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5 reasons to keep SAP updated

Expert reveals why keeping SAP software updated is crucial for organizational competitiveness and efficiency.

Date:

September 21, 2023

Reading time:

minutes

Expert reveals why keeping SAP software updated is crucial for organizational competitiveness and efficiency.

A survey by Mignow, a leader in SAP updates across 14 countries, revealed that only 22.5% are fully aware of S/4HANA improvements, while 51.7% have a basic understanding, and 3.2% are unaware. [SEG 6] Many companies rely on SAP as their business management software to optimize internal operations, streamline routine tasks, and manage data. However, the importance of frequent SAP updates for improving efficiency and staying competitive often goes unnoticed. In this context, we present five crucial reasons to keep your company's SAP system updated.

1. End of Enterprise Support and Increased Costs

With the approaching

end of support for the previous SAP version (ECC), companies that do not migrate to S/4HANA will lose access to technical support, regular updates, and other crucial benefits. Paulo Secco, CEO of Mignow, emphasizes: “The lack of updates results in the deprivation of technical support, updates, bug fixes, and patches, as well as the loss of the ability to identify potential issues, guidance, assistance, technical documentation, and educational materials. Furthermore, support offers analyses covering areas where SAP can optimize production time and improve the organization's inventory management.” 2. Continuous Updates

SAP undergoes regular updates that strengthen security, fix issues, introduce new functionalities, and keep the software aligned with legal and fiscal changes. Notably, S/4HANA consistently presents an impressive history of new functionalities with each new version, providing users with a continuous flow of valuable improvements and features. In contrast, the previous version, ECC, lags by over 3,000 functionalities compared to the latest S/4HANA version.

To keep SAP consistently updated and continue driving innovation, it is highly recommended that organizations partner with a company specializing in this task. Choosing a partner company responsible for SAP ensures the automatic update of all enhancements after the initial implementation, guaranteeing an always-current and optimized environment.

3. Enhanced Security

The most updated version of SAP offers an additional layer of security, ensuring protection against intrusions and cyber threats. During the migration process, data security becomes a crucial point of focus. With technological advancements, this concern can be addressed efficiently: data is evaluated and organized using dedicated software. Surprisingly, the only information required by the operator is the size of the database, simplifying the process.

Additionally, many companies express considerable concern regarding their custom objects, known as "Z’s," which are created to meet specific needs and are not covered by standard SAP functionalities. Through data analysis, it is possible to provide a complete overview of custom objects and their unique codes for the organization. Paulo Secco shares: “This is when we determine which codes require adjustments and which do not, including defining the 'downtime' needed for the migration.”

4. Improved Usability

S/4HANA introduces automation that simplifies internal processes, streamlining operations and saving time and resources. The

SAP Fiori interface offers a modern, user-centric experience, enabling real-time monitoring of information and processes, including on mobile devices.

In short, the software enhances usability and simplifies tasks, notably through crucial adaptations that enable instant process monitoring. In addition to focusing on simplicity and facilitating complex tasks, it offers more intuitive navigation and a clear view of interfaces. The expert highlights that S/4HANA is also accessible on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, for real-time tracking of information and processes.

5. Technological Transformation

SAP stays current with technological advancements, providing access to innovative features that keep businesses ahead of the market. Paulo Secco emphasizes that keeping the software updated ensures access to innovations for several years, preparing companies to adopt emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud storage.

In the coming years, technology will play an even more prominent role in business processes, including Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and cloud storage. Paulo Secco emphasizes that keeping up with these transformations not only keeps organizations ahead in the market but also brings advantages, such as better utilization of employee time and resources. According to the expert, this allows companies to be prepared to embrace changes and benefit from the opportunities offered by technological evolution.

Survey Reveals Lack of Knowledge

A survey conducted by Mignow, a company present in 14 countries and specializing in keeping SAP updated, brought to light a surprising reality. Only 22.5% of people have extensive knowledge about the simplifications made in S/4HANA, while 51.7% have only a basic understanding, and 3.2% have no knowledge at all. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that 74.2% are unaware of the practical advantages that make the new system more competitive in the market. These data highlight the need for awareness about the importance of keeping SAP updated.

In an ever-evolving business landscape, keeping SAP software updated proves fundamental for organizational competitiveness and efficiency. The survey highlights the existing knowledge gap regarding the advantages of S/4HANA, underscoring the urgent need to understand and embrace SAP updates. With the information shared by Paulo Secco, founder and CEO of Mignow, it is clear that the continuous adoption of SAP updates SAP offers a range of benefits, from optimizing security and usability to preparing for imminent technological transformation. “Companies that recognize the importance of this evolution are better positioned to face the challenges of the modern market and thrive in the digital age,” concludes the executive.

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5 reasons to keep your company's SAP updated
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5 reasons to keep your company's SAP updated

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5 reasons to keep your company's SAP updated

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