Transforming to SAP S/4 HANA: Brownfield, Bluefield, or Greenfield?
Around 94% of world’s largest organizations use SAP to power their businesses. Given that SAP contains the crucial elements of enterprises’ infrastructure, the transformation to SAP S/4HANA should be considered business critical.
SAP thinks so anyway, it is pushing its customers very hard to make the transformation by 2027.
However, despite SAP’s aggressive, perhaps bullying approach, many customers are still reluctant to take the plunge. According to an SAPinsider report, as of June 2023, fewer than 50% of the organizations running SAP Business Suite core applications have licensed SAP S/4HANA with an even smaller number completing a deployment.
There are lots of things to be considered. For example, how best to transform, Brownfield, Greenfield, or Bluefield.
ECC to S/4 HANA transformation options
Brownfield
A Brownfield transformation is a lift and shift of the ECC system onto the S/4 HANA platform. Although it does have its complexities, it is the simplest approach, and quite possibly the quickest and least costly approach.
Businesses that are happy with their current ECC system, but want to get onto the new platform, are most likely to consider a Brownfield transformation. Once the transformation is complete, the business can begin to evaluate newer S/4 HANA functionality in its own time and at its own pace and implement as time, budget, and need arises.
Greenfield
A Greenfield transformation is a brand-new install or fresh start. It is a major undertaking and could take several years to complete, so who, apart from net new SAP users, would consider a fresh start?
Companies with long standing legacy ECC systems containing thousands of custom programs developed over a several decades as the business has morphed, grown, and changed are those most likely to consider a greenfield transformation.
For these companies, a Brownfield transformation would simply force the business to continue with its legacy processes that many might consider are long overdue for a refresh. Additionally, the effort required to ensure compatibility for such large amounts of custom development with the new platform is a major undertaking.
If these kinds of SAP users plan to stick with SAP, and some facing these kinds of decisions won’t, then the Greenfield approach begins to make sense.
Bluefield
A Bluefield transformation is a combination. It is a mixture of legacy ECC functionality imported onto the new platform and new S/4 HANA functionality. Some Brownfield and some Greenfield.
Businesses with updated ECC systems and a good knowledge of S/4 HANA functionality may choose to work with the best of both worlds, bringing across legacy ECC processes unique to their business and accessing new S/4 HANA functionality that can add value.
Transformation risks
There are complexities and risks associated with all three options, and at any time, the transformation can go off the rails.
A new eBook from Basis Technologies, our newest vendor partner, delves into these complexities and risks in some detail. It’s quick read and worth the time.
“Driving a Brownfield SAP S/4HANA transformation with confidence - A best practice guide to making the critical migration journey fast, affordable and safe”, is a free guide to minimising the risks associated with a Brownfield transformation.
You can access your copy here: Access the free guide.
We can help you
Leg Up Software are experts in SAP IT operational and infrastructure software automation solutions, including those to support an enterprises’ transformation journey.
We know the SAP operations and infrastructure automation solutions landscape and have already done the legwork identifying the best available solutions.
We have excellent relationships with many software vendors and can negotiate an evaluation process that best suits your circumstance and budget.
Why not set up a time to get the conversation started by putting something in our calendar.
