SAP and Cloud are two words that are increasingly connected. This is because migration to the cloud has become one of the strategic priorities of companies that use SAP ECC and want to modernize their processes.  

In this sense, and with the growing need for digitalization and operational efficiency, the SAP S/4HANA Cloud emerges as a robust and innovative alternative.

Furthermore, the initiative RISE with SAP has been transforming the way organizations structure their operations in the cloud, simplifying the transition journey to a more agile and efficient model. 

Therefore, in this article we will explore the main aspects of this migration.  

• What challenges are faced? 

• How companies can ensure a successful transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud 

• How to maximize your benefits and ensure continuous availability (SAP S/4HANA Cloud Availability). 

Oh! And don't forget to check out our material on cloud migration, at the end of this post.

What is SAP S/4HANA Cloud? 

Many companies still prefer to maintain physical data centers (which we call on-premise). However, cloud options have become increasingly cheaper and more reliable. 

In this context, The SAP S/4HANA Cloud is the cloud-based version of SAP's next-generation ERP. It is designed to provide a highly scalable, secure, and integrated platform.  

It runs on the SAP HANA in-memory database, enabling the processing of large volumes of data in real time. 

Keeping your SAP core clean 

Behind SAP Cloud there is an additional objective on SAP's part: for companies to achieve a clean core in their ERP. 

To bring more speed and make the system more reliable, the company has been developing several innovations that seek to “clean up” the system. 

This means that the core of SAP is becoming increasingly simpler — while specific activities are covered by extra applications. 

This makes S/4HANA upgrades easier and the system runs smothly. 

Key Benefits of SAP S/4HANA Cloud 

In addition to the long-term benefits, SAP Cloud brings more immediate advantages. 

Some of them are: 

• Greater scalability and flexibility, allowing adjustments to resources as needed. 

• Reduction of operating costs, reducing the need for local infrastructure and hardware maintenance. 

• Advanced real-time analytics, improving strategic decision making. 

• Business process automation, with the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

• Automatic updates, eliminating the need for major upgrade projects. 

RISE with SAP: what changes when migrating to the cloud 

Launched in 2021, the RISE with SAP is a package of services and solutions designed to facilitate companies' digital transformation journey. 

It offers a simplified approach to transitioning to SAP S/4HANA Cloud, reducing migration complexity and enabling a subscription-based business model. 

Key Advantages of RISE with SAP 

The Rise package involves a series of advantages, in addition to the cloud, which helps to make the ERP more modular and efficient. 

The first is the SAP Business Network, which provides connections with partners, suppliers and customers in an integrated manner. 

The business intelligence is also positively influenced by Rise, thanks to automation tools and predictive analytics. 

In other words, with this approach, companies can modernize their legacy systems, eliminating the need for manual updates. This ensures high availability (SAP S/4HANA Cloud Availability) for your critical processes. 

What are the challenges of migrating to SAP Cloud? 

While transitioning to the cloud brings numerous benefits, some companies still face challenges when migrating to the SAP S/4HANA Cloud.  

Among the main ones, the following stand out:

1. Complexity of the legacy environment  

Highly customized systems require detailed planning to ensure compatibility and functionality post-migration. 

2. Choosing the migration model 

There are different approaches, such as Brownfield, Bluefield and Greenfield. Each of them has specific advantages and disadvantages, in addition to adapting to different needs. 

3. Security and compliance

Transitioning to the cloud requires a review of data security policies and compliance with local and international regulations. On the other hand, after migration, cloud ERP adapts more quickly to changes of this type. 

4. Training and adoption  

Teams need to be trained to use the new features of SAP S/4HANA Cloud. This can result in higher than expected learning curves. 

How to ensure SAP S/4HANA Cloud Availability? 

For many companies, one of the biggest fears when migrating to SAP S/4HANA Cloud is to ensure high availability and operational continuity.  

After all, any interruption in activities can negatively impact productivity and business results. 

Main strategies to ensure high availability 

So, to ensure that the business will not face problems, some points of attention need to be taken into consideration. 

We can think about: 

• Choosing the right infrastructure  

• Continuous monitoring 

• Update automation 

With these measures, companies can take advantage of SAP S/4HANA Cloud Availability to operate with maximum efficiency and safety. 

Is migration to SAP S/4HANA Cloud urgent? 

Yes! Support for SAP ECC will be officially closed in 2027.  

This means that companies that have not yet migrated to S/4HANA will face significant challenges in the coming years.  

However, the cloud itself is not the most urgent element. Companies that want to keep their data on-premises can also take advantage of updates and modernizations to their SAP. 

However, the “clean-core” we mentioned earlier will not be achieved, which may make it difficult to use specific tools. 

Furthermore, leaving the migration to the last minute can result in high costs and a shortage of experts to conduct the migration. 

What does your company gain by migrating now? 

Migrating to SAP S/4HANA brings practical advantages to companies, such as: 

• Greater competitiveness, with optimized processes and real-time analysis. 

• Reduced cost operational and maintenance. 

• Adoption of innovations technologies, such as machine learning and IoT. 

• Security and compliance guaranteed with the best market practices. 

And Mignow can help you migrate quickly and safely. 

Understand how we can migrate your SAP in record time. 

Is it time to migrate to SAP S/4HANA Cloud? 

The transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud and the adoption of RISE with SAP are not just a trend, but a strategic necessity for companies that want to remain competitive in the digital landscape.  

With benefits such as scalability, automation and high availability (SAP S/4HANA Cloud Availability), this migration offers unique opportunities to optimize processes and reduce costs. 

If your company is still unsure about migrating to the cloud, now is the ideal time to start planning this journey.  

Do you want to better understand how this transformation can impact your business? Download our full whitepaper and discover how to take the next step towards innovation.