Title: Journey to SAP S/4HANA intelligent enterprise: is there a risk in transitions?

Authors: Victor Chang; Praveen Arunachalam; Qianwen Ariel Xu; Perk Lin Chong; Charalampos Psarros; Jie Li

Addresses: School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK ' School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK ' School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK ' School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK ' School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK ' School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK

Abstract: This paper aims to evaluate the transition from conventional SAP to a business solution called S/4HANA, and understand the attached risks and challenges. The study starts with an introduction of the SAP ERP system and S/4HANA. Then, the implementation methodologies for the transition are analysed. The research object is an organisation transitioned to S/4HANA recently. Lastly, the business offerings of S4HANA would be discussed that make life easier on implementation. This research employs a mixed method. Statistical analysis is employed to analyse the data collected from questionnaires and assess the awareness and experience during the transition to S/4HANA. In addition, a qualitative approach based on interviews is used to identify the risks and challenges of the transition. The research finds that although a transition is not as smooth as thought by many organisations as just a migration, it is a need for organisations in this highly completive digital economy.

Keywords: SAP ERP system; S/4HANA; transition strategy; Brownfield implementation; intelligent enterprise.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIS.2023.129698

International Journal of Business Information Systems, 2023 Vol.42 No.3/4, pp.503 - 541

Received: 15 Mar 2020
Accepted: 03 May 2020
Published online: 21 Mar 2023 *

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