SAP is the world's most widely used enterprise software, and the vast majority of BIST-listed companies in Turkey run on SAP infrastructure. Because mainstream support for SAP ECC will end in 2027, migrating to SAP S/4HANA has become one of the most critical digital transformation projects for large enterprises. This migration is not merely a software upgrade; it is a fundamental renewal of the data model, process flows, and user experience.
How S/4HANA Differs from ECC
| Topic | SAP ECC | SAP S/4HANA |
|---|---|---|
| Database | Oracle, MS SQL, DB2 and others | SAP HANA only (in-memory) |
| Data Model | Complex (BSEG, BSAK, BSAS, etc.) | Simplified (Universal Journal ACDOCA) |
| User Interface | SAP GUI | SAP Fiori (modern, mobile-friendly) |
| Reporting | Retrospective, batch | Real-time |
| Embedded Analytics | BW required | Built-in analytics |
| Customer-Vendor | Separate record structures | Unified Business Partner structure |
| Materials Module (MM) | Table-based inventory | Material Ledger mandatory, real-time valuation |
Migration Approaches
Greenfield (New Implementation)
A fresh implementation of S/4HANA, migrating only master data and open balances from the existing system. Suitable for organizations that want to adopt best-practice processes and move away from existing customizations. The most radical but cleanest approach.
Brownfield (System Conversion)
Conversion of the existing ECC system to S/4HANA. Customizations are largely preserved, and data and historical records are carried over. The process runs with minimal disruption, but old "bad habits" are also carried into the new system.
Selective Migration
A hybrid approach. Some companies or modules are newly implemented via greenfield, while others are carried over via brownfield. The most complex but flexible approach.
SAP Modules
- FI (Financial Accounting): General ledger, receivables, payables, asset management.
- CO (Controlling): Cost centers, internal orders, product costing.
- MM (Materials Management): Procurement, inventory management, invoice verification.
- SD (Sales and Distribution): Orders, shipping, billing.
- PP (Production Planning): MRP, production orders, capacity planning.
- QM (Quality Management): Inspection plans, certificate management.
- WM/EWM (Warehouse Management): Locations, transfers, picking.
- HCM (Human Capital Management): Personnel management, payroll, time management.
- PM (Plant Maintenance): Preventive maintenance, equipment management.
Scope of Our Services
- S/4HANA transformation strategy and roadmap
- Brownfield/Greenfield/Selective decision analysis
- Module implementation management (FI, CO, MM, SD, PP, QM)
- Project management aligned with the SAP Activate methodology
- Data migration and cleansing
- Fiori applications and user training
- Fiori UX enhancement
- Embedded analytics and dashboard design
The S/4HANA migration is not a technical project but a redesign of an organization's finance and operations architecture. Done with the right approach, it is a strategic decision that shapes the next 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does SAP ECC support end?
Mainstream support will end on 31 December 2027. Extended support can be prolonged until 2030, but at an additional cost. Migrating to S/4HANA before this date is critical from both a technical and strategic standpoint.
- How is the choice between Greenfield and Brownfield made?
If your existing ECC has heavily used customizations and extensive historical data, Brownfield is advantageous. If you want to modernize your processes and operate on standards, Greenfield is preferable. The typical decision is clarified through a detailed gap analysis of both approaches.
- What is the difference between S/4HANA Cloud and On-Premise?
The Cloud edition comes with stricter standard processes and rapid implementation, with limited customization. On-premise is more flexible but more expensive. In recent years, Public Cloud (RISE with SAP) has also become a viable option for large enterprises.
- What does a migration project cost?
Depending on the size of the organization, it ranges between 5 and 50 million TL. Licensing, implementation consulting, training, hardware/cloud infrastructure, and change management are the items that make up the total cost. KOSGEB and TUBITAK incentives provide a certain level of funding support.