Traditional ERP implementations often took months or even years, depending on factors such as IT complexity, degree of customization, and geographical location. Larger enterprises also needed a team of in-house ERP experts and external consultants to “go-live” with ERP systems in a quick time.
With its “fit-to-standard” approach, the SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud ERP solution has transformed this paradigm. Enterprises looking to accelerate their SAP cloud deployment can leverage the SAP Activate methodology to simplify their transition to cloud-enabled ERP.
What does the “fit-to-standard” approach mean? A Fit to standard SAP is essentially an ERP system that is always updated with the latest features. The SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud solution delivers this innovative approach, which benefits customers with:
- No delays for major upgrades or software updates
- Minimal customization requirements
- Immediate access to new ERP features and functions
Here’s a deeper insight into how SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud delivers the “fit-to-standard” approach for faster deployment.
Understanding SAP’s Fit-to-standard approach
At the outset, it’s crucial to understand that SAP’s “fit-to-standard” approach is not the same as a “one-size-fits-all” approach. With over 900 pre-designed solution scenarios, SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud has essentially made it simpler for organizations to adopt and use this solution, right from the first day.
By leveraging years of industry expertise, SAP’s best practices reduce the need to map every business process in detail. Compared to traditional ERP implementations, this clean-core approach minimizes complexity, lowers implementation costs, and accelerates deployment.
Listed below are some of the benefits of SAP’s fit-to-standard approach:
- Leveraging SAP’s testing frameworks to reduce costs and human errors.
- Minimum configuration for faster implementation and seamless upgrades.
- Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for mid-sized companies.
- Faster ROI delivered by quicker deployment.
Here are some of the SAP S/4 HANA implementation best practices that enable its faster deployment:
1. Standardized business practices
As part of its fit-to-standard approach, SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud standardizes its business practices through pre-configured processes. For instance, the legal requirements of the specific country where this ERP solution is implemented are preconfigured into the solution. Additionally, enterprises can use the SAP localization toolkit to add more country-specific versions.
As a public cloud ERP solution, this tool has adopted the “keep the core clean” approach, which:
- Implements customer-specific developments as an “extension” on the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).
- Executes ERP innovations on SAP BTP’s agile environment – independent of SAP S/4 HANA public cloud.
2. Reduced dependence on SAP consultants
Among the SAP S/4 HANA cloud benefits, companies no longer have to fully depend on the technical expertise of SAP partners or consultants. With its in-built industry-specific processes, SAP has successfully mapped its ERP features to customer requirements, thus saving time spent on collecting business requirements.
This means that companies can leverage the fit-to-standard approach to skip traditional ERP tasks such as:
- Blueprinting their business requirements.
- Performing a “fit gap” analysis.
- Implementing the user acceptance testing.
With this SAP public cloud ERP version, enterprises can demonstrate their baseline ERP product in as little as two to three weeks. By incorporating the industry’s native needs, companies only need “minor tweaks” for any localization and personalization needs.
3. SAP’s scalable cloud infrastructure
With traditional ERP systems, companies can experience unforeseen infrastructure costs in the form of regular upgrades, system maintenance, and hardware-related expenses. Alternatively, SAP offers a seamless, scalable cloud infrastructure along with a flexible subscription-based pricing model.
This enables companies to eliminate complexities from their SAP cloud deployment process, thus:
- Eliminating any operational disruptions due to constant upgrades and maintenance work.
- Reducing the need to hire a team of in-house ERP specialists.
- Lowering the cost of investing in sizable physical infrastructure.
- Reducing the investment in regular data backups, cybersecurity solutions, and disaster recovery tools.
4. Continuous innovation
With its ongoing support for AI-enabled solutions and automation, SAP is enabling continuous innovation to build future-ready enterprises. This public cloud solution also delivers an optimal user experience through its SAP Fiori tool, as well as the AI-powered SAP CoPilot tool, which provides digital assistance to its users.
Additionally, SAP’s advanced testing and configuration tools help companies plan their next upgrades and test functionality changes without any major disruption.
Conclusion
With its innovative “fit-to-standard” approach, SAP S/4 HANA Public Cloud is the right fit for dynamic enterprises looking to maximize their ROI from ERP investments. Through this solution, SAP is leveraging its combined knowledge from years of experience with ERP solutions to benefit modern enterprises.
Among the leading SAP business partners, Praxis Infosolutions has enabled its fast-growing customer base to leverage the benefits of its public cloud ERP solutions. Our team of ERP specialists can help accelerate your digital transformation with their expertise in SAP S/4HANA public cloud.
Which cloud ERP solution is best suited for your business? Contact us to know the answer.