What Companies Should Prepare Before an S/4HANA Migration

Many S/4HANA programs struggle because teams underestimate the preparation needed before conversion. The first step is to understand the current ECC landscape, the custom code footprint, active integrations, reports, data dependencies and business-critical processes.

Companies should review custom objects, unused code, performance-heavy programs, third-party integrations and business reports that may break or need redesign. Basis readiness, infrastructure planning and cutover strategy also need early attention.

Business teams should be involved before the technical migration begins. Finance, supply chain, HR, manufacturing and reporting teams often know which processes are truly critical.

A good readiness plan includes custom code assessment, integration inventory, data migration approach, testing strategy, downtime planning, security review and post-go-live support model.

The companies that prepare early usually reduce surprises during migration. S/4HANA success depends on clarity, testing, ownership and continuity before and after go-live.