Many SAP clients are currently either strategizing or implementing a transition to SAP’s latest ERP solution, S/4HANA. Over 22,000 companies have adopted licensed SAP S/4HANA, and numerous others are actively migrating to this digital platform, especially with the impending deadline in 2027. 

This deadline signifies SAP’s end of support for older versions, such as SAP ECC and SAP R/3, and it also discontinues security updates. Organizations must transition to SAP S/4HANA before the deadline to minimize the risks associated with using outdated and unsupported software for essential business operations. Migrating SAP systems requires thorough attention to security considerations and a commitment to implementing best practices.

Understanding the Challenges

One of the primary challenges is adapting custom code to new environments. Ubiquitous in legacy systems, custom code presents a problematic obstacle during migration, often requiring extensive assessment and redevelopment. Additionally, user training is important, particularly with interface transitions and feature updates requiring training programs.

Moreover, data migration involves complexities that extend beyond sheer volume. Categorization based on accessibility and criticality becomes essential. Organizations must meticulously categorize data to determine migration strategies, balancing the need for access with security and compliance requirements.

Top 5 Security Factors when Migrating to SAP S/4HANA 

The migration to SAP S/4HANA requires a strong focus on security to mitigate risks effectively. It involves reevaluating access controls and emphasizing the need for strong security aligned with organizational controls.

Security is crucial during an SAP S/4HANA migration for several reasons:

1. Protection of sensitive data: SAP S/4HANA stores and processes a vast amount of sensitive data, including customer information, financial records, and intellectual property. A security breach could lead to substantial financial losses, eroded customer trust, and regulatory penalties.

2. Complex system landscape: The integration of IoT, AI, and other advanced technologies has made the SAP system landscape more intricate. The increase in endpoints and integrations equates to potential vulnerabilities. A secure migration process ensures these vulnerabilities are identified and addressed, safeguarding the broader IT ecosystem.

3. Regulatory and compliance mandates: Many industries have strict data handling and protection regulations. Migrations can inadvertently alter data protection mechanisms or introduce new vulnerabilities, making compliance a moving target. Prioritizing security ensures that businesses remain compliant throughout the migration.

4. Business continuity: Security incidents, such as breaches or denial-of-service attacks, can disrupt operations, sometimes grinding entire processes to a halt. In the context of a S/4HANA migration, such disruptions can significantly delay the project, leading to cost overruns and operational setbacks.

5. Reputation and stakeholder trust: A secure migration process underscores a company’s commitment to data protection and operational excellence. Stakeholders, including customers, partners, and investors, place immense trust in businesses prioritizing security. Conversely, any security lapse can damage a brand’s reputation, sometimes irreparably.

The consequences of overlooking SAP security are too significant to dismiss:

By making security the cornerstone of the migration strategy, businesses can confidently navigate this transformative journey, unlocking S/4HANA’s potential while ensuring robust protection against cyber threats. A security-by-design approach is essential to eliminating blind spots and keeping an organization’s business-critical applications secure, available, and compliant throughout migration.

Best Practices for Success

Successfully transitioning to SAP requires a well-thought-out plan and a strategic approach. It is crucial to secure executive buy-in and establish clear objectives, timelines, and anticipated outcomes. Early analysis of the current architecture and solutions is also important to identify potential risks and challenges during the migration process.

Engaging with risk management and auditing experts is also vital to ensuring a smooth transition and user adoption. Security frameworks must be adapted to align with SAP S/4HANA and Fiori authorization models. Thorough testing and documentation of business processes are necessary to ensure control, effectiveness, and efficiency throughout the migration process.

Organizations can overcome the challenges through proper planning and expert guidance and seize SAP migration opportunities. This approach helps businesses to modernize their IT infrastructure, improving efficiency, security, and innovation.

As you undertake your SAP S/4HANA migration, prioritizing security best practices and adopting a comprehensive approach to risk management will be key to achieving success.

Are you ready to smoothly transition to SAP S/4HANA? SafePaaS safeguards your valuable data and prioritizes security throughout your migration process for effective risk reduction and a smooth transition aligned with industry standards.

Ensure Your SAP S/4HANA Migration Remains Secure with SafePaaS and Attentus.