recently broken down the SAP data migration process in a comprehensive article.
According to SAPPivot, data quality plays a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth, efficient, and relatively rapid migration, effectively helping businesses avoid obstacles and compliance issues that inconsistent and incomplete data may create when transferred to the new environment. Businesses planning to transition to a new SAP system are encouraged to establish data quality objectives and allocate resources to achieve them.
Data mapping is the next critical step, involving the definition of rules for transforming the source context into the target context. Highlighting data mapping as a crucial step in preserving data accuracy, SAPPivot notes, “A common challenge is mapping complex data structures, particularly in cases where source and target fields are not identical. This requires a thorough understanding of the data being migrated and the ability to create mapping rules that are easy to understand and implement.” Cleaning and enriching master data before migration represent another essential aspect of a successful transition.
Finally, data validation ensures that inconsistent and inaccurate data is not introduced into the new system. Acknowledging the complexity of validating extensive and intricate datasets, SAPPivot advises enterprises to establish validation processes and rules to facilitate a seamless migration. The use of automated validation tools or manual checks conducted by subject matter experts can ensure a smooth data validation process, guaranteeing comprehensive data accuracy, early issue detection, and prevention of data loss.
Additionally, SAPPivot underscores the importance of implementing best practices for businesses aiming to achieve a seamless transition. The article emphasises meticulous planning, efficient identification of data sources, assurance of complete migrating data, elimination of duplicate and erroneous data, and data compliance as effective strategies for navigating a successful migration process.
Furthermore, the article highlights the significance of employing various tried-and-tested strategies during data migration execution. SAPPivot suggests that data migration assessments can help define the scope and complexity of the data involved. Strategic testing, data validation, risk management, and change management can effectively streamline the transition.
Adopting industry best practices and strategic approaches is pivotal for a smooth migration, and the use of a premium migration tool is equally indispensable. Options like SAP Data Services, SAP LSMW, and third-party data migration tools offer distinct functionalities. The selection of a migration tool should align with the organisation’s specific business requirements and unique needs, as recommended by SAPPivot. By facilitating efficient data extraction, transfer, loading, standardisation, cleaning, and reconciliation, a high-quality migration tool empowers businesses to achieve greater agility and faster results. However, SAPPivot emphasises the importance of having a well-defined project plan and access to essential resources for successful implementation. Moreover, all stakeholders involved must align with the implementation objectives.
SAPPivot, led by CEO Ruth Forrest, comprises a team of consultants, experts, and technologists who assist SAP-centric companies in navigating the complex and dynamic landscape of SAP migration. They provide practical strategies and expert guidance.
For more information about SAPPivot, please visit: http://sappivot.com.
